Humility and Courage Can Mix

As Job continues his speech in Job 13 he calls on his friends to be silent and stop speaking for God so that he can have a direct word with Him alone. This is the true means of getting through suffering. Take your case not to men but to God!

Job 13:13–14 (ESV) “Let me have silence, and I will speak, and let come on me what may. 14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand?

What Job does is what we should do when life is spinning out of control. Talk to the Lord. Complain if necessary. He will not be surprised by your words or feelings for He already knows them. But when you complain, remember to complain in hope!

Job 13:15 (ESV) Though He slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.

What a marvelous phrase. Job will trust in the Lord even if the Lord should destroy him. However, we should note the Hebrew is ambiguous and could render two very different statements. The alternative is: "if He slay me, I have no hope.” The point Job makes is that God, not man's ideas is the final arbiter of his life and the only one he wishes to hear from no matter the cost. Job has moved quickly from finding solice in platitudes of friends or human counselors to finding the TRUTH in the ONE who holds his life in His hands. That's a good place to be. 

The rest of the chapter is Job taking that case of his to God. 
Job 13:23–24 (ESV) How many are my iniquities and my sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin. 24 Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy?

Job wants God to tell him what he did wrong to deserve this. He sees no reason for the suffering and finds to answer in the world so the only one to talk to is the Lord who governs all. Then in poetic imagery Job humbles himself before God:

Job 13:25–26 (ESV) Will you frighten a driven leaf and pursue dry chaff? 26 For you write bitter things against me and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.

The way Job approaches God for a court hearing is the way we must. Humbly, understanding our frailty and humanity before the Almighty. Job is humble but not silent. Too many believe that those two aspects of the Christian faith cannot dwell together. But they can and they should. 

In humility, seek answers from God. He has told us plainly that He expects us to do so:
1 Peter 5:6 (ESV) Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you

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