What We Deserve

Oh, that God would speak, and open His lips against you, that He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For they would double your prudence. Know therefore that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.—Job 11:5–6

Job’s friend Zophar concluded that Job’s problems resulted from talking too much. He believed everything would change if Job listened. Surely, Zophar concluded, Job must have committed many sins. He implied that Job could not possibly understand what happened to him. Job just needed to repent and turn from iniquity.

But Zophar was wrong. The Bible says Job had not sinned (Job 1:22; 2:10). God Himself had said that there had been no “cause” for his problems (Job 2:3).

Throughout our lives, we may experience problems because of sin, poor choices, or moral impurities. We do reap what we sow. But as Job’s situation demonstrates, we also go through times of testing when God is teaching us. We need to persevere. We need to trust God even when we don’t understand what is happening.

No one gets what he deserves. As Paul wrote, all of us “have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

When you face difficulties, be sure you search your heart and mind. Ask God to show you if you need to make changes or if He wants to speak to you. Ask Him to reveal any sin. But always remember God loves you. He is always ready to forgive and accept you. He is with you even when He might seem absent. Continue to stand on His Word and press forward by faith.

Reflection Question: Write a prayer of confession and repentance.