QUESTIONING GOD

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Permalink Reply by LucyP on September 9, 2011 at 1:57am

Hey nancy, I was trying to explain in my own words but something went wrong when I presseed add reply, I found this on gotquestions.org and it kinda says what I was trying to say (but much clearer lol)

Question: "Is it wrong to question God?"

Answer: At issue is not whether we should question God, but in what manner—and for what reason—we question Him. To question God is not in itself wrong. The prophet Habakkuk had questions for God concerning the timing and agency of the Lord’s plan. Habakkuk, rather than being rebuked for his questions, is patiently answered, and the prophet ends his book with a song of praise to the Lord. Many questions are put to God in the Psalms (Psalms 10, 44, 74, 77). These are the cries of the persecuted who are desperate for God’s intervention and salvation. Although God does not always answer our questions in the way we want, we conclude from these passages that a sincere question from an earnest heart is welcomed by God.

Insincere questions, or questions from a hypocritical heart, are a different matter. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). After King Saul had disobeyed God, his questions went unanswered (1 Samuel 28:6). It is entirely different to wonder why God allowed a certain event than it is to directly question God's goodness. Having doubts is different from questioning God's sovereignty and attacking His character. In short, an honest question is not a sin, but a bitter, untrusting, or rebellious heart is. God is not intimidated by questions. God invites us to enjoy close fellowship with Him. When we “question God,” it should be from a humble spirit and open mind. We can question God, but we should not expect an answer unless we are genuinely interested in His answer. God knows our hearts, and knows whether we are genuinely seeking Him to enlighten us. Our heart attitude is what determines whether it is right or wrong to question God.

I am reminded of Jesus asking 'why have you forsaken me?'...in the depth of trial it is a crying out to God, but we know that God won't give us something he doesn't believe we can cope with, and He is there, he knows we are mere humas, we do our best with Jesus' help. The saying 'what doesnt kill us makes us stronger' comes to mind as well. I ve been talking and thinking about trials alot lately, as others on here have, and can definately see them asa good thing,.

  

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Permalink Reply by Bible-Talk on September 13, 2011 at 3:11pm

Well done Lucy - great examples.

 

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Permalink Reply by Leonard T on September 9, 2011 at 5:40am

Nancy,

 

For me the best approach with God is to be honest. If we have questions we need to lay them at His feet. Whether we choose to verbalize them or not, if they resignate in our hearts and minds He already knows it. The goal of questioning is not that we think we are right and God is wrong (hopefully we don't think that way), but in order for God to do a work in us that draws us into alignment with God, regardless of whether we get a specific answer to the specific question. David was brutally honest in the Psalms, and yet by the end of most of those complaining Psalms David is at rest and praising God while still in the storm or without having received and answer.

 

It has been said, "We have the right to ask why, but no right to demand why."

 

Lord Bless,

LT

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Permalink Reply by Grace by the Lake on September 9, 2011 at 10:00am

So if a christian tells us we should not question God they are thinking if questioning Him in a negative way. I knew something was wrong with the statement at the time and I was confused about it because I had read the Psalms. I was not yet bold enough to ask them to read psalm$ themselves. :)

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Permalink Reply by Charles Burwell on September 10, 2011 at 12:03pm

LT

 

A truly outstanding answer and one that I've share with the church I attend thursday night.  If we cannot be totally honest with God ( which includes questioning Him at times ) we , in my opinion , cannot have the true depth of relationship with Him that we all ( I hope, anyhow ) are seeking.

 

 Again , as you have so well stated , we cannot do it with the attitude of ' we are right and God is wrong" , but I honestly believe ( as many don't seem to ) that God is not offended by our questions : even if they seem to be accusatory because He knows our heart and deals with us with an infinite compassion and patience.   I could write a book of examples from my own life to substantiate that.

 

God expects total honesty in all our dealings with Him and others.

 

God bless , my friend

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Permalink Reply by Bible-Talk on September 13, 2011 at 3:13pm

great sharing LT - well put.

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Permalink Reply by RoyW on September 12, 2011 at 3:14am

Amen to the above posts. This is a very important question for the believer. We understand that we are to learn to not question God but we have so many questions. We are a people that He has chosen for some reason. Maybe, it is because of our faith. We are instructed to fight the good fight of faith:

1 Tim 6:12  Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. NIV

The fight we are engaged in is a severe one. The enemy of our souls is demanding that we are not worthy of the glory God has in store for us. We struggle against sin but our greatest struggle is this fight of the faith. We often wonder if God is real why are we suffering in different areas. Scripture is clear on the subject. We are in a desperate fight and we need some real help. That help He promises to give us. We are instructed:

2 Cor 10:3-5 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. NIV

This is the war we are involved in. But the battle is necessary as only those who truly believe are guaranteed this glory. The validity of our faith must be tested. The test is often a very severe one. But those who truly believe in the One Who has come, will come forth as gold. They will inherit all of God's creation and they will rule and reign with Him. The test is very important. The world has become even more intensely involved in creating a stronghold against the knowledge of God. We have virtually removed the knowledge of God from all our learning institutions in the land. Yesterday, in a most somber remembrance of 9-11, New York's Mayor Bloomberg sought to remove all prayer in the ceremony. There is a battle raging against the knowledge of God. How is it possible to remember one of the greatest tragedies in our nation's history without remembering God? If you watch much television, you will notice that much of it is designed to destroy your faith. The battle rages but there is victory for the believer.

Our weapons are not the weapons of this world but very effective. His Word and a time in prayer are two of your greatest weapons in this fight. Also, the fellowship of believers is important but sometimes not readily available. Your cry out to God for help is perhaps your greatest weapon. He will hear all our prayers and answer them. He loves the prayer of faith. When we cry out to Him, we do so because we believe.

Father, help us to hold on to the very end. Give us the strength necessary to battle in this fight. Help us not to grow weary. We pray against every thought that comes into our minds that denies You. In Jesus name.

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Grace by the Lake on September 12, 2011 at 6:05am

Thankyo all for your input here. I have been learning in my journey with the Lord that there is "healthy" questioning and "unhealthy" questioning"

@ Roy ; to this prayer ,I stand in agreement. In Jesus Name,Amen

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