Can I Fix This?

As chapter 6 begins, Job answers Eliphaz’s counsel and asks of himself (and perhaps rhetorically) this question,

What is my strength, that I should wait?
And what is my end, that I should be patient?
Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze?
Have I any help in me,
when resource is driven from me?

Job 6.11-13

Job is asking himself if he can fix his own problems, is he in complete control of his own destiny and situation, simply, can I fix this?

Job realises that he lacks the strength to fix his problems (v.11), that he is inherently weaker than many things and not quite the pinnacle of existence that we are often told we are (v.12), and that he simply does not have the omni-attributes needed here (v.13).

Coming to this point when we are suffering is a huge milestone. Knowing that we are sometimes powerless to prevent, too weak to rectify, or simply unable to undo the problems we encounter removes a tremendous burden from us. Knowing that it is not on us to be the Lord of our own existence is a paradigm-shifting truth to grasp. Do you know that? 

Do you know that you are powerless to prevent trials coming your way?

Do you know that you are too weak to fix everything that goes wrong in your life?

Do you know that you are just unable to undo the problems you face?

This is bad news, isn’t it. Have you accepted that?

But, as the dawn follows the night, here the Good News follows the bad. You cannot prevent, you cannot fix, you cannot undo, you cannot. But, there is One who can. There is One who will walk through the fire with you, there is One who will love you like nobody ever has (or will), there is One who promises for you a hope that is as sturdy as an anchor, One who has plans for your future.

That One is Jesus.

Give your trials to Him. Give your wrongs to Him. Give your problems to Him. He has conquered all that the world, the flesh, or the devil can throw at you, and is ready, willing, and able to work powerfully in your life. 

Can I fix my own problems? Simply, no, but Jesus can.