The Bible records over 3000 questions starting with the serpent, did God really say …? Jesus alone asked over 300 questions; many never answered … at least in the written text. But I wonder, did his questions lead the hearers to an answer; or maybe to listen for the voice of God?
Questions clarify; questions lead; questions invite listening and reflecting; questions are good. An alert faith asks questions.
Last spring Bill and I hosted some recently graduated college students overnight. Eddie* came into the kitchen where I was unloading the dishwasher and asked, Sue, how has your whole life been?
I laughed. That question was much too big. Did he really want an answer?
When I was invited to be part of a writing workshop in Alaska, questions proliferated. I want to improve my writing. Alaska is one of the three states I’ve not visited. But …
The questions came quickly. I wanted God’s will.
Is merely asking for God’s will too big of a question? I think so.
I’m learning when I ask questions in smaller bites, it’s easier to hear answers.
As I thought about Alaska, one of my first questions was, is this good stewardship? My wise friend asked me to break down that question even farther to discern what was I really asking. Was this being a good steward of my talents? Was this being a good financial steward? Was this good stewardship of my time? Her wisdom guided and helped.
Some other questions I’m asking as I discern God’s will are:
What is my husband’s (and other trusted others) counsel?
How does this opportunity fit with the overall direction of my life?
Does this opportunity offer a sense of life, peace, and freedom?
What scriptures has God brought to mind?
Is there an aspect of Jesus’ life that speak to this?
What would be a loving choice?
Is this good thing in good timing?
How would this decision fit with other’s observations about who I am?
What challenges does this choice open up?
Does this fit with the desires God has placed on my heart?
How does this fit with my heart to serve the local church?
We’re always looking for answers and often questions lead to listening more deeply to the heart of God. What other questions would you add to the above list?
Sometimes
Sometimes Requests to stop what
if you move carefully you are doing right now,
through the forest, and
breathing to stop what you
like the ones are becoming
in the old stories, while you do it,
who could cross questions
a shimmering bed of leaves that can make or unmake
without a sound, a life,
you come questions
to a place that have patiently
whose only task waited for you,
is to trouble you questions
with tiny that have no right
but frightening requests, to go away.
conceived out of nowhere
but in this place
beginning to lead everywhere. David Whyte, 2003
“Now the Lord is the Spirit,
and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom.”
II Corinthians 3:17
“Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you
the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4
I’m also discovering that listening to and asking my friends questions … instead of offering my advice … is the best way to help them hear from God. And when they (we) hear from God, his answers are truly transformative … not just good advice.
*fictitious name
Copyright: Sue Tell, May 2021
journal 2/18/21
I have been asking many questions in light of experiencing 7 deaths in just shy of three weeks but they are not my typical questions. My pastor pointed out how God had been growing me all summer. He knew this past few weeks was coming and He knew I needed to be strong. Losses don’t rock my faith as they once did. My questions of late have been “how do I keep doing this? How can I honor those You have put in my life that are now gone? How can I ask for help? How can I possibly explain this grief to another person? How can I support my co-workers? Why did You pick me to have the honor of being there at the end of life’s journey?” I have come so far in my grief journey. As I met with my pastor this week I had him in tears because he was so, so proud of how I have handled that many losses in such a short time. He said “you could have crawled in here. In fact, people would expect it. But look at you.” Yep, God is a good, good God. Even when it hurts.
Oh Becky, Thank you for sharing your testimony, your questions. I know God is at work in your life … and with these questions in the lives of others as well.
That poem is absolutely beautiful and I loved reading the prose and the explanations side by side! Your post makes me think of 1 Corinthians 1:30 where the Spirit of the Lord will be UNTO US wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. And we have it all—even that wisdom as you witnessed. Thank you for sharing your heart! I am so happy you had this wonderful Father Opportunity!
How wise and wonderful this post is, Sue. I love the list of excellent questions, God-centered rather than egocentric, that can help us discern His will. Most especially, I need to do as you did and talk to trusted friends or Dave, to get answers that my sometimes misguided heart might not consider. And I also love the poem!
Our sometimes “misguided hearts”. An accurate phrase! Truly we need each other!!
I need your wisdom. Thank you.
love, sue
Hi Aleisha,
I just saw your comment. Thank you. I too love I Corinthians 1:30. Yes, God has the wisdom. I need to remember to ask.
love, sue