Can anyone improve on God’s creation?

Job 40:2  Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.

God challenged Job by asking him questions about His Almighty works. The Lord reminded Job that he wasn't around when those wondrous works were created (Job 38:4). Then in Job 40:2, God asked, "Shall he that contends with the Almighty instruct Him? He that reproves God, let him answer it.”

Will Job persist in this contending with God? Job had been too bold in demanding a conference with God, but now he is convinced of his error. He realized he had uttered things that he didn't understand, things he knew not, and he repented before God: “Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth” (v.4).

Can any man instruct God what to do? Can anyone improve on God’s creation? Men have asked: Why didn’t God create man with the strength of a lion so that he does not need to fear any wild animals? Why didn’t God create man with wings so he can fly and he will not pollute the air with his car? Why didn’t God create man with the eyes of an eagle to see far away? Why didn’t God place the earth further away from the sun so it won’t be so hot? Well, God has better design for us. He gives us wisdom to bring the wild animals in subjection. He gives us legs so that we can walk with our loved ones. I will be worry if human being can fly; how do I prevent a thief from coming into my house? In effect, those who go about complaining about the creation are teaching God how to do His work.

Job was not the only one guilty of uttering things he didn't understand. There are times when we, too, utter things we really do not understand. We ought to be very careful that we do not contend with God. When we are going through a hard time, we might have some striving with God - we might struggle in our faith, and we might argue with God and demand an answer from Him. We may feel we deserve better treatment from God. We may also think we have been faithful and we have done a lot for God and at least He should show some appreciation. Does Job now still, after seeing and hearing of God’s majesty and wisdom, wish to set God right?

He that reproves and finds fault with God for His words, works, or ways, ought to answer to the challenge put forth by God or to be like Job, remain silent: “I will lay mine hand upon my mouth” (v.4).

Brethren, know this for sure: God knows what He is doing at all times, and He always does the right thing. We, on the other hand, don't always do the right thing. We make many mistakes and even bad judgements. Yet, we want to instruct God as to what He should do. Are we wiser than God? We need to LET GO AND LET GOD. Let go of our egos and let God take charge of our lives.

Yes, everything is in God's control, and under His control. We must not limit His power. God always knows what He is doing. Do you always know what you are doing? Will you still contend with the Almighty? Speak up now or forever remain silent like Job. God has said: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). Instead of contending with God, let us submit to His will – let the will of God be done.

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.