Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;
    I will surely defend my ways to his face.”

This is one of the most famous verses in Job, and for good reason. Job is absolutely convinced of the character of God, that He is fair and just. There are a lot of things in life that we don’t understand. Indeed, that is perhaps the major theme of the book of Job. The lesson to us is to keep trusting God even when we don’t understand what’s going on. To be blunt, we can’t understand everything that’s going on, because the entire universe is interconnected, and no computer on earth, much less human mind, can encompass it all. That’s what faith is all about. This verse is one of very many in the Old Testament that use an expression that translates easily into Japanese, but English translators seem to choke on. The Japanese expression, put into literal English, is “wait in hope,” or “wait expectantly.” For reasons that are beyond me, English translators almost invariably use just half of that, either “hope,” or “wait.” That’s true even of the extremely famous verse from Isaiah: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) The latest NIV uses “hope” there, obviously, but the traditional translation is “wait.” Why can’t they put both? Job didn’t understand what was going on, as we often don’t, but he was committed to wait expectantly for God’s resolution to the issue, because God is righteous and just. We need to have that same assurance of the character of God, to walk in His peace and joy.

I don’t think I’ve ever had major problems with this issue, probably because of the household of faith in which I was raised. When bad things have happened in my life, I have generally recognized human triggers for them – particularly on my part – and I haven’t accused God of being unfair. I’m very grateful to have that attitude! There are of course many people who have had much more difficult lives than I have, and I do not want to stand in judgement over them. That said, for as long as I can remember I have been aware that we are only on this earth temporarily, so I have no trouble accepting what Paul said: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) That assurance makes it much easier to wait in hope! I am not to put down those who struggle with faith, but consistently speak God’s truth to them in love, so that their eyes may be opened to God’s love and grace toward them.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all that You allow me to go through, whether it seems pleasant in the moment or not. May I respond to everything in faith, gratitude, and obedience, so that Your will may be done in and through me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!