The large boulder lay squarely in the stream, but the old prospector was sure his pot of gold lay directly beneath.
Every morning he gathered his sledgehammer and spike and headed for the rock. As he hammered, occasional chunks would chip off, but it appeared an endless task.
Other miners arrived and witnessed his plight. They collected their hammers and helped him chisel. Soon the large boulder was reduced to a small rock light enough to pick up. Sadly, there was no gold.
While the unity was admirable, what the first prospector aimed for was reducing the boulder’s size so he could manage it. I’ve been known to try the same with God, and Job’s fair weather friends did too.
Job’s lot was disastrous. He lost possessions, children and was afflicted with boils. His wife told him to curse God, die and rid himself of misery. His uninformed friends told him sin was the culprit. They thought they had God figured out.
God spoiled their fun and Job’s misunderstanding when he said; Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me (Job 38:3 NIV). God refused to be micromanaged.
Micromanagement normally carries negative connotations and refers to the management style of closely observing and controlling an employee’s actions.
I sometimes attempt the same with God. My prayers become a list of things I expect as if I’m his boss and he’s my employee. I observe my list checking off each task he completes, and if he doesn’t respond quickly enough or at all, I begin to question his loyalty. I may even consider termination.
Neither Job nor his friends understood God. So they attempted to box him in manageable terms. I’ve discovered God can’t be boxed. Just when I think I have him figured out, he’ll surprise me. Nor am I his boss.
Let God be God and shock you by his love and activity in your life.
Prayer: Merciful heavenly Father, may we never think we have You figured out or expect You to follow our philosophies of how You should perform. www.lovelinesfromgod.com
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