Hemmed In

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Job 3 Acts 7:44-60


Hemmed In


Job 3-4, Acts 7:44-60
Key Verse: Job 3:23

Among the words a child learns first are no and why--two words that indicate a predisposition to do one's own will and not the will of another. Children learn to say "no" very early. The one-word question comes a little later. The child looks at the parent and asks, "Why?" In essence he is saying, "What you ask does not fit my plans."

Sometimes we ask God the same question, looking toward heaven and saying in our hearts, if not with our lips as well, "Why?" Job did the same thing, although with more than one word. His why questions are spelled out in detail, and in chapter 3 he came as close as he ever would to cursing God. Instead, he asked a series of rhetorical questions.

"Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?" he asked. (v. 23). Tough question! He felt hemmed in, but no longer by God's protection. Instead, he felt hemmed in by trouble. The way was hidden to him, made no sense to him, and no way out was apparent to him. So he asked, "Why?"

Job never would get his question answered. Instead, God demonstrated His glory to Job and he was so affected by it that he repented, regretting that he asked why in the first place (42:6).

At times we all feel hemmed in and wonder why. In those times we must trust that God is sovereign, faithfully in control.

Trust can be difficult, especially when things don't make sense. But they make sense to God. Ask Him to help you trust even when you want to ask why.

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[cris]

BEP,

Your "WHY" thread fits in very well with this "Hemmed In" one.  Thanks for posting them.  I don't ask God why because I know He's in control.  I just pray for strength, courage, guidance, wisdom, direction, and protection and help to do His will.  He knows I'm weary.  He knows I'm very tired.  God allows me to be hemmed in by trouble, not of my making.  I just wish I could see the end of it like He does.  I sometimes think it might be easier if I knew what His plan was in all of this.  Sometimes, I think if I could see it, and knew for sure it was for His glory, I would be better able to deal with it.  Well, 'tis not to be, I guess.  That isn't the way He works.  That's OK 'cause He's God.  I do see Him in all of it.  He's made me aware of that.  I just praise Him in all things everyday.

Grace and peace,
cris

[nChrist]

Sister Chris,

You are most welcome. I love to use these devotions as an addition to my Bible study. In fact, they nearly always lead to a hunger for more Bible study.

Sister, we will all feel hemmed in from time to time. We can use these times to grow closer to our Lord and Saviour. I'm thinking about an old and beautiful hymn, Victory In Jesus!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 100:1-5  Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.