TODAY’S INSPIRATION! I’M JUST ASKING…

The words question and questioning have different meanings. Usually when we ask questions, we are searching for answers or knowledge. When we are questioning, it is more like a demand for more information. The synonyms for questioning are doubting, skeptical, and distrustful. Is this an English lesson? Absolutely not! My point is we usually can tell when someone is asking a question or if they are questioning us. And of course we may get defensive if the latter is true. And in response to our defensive attitude they may say, “I’m just asking.” And because we can’t know a person’s true intentions, we leave it at that. It is different when we go to God for answers because He does know our intentions.

When the disciples told Thomas that they had seen the Lord, he did not believe them. Jesus was fine with Thomas’s questions and He even showed up later to allow Thomas to see and to touch His wounds. God knows we are human and we look for answers. He also knows what we can handle and what we cannot. God knows that there is more to this life than our natural eyes can see. Which is why we have to be careful that we don’t move from questions to questioning God.

“Now Thomas, one of the twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:24-25, 26-27)

“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24-29)

“for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)

In the Book of Job, chapters 29-31, Job questions God. Job wanted to know what he had done to deserve all his suffering. He said he could no longer endure his present agony. It was not that God minded Job searching for answers for his suffering. The issue was that Job demanded that God provide and explanation. (Job 31:35-37) As we go through life’s trials and tribulations, we must be careful not to blame God or question His nature. He is God the maker of all creation. Who are we to question His will or His ways? When we do go to the Lord with questions, just know He is not obligated to answer. We may or may not get an answer. And if we do it may not be the answer we desire. We can always go to God with our questions. Why not, He is our Father in Heaven and He knows all the answers. Personally, I don’t ask God the “why” question anymore, I have come to understand that whatever happens or doesn’t happen, it will all work out for my good. Instead I ask for wisdom and for strength and endurance during a challenging season. Even though God allows questions, we should not question His sovereign will. The Bible tells us that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. The Bible says who can know the mind of God except the Spirit?

“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:1-7) NKJV

“But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” (Romans 9:20)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6)

What I know for sure is that we serve an intentional God and there is always a purpose for everything He does. Everything that happens to us is not God’s doing, sometimes it is the enemy and sometimes we cause our own problems. But it doesn’t matter because God is going to work it out for the good of those who love Him. God knows and wants what is best for us. God has a grand plan for our lives and sometimes He only allows us to see a glimpse of it. We must not lean on our own understanding but trust that God is in control and He is working it out no matter what it looks like. For all Believers, it should bring peace to know Jesus is in control and has our backs no matter the circumstances. What about you, do you believe? Do you have peace? I’m just asking. Love and Blessings…

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29”11)

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)