August 05— Wednesday prior to Pentecost 11 – Proper 14

 Job 38:4–18—Job had questioned God, as to why He would let such great calamities befall him. Job had experienced the most devastating loss of family and fortune, had been struck down with a most painful disease, and was accused by his friends that his misfortune resulted from his own sinfulness – which he felt was a gross misrepresentation of his character. Job responds as most of us would – he questions God. “Why?” “Why had such things happened?

The Lord responds with a series of questions. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? was one of several unanswerable questions, which the Lord fired at Job in quick succession. Tell Me, if you have understanding!!

In response, the Lord answers Job by recounting His creation of all things, His ongoing involvement and dominion over that creation. God is not subject to nature; nature is subject to God. We as weak humans, created beings that we are, have no right to question our benevolent Creator, but simply to trust that what He does, he does for our benefit.

The cross of Christ is a divine participation in every aspect of our humanity, including our suffering. (See Hebrews 2:16-17) We may not see answers for suffering, “but we do see Jesus ... now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9). When experiencing suffering anguish distress and affliction we need not ask why but instead look to Christ who has suffered for us and sustains us in the midst of our own suffering.

We see Jesus and, seeing him, it is enough.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your loving-kindness and heart of sweet compassion, and thank You that in my times of deep distress and suffering, You have gently brought other people alongside me, to walk with me through the different seasons of my life, to comfort and encourage, to help and to advise. Thank You for all those whom You have used to draw near to me, to be Your hands to help, Your arms to support and Your heart to love. Thank You that You never forsake us nor leave us comfortless, but so often send showers of refreshment through Your many faithful witness and other avenues of support.

Image Ed Riojas copyright Higher Things 

Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayers-for-the-Suffering