God seems to be saying that Job shouldn't ask the question we've been discussing, either because God is all-powerful and, therefore, how dare Job question him, or because from Job's inconsequential position in the universe, he can't possibly understand the ways of God.
I believe the latter is probably closer to the true answer to the question. On this side of heaven, in our fallen state, we cannot possibly understand why tragedies such as this occur.
This brought to mind a song from one of my favorite songwriters, Sara Groves, entitled "What I Thought I Wanted":
When I get to heaven I’m gonna go find Job
I want to ask a few hard questions, I want to know what he knows
About what it is he wanted and what he got instead
How to be broken and faithful
Meanwhile, Tod Bolsinger addresses another related issue: how and when to respond to tragedy:
What should be our response to genuine need and the genuine call of Christ?
Let me suggest that the first step should be of stillness, even solitude. "Don't just do something, stand there." Stand in the middle of pain and need and pause. Pause to listen and pause to feel. Pause to pray and take stock of yourself and your resources. Pause to consider what a genuine response and not reflexive reaction should be. Don't "Just do it." Instead, Do what really needs to be done. Do what you really need to do.
The need is not the call. But God's call will meet every need.
Update: Cal Thomas also shares his thoughts in this column.
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