OK, I know this can't be real; after all, I now live in Florida and NOT New Jersey!!! But even in Florida customer service can be pretty rough. There have been a few times that I would really like to forget and one or two stores I will never do business with again, no matter WHAT!!! Why, because they had their rules and would not listen; it didn't matter if I had a reasonable request, after all... the rules are the rules. I am glad God isn't like that aren't you? Here is a good example...
Job 42:1-8 (WEB)
1) Then Job answered Yahweh,
2) “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained.
3) You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ therefore I have uttered that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn’t know.
4) You said, ‘Listen, now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will answer me.’
5) I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.
6) Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
7) It was so, that after Yahweh had spoken these words to Job, Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you, and against your two friends; for you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has.
8) Now therefore, take to yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept him, that I not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has.”
1) Then Job answered Yahweh,
2) “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained.
3) You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ therefore I have uttered that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn’t know.
4) You said, ‘Listen, now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will answer me.’
5) I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.
6) Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
7) It was so, that after Yahweh had spoken these words to Job, Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you, and against your two friends; for you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has.
8) Now therefore, take to yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept him, that I not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has.”
Job was in the middle of a heavenly conflict between God and Satan and suffered for it. He lost family, friends, health and even the confidence of his own wife. He was as down and out as a man could get, except that he still continued to seek after God. If anyone ever had a reason to complain about God, Job was the man. Finally, he realized that it didn't matter why things happened the way they did; God was God and he was a mere man. His admission of submission and repentance was both appropriate and just what was needed. God forgave Job and praised him twice!!! God listens and cares. We need to submit and accept the sovereignty of God (HIS rule). I know, its easy to say this and its hard to do...but God looks at our hearts and knows what is best for us. There are no surprises with God; HE is straightforward and true. His ways won't blow up in our face like the customer service grenade in the picture. He really, really cares!!! Nice thought for a Saturday morning!!!