We Weren't Ready for This

Scripture: Why should you fight against him just because he does not give account to you of what he does? Job 33:13

Observation: Elihu calls out this error of Job ... that he questions God's judgement on the grounds that God has not identified his wrongdoing. Elihu shows that God is well above such need to justify, and all of us - even the best - are well below any line that might constitute "blameless". We are all sinners, and God may judge without justifying himself.

Just because God doesn't explain himself, doesn't mean he isn't right, justified, or even to be greatly honored for his actions. We are not owed any explanation.

Application: Last night, our cat was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of oral cancer. She has days to live, and is actively suffering greatly. She is a great cat ... she is loving, always seeking our attention. She follows my wife around as a devoted companion. She is playful and joyful. She usually sleeps at the foot of our bed. In the evenings, she taps on me and headbutts me endlessly, seeking for me to scritch her cheeks.

Now we must do the unthinkable, or spend the next few days watching her suffer in terrible pain until the tumor grows to the point that she suffocates to death. Yes, she is older ... she is 13, arthritic (we give her medicine for that), and thus much slower than she used to be. She is graying ... cats don't gray, but she is due to a skin ailment.

That said, we still thought we had several more years with her. We weren't ready to lose her. I'm not ready. During the darkest time of my life, she was with me every single day, giving me love and attention when I felt alone. She was part of God's comfort to me! I don't understand why this is the time for her to pass away.

But I won't fight against God. He doesn't need to give me an account of this. I'll just cry some more, and I'll pray for comfort for my devastated wife and daughter. I'll ask for hope, but I won't ask for explanation.

Sophia, I'll miss you, and I'll remember you for the rest of my life.

Prayer: Lord, may your comfort be upon our house and our family. I thank you for our "little blessing". And I praise you in this storm. Amen.