What makes you ask questions? Some ask questions to stir up trouble and others to understand. Why do you ask questions, and do you ask them in the right way to receive an answer and understanding?
In the biblical context, questioning is not discouraged; in fact, it can be a pathway to wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 2:3-5 encourages seeking wisdom and understanding through questioning: “Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.” This suggests that questioning with a sincere desire for understanding and wisdom is aligned with biblical principles.
Discovering Truth through Christ-Centered Questions
The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who questioned in a way that led to deeper understanding. In the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15), it prompted Peter to answer and acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. Peter’s question, in turn, led to a profound revelation and understanding of Jesus’ identity. This teaches us that questioning, when done with humility and a sincere heart, can lead to spiritual enlightenment and a deeper connection with God.
Navigating Trials with Faithful Questions
Additionally, the book of Job is a testament to the value of asking questions in times of suffering and confusion. Job questioned God’s justice and sought understanding in the midst of his trials. God responded by engaging in a dialogue with Job, providing insights and ultimately deepening Job’s understanding of divine sovereignty. This example illustrates that even in moments of doubt or hardship, questioning God with reverence and humility can lead to a more profound grasp of His ways.
Building Understanding with Graceful Inquiry
When considering how to ask questions in a way that glorifies God, James 1:5 advises seeking wisdom from God with faith and without doubting. This implies that our questions should be accompanied by a trust in God’s ability to provide understanding. Additionally, Ephesians 4:29 encourages believers to use speech that builds up others and imparts grace. Applying this principle to questioning means that our inquiries should be framed in a manner that fosters positive and constructive dialogue, promoting growth and understanding.
The Journey of Faithful Questioning
In conclusion, the Bible affirms the value of questioning when done with a genuine desire for wisdom and understanding. By examining biblical examples, we learn that asking questions can lead to profound insights and a deeper connection with God. Therefore, as we navigate life’s uncertainties, let us approach questioning with humility, faith, and a commitment to glorify God through our pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to get to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this one for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit: DavidJeremiah.org.
Topics: GOOD QUESTIONS
Verse: John 20:25 (NIV)
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.”
Firstly, let’s be the dads who don’t get labeled doubters. Additionally, let’s be the dads who are believers and trust God. Therefore, let’s be the dads who take this faith and bring it into our marriages, families, and world for the glory of God.
Don’t be a doubter because you have to see it to believe it!
Today’s Devotional points us to the story of Thomas and how he’s picked up the label of “doubting Thomas” over the years because of his need to walk by sight instead of by faith and believe. How many times have we found ourselves in disbelief and so we can’t really judge him for his response? Today’s Devotional points us to lean on God rather than our own understanding because there are things that happened and will happen that are “transrational – asking us to believe things that transcend our understanding.”
Communicate clearly in precise language:
Today’s Devotional asks us to “give Thomas credit for being honest enough to articulate his doubts in a precise language.” It speaks to his need see him and have the evidence for himself before he could commit fully. We know the rest of the story as Thomas humbles himself when Jesus shows up again and doesn’t need to do what he thought he would need to do to believe.
26A 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!”27Then 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.” 28Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” -- John 20:26-29
Today’s Devotional points to how Thomas believed. We need to be the dads who after asking to see the evidence or receive understanding, when we get it, receive it and accept it rather than rejecting it. Today’s Devotional closes with this thought to consider: “God is not threatened by our doubts. He is the One who says, ‘Come now, and let us reason together’ in Isaiah 1:18.
“Turn your doubts to questions; turn your questions to prayers; turn your prayers to God.“
MARK LITTLETON
