The Power of a Question

When You Were Little, What Did You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

It’s a question that sparks imagination, curiosity, and possibility. It invites you to think beyond today and into a world of dreams. That’s what good questions do.

Albert Einstein once said, “If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask. For once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”

Questions open the door to new thoughts, wisdom, and understanding.

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said:

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.

Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Prov. 4:7

But then again, he also said:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

do not lean on your own understanding.” Prov. 3:5

Why Does He Tell Us to Get Wisdom but Not Lean on Our Own Understanding?

I believe God wants us to completely trust Him while we are learning. Our understanding will always be limited. No matter the subject, person, or how smart or experienced they are, there are things we’re missing.

If you think about it, every decision you make is based on limited information. There are factors you’re unaware of, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. It’s easy to spiral into all the “what ifs”! Fear can creep in quickly, taking us to dark places. But God gives us a wonderful safety cushion in this verse. He tells us we can and should trust Him.

Why Is God Trustworthy?

1. He knows all the facts. He understands every possibility and outcome. He knows what has been and what will be.

   
   

2. He loves you. He has good plans for you and desires what’s best for you.

   
   

3. He is sovereign.

   
   

Even in a world where life goes sideways, and bad things happen that feel confusing or unfair, we can still trust Him. In His sovereign power, He promised that,

“…in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28

You see, God specializes in taking situations and flipping them on their head. He takes bad things and redeems them because He is The Redeemer. It’s who He is, so it’s what He does.

Having God to trust is such a comfort. We can rely on Him to hold things together and guide us, even when we make decisions based on our limited understanding. I don’t have to "know it all" to feel emotionally and mentally stable. He has a good plan, and He will bring it to completion in our lives, even when we don’t understand.

The Joy of Learning and Growing

But God doesn’t leave us in our lack of understanding. He wants us to be people who are constantly learning and growing.

Have you ever had a child ask you a question, and then you helped them learn something new? You know that look on their face when they finally “get it.” They’re proud of themselves, and you’re proud of them too. There’s so much joy in this process of asking, teaching, learning, and growing.

I believe that same process is what God wants for us every day. He wants us to invite Him to be close so that we can ask Him our questions. Questions are a powerful means of gaining understanding.

“One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 NASB

In my book, One Voice, The Art of Spending Time with God, I outline five foundational questions you can ask every time you read, study, or reflect on a passage of Scripture. I call them foundational because they will help you build a solid base for your growing faith. They will also serve as a springboard for a lifetime of more good questions. Thank goodness, we have eternity to keep asking and learning.

The Five Questions

1. Who is God?

2. Who am I?

3. What is the gospel?

4. What lies and truths are being revealed?

5. What fears and faith are being revealed?

   
   

Once you practice interacting with Scripture using these five questions, they will become a cohesive team in your mind. One answer will help uncover another. They will guide you as you dig deeply into parables, narratives, poetry, law, gospels, epistles, and basically any genre in the Bible!

If you've felt like your personal study of Scripture could use a fresh approach, or if you've plateaued in your spiritual growth, then One Voice is for you.

This book offers practical suggestions for establishing personal Bible study rhythms that are sustainable and flexible. It will take you as deep into God's Word as you wish to go. It also serves as a practical guide to help you learn how to let the Spirit of God become your primary teacher.

King David understood the joy and power of being in God's presence, asking Him questions and having meaningful conversations. He learned this in the fields of Israel while tending his sheep. He carried this knowledge to the palace of Jerusalem, where he led the people of Israel. You can experience this too!

Click the Links or go to Amazon to pick up your copy today.

Blessings,

Melissa