What about Questions?

When I think about questions, in my mind I quickly go to the first question that was asked in Scripture, when the question that was posed there was in direct opposition to the integrity of God. His character and nature was assaulted by the serpent, when he asked "hath God said?" As we begin this kind of consideration together, it is imperative that we remember WHO God is. In Isaiah 45:5a, God says "I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me:". In Isaiah 42:8, He reminds us " I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." We need to recall, according to His Word, HOW He declares His work. In Revelation 4:11, we read "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Again, in Ephesians 2:8-10 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." In considering questions of a blood-bought believer to the One Who has purchased His redemption at Calvary, I think of these: WHO?, WHAT?, WHY?, WHEN?, WHERE?,HOW?, and HOW LONG ? Each of them provides instruction, or steps of action to be taken, with the exception of one. That one is "WHY?" It seems, rather, to offer resistance, in an attempt for personal validation. There are times when situations or circumstances arise that are different from, or maybe not even remotely distinguishable to, that which we had planned or envisioned in our mind. At those times, the old nature habit patterns of the flesh would so quickly ask God the" WHY?"question. However, in taking a deeper look at that, such a response seems to define a forgetfulness of His Romans 8:28-29 promise of working all things together toward the ultimate good end of our conformity to Christ. His other promises which come to mind are those of Ephesians 1:11 , regarding how He works all things after the counsel of His will; and Psalm 84:11 which assures us that He will withhold no good (conforming) thing from us; finally, Jeremiah 29:11 with its joyful hope of God's thoughts of peace to us, not evil. How much better for us to imitate the prayer of the Lord Jesus in the garden, found in Luke 22:42, when He prayed "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.". Thereafter, we should utilize the remaining instructional questions of just how and when and where to use this trial to His glory.

May God help us to trust the character and nature of our God, seeking ways to extend His grace and declare His glory.

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