His hand works:
God is actively at work in all of our lives. His perfect will needs to be carried out, and we are the vessels he chose. The Bible tells us that God has put his treasure in jars of clay to demonstrate his transforming power (2 Cor 4:7). That through our weakness his power may be made perfect in us (2 Cor 12:9). God is doing something great in us each day. Some things may not seem to come from God, such as losing your job or getting sick and ending up in the hospital. But at the end of each trial, God is glorified, letting us know that he has been there. The scriptures tell us that all things work together for good to those who love God. Jesus said to the persecuting religious leader that his Father is still working when they questioned him about healing the man near the pool at Bethesda on the Sabbath day (Jh 5:17). Everything that God does has good outcomes (Ps 145:17). We see it in creation when God finished, he said, “This is good.” When he finished creating man, God said, “This is really good.”
Job 13:20-22
20 Only do not two things unto me: then will I not hide myself from thee.
21 Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.
22 Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.
Job understood the concept that God is good and that everything he does has a good outcome. So one of the two things he requested from God was that his hand not be departed from him. The Psalmist said that God, with his mighty hand stretched out, loved us (Ps 136:12). God’s hand provides safety and security, guidance, comfort, and support. Job experienced God’s hand throughout his life. Before his big trial, God made everything that Job did prosper. And during his trial, where Satan took everything he had away, God sustained him. Not only was God with Job, but Job was with God. Amos asked, “Can two walk together unless they agree?”(Am 3:3). Unless Job was willing to walk with God, he could not benefit from his goodness. It is the cause-and-effect theory. That is, for every action there is a serious consequence. For example, Amos said that the lion will not roar if there is no prey for him to hunt in the forest. Job had to be in agreement with God for everything to have a positive outcome, especially in this moment of trial in his life. His trail was astronomical in size, and he needed God’s help to navigate it.
The second thing Job requested from God was that his dread would not make him afraid. Understanding that there is danger in getting on the bad side of God is important to those who know him. The bible tells us that it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (He 10:31). Everything that happened to Job was not because God was angry with him, but it was a trial. So, just imagine how much worse it could have been for Job if God had been angry with him? Luke says, “God is a consuming fire” (Heb 12:29). Job did not want to be surprised if God was angry with him; he wanted to know.
2 Corinthians 4:7
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
2 Corinthians 12:9
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
John 5:17
17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Psalms 145:17
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Psalms 136:12
12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Amos 3:3
3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Hebrews 10:31
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Hebrews 12:29
29 For our God is a consuming fire.