Questions have been a part of everyday life since the very beginning. In Genesis 3:1 Satan asks Eve, “Did God really say?” and God asks Adam, “Where are you?” in Gen 3:9, and we haven’t even reached the 4th chapter of Genesis.
In fact, questions are a key feature throughout the entirety of the Bible. The Book of Psalms is bursting with questions and Jesus, Himself was the master at answering questions with questions. In the Gospels, we see Jesus asking the harrowing question on the cross, “My God My God, why have you forsaken Me?” Matthew 27v46
Questions help us to learn and it’s when children ask the simplest of questions that adults really have to get thinking! Questions provoke us to think.
Sadly, within many church circles questioning is often frowned upon especially if doctrines or long standing traditions are questioned. It may appear like we are unlearned, lacking faith or fear of the Lord if we begin to ask questions.
But, questioning should be encouraged! I’ve always enjoyed asking and answering questions. They help us to gauge one another’s understanding and can help us build friendships. No question should ever be too simple or too outrageous.
It is the same with God. Questioning is and should be a natural response especially when going through difficult times. During our most intense time of suffering, as we have over this past 18 months, questions abound. Why us God? Why our son? Is there something wrong with my life God? How can I ever feel normal again? Am I still truly saved? What does the future hold? Where are you God? Will I ever enjoy life again? How will we get through this? These questions are normal for anyone who is deeply troubled.
People who are suffering are looking for answers and answers can only come if there are questions. We mustn’t look down on people with such questions because questioning can draw us closer to God and bring healing.
Listening to a Joni Eareckson Tada podcast recently on this subject, I was interested in what the guest speaker on there had to say. “Instead of treating them (the sufferer) like a project or something to be ‘fixed', allow their suffering and questions to propel them and us deeper into scriptures”. Darby Strickland.
Some, perhaps many of our questions may never truly be answered on this side of eternity, But none of us know and it is always worth asking questions. Questioning can bring healing even if we don’t get the desired answers, because like Job in the Bible, the questioning and answers was the very essence of his relationship with God.
We need to remember that God is big enough to handle our questions. He expects them. Relationship demands that we ask questions of one another. That’s why we don’t need to be afraid to ask them. God is fine with our questions.
Just like the children who ask those questions that actually make us think, let’s allow those with suffering questions to minister to us and think again or think differently about God and His Word.
Prayer - Dear Lord thank you that we can come to You with our questions. Help us to reach out to those and also learn from those who have questions that they are wrestling with right now. Amen
Very thought provoking