Q – Questions to God {26 Surprising Ways to Encounter God, A-Z}
“The best teachers show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.”
– Alexandra K. Trenfor
Q—Questions
We often think God is only in the answers. But sometimes we can connect more with him in the questions. In the unknowns. That’s when we reach out to him with our why’s and how’s and when’s.
Try This
Have a conversation with God using just questions. How would you fill in the blanks? Try to think of questions you haven’t already asked him.
- Why, God, is _____ ?
- How, God, will _____ ?
- When, God, is _____ ?
Now look back at your questions. What do they reveal to you about what you think about God? About your relationship with him? About what you expect him to know or do?
Use this exercise as an invitation into previously unexplored areas with God.
Learn More
- The Powerful Possibilities in Pondering Questions
“Answers lure us into comfort ruts while questions energize us to explore deeper and newer horizons.” – Jean Wise - Ask One More Question
I had one final question for Gary if he had time to answer it. - How Asking Questions Can Be an Act of Worship
Loving God with your mind is a command.
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What question would you like to ask God? Please share in the comments.
Coming up tomorrow:
- R – Raw
When have you felt tender or exposed?
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- P Is for “Portals” – How to Find Openings with God
- R – When You Feel Raw {26 Surprising Ways to Encounter God, A-Z}
Being very raw and sharing what question popped into my head when I read your question, here’s what I wondered: Parts of me would want to ask God why He didn’t warn me against marrying my first husband? Why He allowed me to go through so much heartache? Why did my kids have to face so much? Then I quickly remember how wonderfully God has turned my life around and how He is using my brokenness to help heal others. I know He was there with me through every struggle and heartache. I know He is working things out for our good. I just sometimes wonder. My best answer is that God allows us to join in the sufferings of Christ so that out of our brokenness others can be healed. Years ago we used to sing the song “To Be Like Jesus…All I Ask Is To Be Like Him”, I guess brokenness is an answer to our question from that song. And so I sing, “All I ask…Is To Be Like Him.” Thanks for the thought-provoking, Question Inspiring Post Lisa!
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
I understand your question, Sherry. I wonder, too, why God allowed me to marry my first husband. But, also like you, although the experience ended badly in that marriage, it led me to a brokenness that prepared me better for wonderful things to come. I love your faith and your encouragement that you share here! Thank you.
Lisa I’m glad I shared with someone who could “get where I was coming from”. The latter is so much better than the former for both of us.
Amen, Sherry!
Somehow I have a feeling that all the questions I would pose to God now will pale in significance when I see His face. What I love about your post, though, is the fact that God is in no way put off by my questions now, and He welcomes our minds and our hearts into His presence.
I have to agree with you, Michele—the things that trouble me now, will probably NOT trouble me when I’m face to face with Jesus! Nothing will compare.
The practice of asking question has been powerful for my spiritual growth. Thanks for the link, too, Lisa! Great letter Q!
Asking questions has certainly been powerful to me, too, Jean. I’m grateful for a God who encourages us to grow and change and be more transformed into his image through our questioning!
Dear Lisa
This is a good idea. In prayer I tend to ask for help, as in “please help me with X”. That attitude would at least bring X to the surface, but your idea — “Why is X so difficult? When – if ever – will Y happen – and what should I do while I’m waiting?” — gives God an opportunity to answer there and then. Also, as you hint, brings my concerns to the surface in more detail.
I don’t always dig deeper into my questions either. But when I do, I usually learn more about my own motives as well as what I’m expecting God to do for me. 😉
In a recent church General Conference, which happens twice a year, one speaker said it was alright to pause, to question, to demand answers from God, but you are not allowed to quit – i am working on it. Life is throwing me curl balls and instead of trying to dodge them i am catching them and examining them and deciding if i want to keep them or throw them over the fence.
Sounds like that was a great lesson: just don’t quit. It’s something we all have to work on all our lives, some of us more than others. I like what you’re doing with your curve balls…
Lisa,
I so love how God didn’t condemn Job for asking questions although God responded with more questions 🙂 And what of the lament psalms…lots of questions there. Thanks for this post 🙂
Good examples, Dolly. Lots of questioners in the Bible! What would we do without the Psalms??? 🙂
Some days there are lots of questions and some days there is quiet acceptance. I know God welcomes our questions, but I prefer the days of quiet acceptance. For me (Ms. Inquiring Mind) the days of quiet acceptance are true blessings and grace upon grace!
I wonder if you would be a “Questioner” on Gretchen Rubin’s personality typing system. I’m an “Upholder” on that scale, but I know I have quite a bit of “questioner” in me, too. Questions can be good, but they can also be unsettling. So, yes, I appreciate those times of quiet acceptance, too. 🙂