Week 49 Bible Reading: Job 36:26–33

My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. - Job 42:5

A visitor to the California coast who had grown up around the woods and waters of Michigan had some exciting new adventures to see. He found himself staring in breathtaking wonder at snorting elephant seals, barking sea lions, and a forest of silent redwoods. He watched pelicans soar in formation, and he saw migrating whales spouting in the distance. Together these are just a sample of the millions of species that make up the delicate balance of nature.

According to the Bible, the variety of nature is designed to do far more than inspire wonder in our hearts. The mysteries of nature can help us come to terms with a God who also allows pain and suffering.

We see this in the story of Job—a godly man who lost everything.

Here is what we learn: A Creator who is wise and powerful enough to design the natural wonders of our world is great enough to be trusted when we are hurting. Job said, “I know that you can do all things” (42:2). We can trust that kind of God—even if things aren’t going our way.

Two pinnipeds, the sea lion and the seal, have some differences. The sea lion walks on his large front flippers; the seal scoots along on his belly. The sea lion has visible ears; the seal doesn’t. Sea lions make more noise than seals.