Jackie Hill Perry in her book Upon Waking reflects on why we hesitate to ask God questions. Perhaps it was from the Old Testament where approaching the presence of God was often seen as restrictive, if not outright forbidden.
Consider Job, a righteous man blessed in every way until, in a brief span of time, he lost everything—his family, his livestock, even his health. In his despair, Job asked God what he had done to deserve such suffering. He all but demanded an audience with the Almighty for answers.
God said, “Who are you to question Me? Were you there when I set the foundations of the world? Do you tell the waters where to stop? Have you walked in the deepest depths or the highest heights?”
Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm, “Brace yourself like a man. I shall question you and you will answer Me!” Job 40:7
Job said, “I am unworthy, how can I reply? I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. I will say no more.” Job 40-42
If you weren’t afraid to ask before, maybe you are now. But there’s a difference in asking a question of God and questioning God.
“When will the rain come to nourish my crops? Why did the cancer come back again?” are different from:
“Why did You let my crops die? Why did You let the cancer come back? What did I do to deserve any of this?”
The difference is your intent. When you yell in anger, God knows you’re frustrated, but you tread dangerously close to accusing Him of not caring. When you approach Him humbly, it’s more than just your words—He hears the cry of your heart, the sincerity of your plea.
God’s ways are not our ways, and His timing is certainly not our timing, no matter if you approach Him in anger, or not at all. But if you seek Him with a humble heart, it is there, in your brokenness, that you may hear His voice. In that place, He can reach you, hold you, strengthen you, and care for you.
What if, by asking questions, you discover God; and by finding God, you find your answers?
Upon Waking – Jackie Hill Perry
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