"Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" Job 40:2
Have you ever had a teenager living in your house? It’s a strange phase in the cycle of life. Throughout childhood my kids adored me. They asked question after question and listened to my words as if I had the answers to every question under the sky. My kids were never satisfied to just know ‘HOW’ or ‘WHAT’. They’re like their momma and had to know ‘WHY’; especially my Brandon!
Overnight my kids became teenagers, and suddenly they had answers for everything. They no longer wanted to ask me for anything but money and discussions too often turned into arguments.
Now as young adults, my ‘kids’ call or text me with lots of questions. They’re back asking for advice in the areas of life, love, finances and more. I’ve even had some, “I’m sorry I didn’t listen mom” conversations. My kids have changed from my doting darlings, to my biggest critics and now are some of my loudest cheerleaders. Encouraging me to write, speak and make a difference in this world!
I think we follow this same life cycle with God.
In Luke 18:16, Jesus said,
"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”
Why does Jesus say this? I think it’s because children come in trust believing their parents can do anything. When Job was going through his time of testing he starts out with child-like faith in God but then digresses to a position of “God’s critic”. Job questions God at every level. Our loving heavenly Father allows Job to fire out these questions. His quandaries on why he’s suffering. Once God feels Job’s gotten it all off his chest, God has a few questions of His own. God essentially asked Job these three questions:
- Who created the earth and everything in it?
- Who controls the functions of the earth, the: tides, weather, light and darkness?
- Who created and cares for the animals and birds; creating within them life patterns and placing a destiny inside of them?
The answer to every question is God.
After Job quieted his questions and listened to God’s answers he changed from “God’s critic” to singing God’s praises! In chapter 42, Job begins to brag on how good God is when he says, “I know that you can do anything”.
Have You Ever Found Yourself Arguing With God?
In the same way your teenager can go from your biggest critic to your fondest fan, so we need to change. Learn to lay down your criticism and fear to see that the God who created everything is the ONE who keeps it all together and holds you in His hands.
Prayer
Father…I’m sorry for the times I’ve come at you with an argument prepared, telling you what I think and how You should do things. Help me to come with child-like faith, trusting in you as I pray. May my heart and words express Your goodness for all the world to know; including me. God You are good. In Jesus Name…Amen
[tweetthis]Have You Ever Found Yourself Arguing With God? [/tweetthis]
Writing this devotion made me think of a quote I read years ago and my Facebook friends Andrea and Lisa helped me find it again. Thanks Girls <3 I think you’ll all enjoy it!
If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.
#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
- Job 40:2
- Luke 18:16
- Isaiah 45:9
- Job 42:1
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

I definitely have been guilty of going to God with my argument as to why he really didn’t get it right. Later, after prayer, I realize that even though in my timing he didn’t get it right, there were other plans that he had for me. Sometimes it takes me longer to give up my argument, than others, I must be honest. I think you gave the perfect example of this with our children and how they view us at different stages in their life! 🙂 I really enjoyed your post. I’m visiting from Coffee for Your Heart.
Kathleen,
You’re in good company 🙂
So glad to have you on my site. Hope you come again!
~Sherry
xoxo
It’s interesting pondering this because I never went through the teenage years like that. Trauma I went through closed me up and outwardly I was the most obedient child. I never argued, confronted, whatsoever. I didn’t trust anyone with my fear, anger, hurt. Then, I fled God completely. One of the first things God encouraged me to do when He opened my heart to faith again was to come to Him with everything within me. The first time I got angry at God directly was the pivotal point in my walk with Him. He didn’t shut me up, scold me or reject me – as humans did with me as a little girl – but He drew me close and answered every single one of my fears in the Scripture I opened up at random as I asked Him to prove to me life was worth living (I was living through the hell of PTSD flashbacks of my Mum’s last hours on earth). He gave me John 6: 35 – 40 MSG and I couldn’t stop weeping- He promised me He would hold me tight, my Mama is whole and complete in body, mind and soul again, and I will be too in heaven. I now know I can be just me – and He won’t turn me away. Oh the gift. Twenty years + as a Prodigal daughter and now I know what true Love is.
Anna,
What a beautiful testimony! I’m so blessed hearing it and I know my readers will be too. God is so gracious to let us argue with Him so that we get out all the trauma, all the hurt, all the drama. Then He swoops in and scoops us up; hiding us under His wings, He heals us. Thank you so very much for sharing your healing story with us. Rev 12:11 Praying God continues to use your testimony to break others free.
Much love,
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
Anna,
I feel so privileged to read part of your story! I’m so glad we’ve connected and so thankful that you shared honestly. My sharing, helped you share, helped me help someone else! How awesome is that???
Have a blessed day!
~Sherry
xoxo
Talking with God: good. Arguing with God: not so good. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this, Sherry.
You said it girl 🙂
I am so glad God doesn’t wipe me off the face of the earth when I argue with Him. He is much more patient than I would be. 🙂
Sarah I”m so glad He doesn’t either!
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
~Sherry
xoxo
Great post! Yes, I have argued with God, and spent way too much time being angry with Him. So glad he is so patient with me! As a mom of preteens, it’s good to know what’s coming, even when it gets hard. Thanks for the encouragement!
Kristin I’m so glad you’re encouraged and found His gracious love!
~Sherry
xoxo
How patient is our God? So glad He is too, because He would have had enough of me long ago. But, somehow, He remains loving, understanding, gentle. He knows that we don’t-know-what-we don’t-know, I suppose. I’m sure there’ve been more over the years, but the main time I can think of that I “argued” with God—in return, He was gentle. It’s almost like He was saying, “Hey, I know this is what you’re thinking, so I’m glad you just said it, already.” — He is the best…and we are so blessed to be His own. — Thanks for sharing, friend.
Brenda,
He really can handle our questions and even our arguments with love. Who else does that 🙂
~Sherry
xoxo