Questioning God
August 29, 2012 - 5:00 am“Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.”— Habakkuk 1:3
The Book of Habakkuk opens with a lot of questions. The prophet questions God’s ways. He asks how God can allow injustice and why He doesn’t put an end to violence. Is the prophet suggesting that God is doing a bad job running the world? How can it be that a man holy enough to be God’s prophet could question His ways? Where is his faith?
The truth is that Habakkuk was not alone in his questioning. Abraham questioned God when God’s plans to destroy Sodom were revealed to him. Abraham asked, “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”(Genesis 18:25). Moses questioned God too. Moses’ first meeting with Pharaoh requesting that God’s people be freed didn’t go so well. The result was that Pharaoh made the work of the Israelites even more difficult. Moses asked, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people?” (Exodus 5:22).
Job did a lot of questioning as well. After he lost his money, his children and his health in one day, Job asked of God, “Why have you made me your target?” (Job 7:20). The holiest of all men have questioned God. Even more startling is that God didn’t get angry with them.
There is a story told about a heretic who visits a rabbi with a simple request. He has some questions about Judaism that he would like to ask. “Sure,” says the rabbi, “I’d be happy to answer your questions.” The heretic proceeds to rattle off about twenty questions. When he finishes speaking, he waits for the rabbi’s reply, but the rabbi is silent.
“Why don’t you have any answers?” the heretic asks. “Because you haven’t asked any questions,” comes the reply. The rabbi explains that had the heretic asked real questions, he would have gladly supplied the answers, but the man had simply made statements that he disguised in question form.
Not all questions are the same; they depend on the questioner. Some people are seekers and they truly wish to understand. Other people ask questions even though they have already made up their minds. They aren’t really interested in answers. Answers require us to re-think and re-evaluate. They may even make us admit error or force us to change. Sincere questioners aren’t afraid of answers. They are open and willing to hear them.
The questions Habakkuk, Abraham, Moses, and Job asked were all sincere. This kind of questioning is not only tolerated, but is even welcomed by the Lord.
Do you have questions in your heart? Go ahead! Ask away! Just remember to listen for the answers and be prepared to possibly change because of what you’ve learned.
That did shine new lite on what it mean to question God—for me. Thanks.
Great eye opener for the body of Christ. I receive the word that has been spoken
God bless you….
I truely believe that our God has a bigger plan than we humans can comprehend. We only see the surface of situations. That is why sometimes we have a lot of questions or a lack of understanding. We go by sight but God knows and has all spiritual powers over past, present, and future. He is in control of all things throughout time and eternity. So if things happen, they happen for a reason. God has a purpose for what ever happens, whether we think it is good or evil. We humans may not understand them but God has a plan whether it’s for our learning or other reasons. It is his plan. Just as the heavens are much higher than the earth so is God’s thoughs and ways higher than ours. Just remember He sees the “entire picture,” we only see pieces. God Bless Us All!!
Wow! Very informing.
Now I forgot what I was gonna say…ooohh…
SINCERE QUESTIONERS.
Yaheeeeeeeeeee that’s me.A constant child asking why why what where when etc…
I drive people crazy..then they realize I am seeking and it softens them.
Yep..I even drive Google crazy with all my questions.I can always come here & get answers, comfort, confirmation, SoOoooooo much in such sort devotionals. Thankyou
:@)
Questions….a very thought provoking message. It’s funny, cause I was just in Habakkuk this morning, reading, for a different situation. But your message made me think of being honest with ourselves when we are asking a question and what are our “motives” behind it. Which goes with the saying…”to thine own self, be true”…in other words, be honest with yourself. don’t hide altermotives behind the things one say’s and does….kinda makes me wonder if I have been doing that myself lately…..hiding alterior motives behind my messages and thoughts….not to you…but to someone else…..goes with that old thing of “control” and trying to sway someone to one’s own way of thinking….not a good thing……people need to be able to make up their own minds…then they have no one to blame but themselves…:-) Thank You Rabbi…..God has used you many times to speak to me….and for that I am grateful..:-) Be Blessed and Shalom.
I have a question for God.
Father, I like to ask you one question. What do you plan to do about the intense violence in our government, nations, and even among families? Also, I like to ask you one more simple question but critical to me. Will you make it possible for me to go to work and find suitable housing in St. Peters, MO. 63376 to improve my life and help the Church?