The Power of a Question

When you were little, and someone asked you, “what do you want to be when you grow up”, what was your answer?

It’s a question that sparks imagination, curiosity, possibility, belief, wonder. It invites you to think beyond the confines of today, into a world of possibilities.

That’s what good questions do.

Albert Einstein 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 for 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 in one breath to get wisdom and understanding, but then in the next 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 what the subject matter, no matter the person, or how smart or experienced they are; there are things we’re missing; things we don’t yet understand. 

If you think about the reality that every decision you make is based on limited information, that there are factors you’re missing, it can create serious feelings of anxiety and overwhelm, especially if you start spiraling into all the “what if’s"! Fear can creep in really quickly! That path can, and does, take people to some pretty dark places. But, God is giving us this wonderful safety cushion right here in this verse. He tells us we can and should trust Him.

Why is God trustworthy?

1. Because He does know all the facts, and every factor for every possibility. He knows what’s been and what will be.

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

3. Because He is sovereign.

So, even in a world where life goes sideways, bad things happen that feel confusing, unjust, or unfair, we can still trust Him because 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 outcomes, and flipping them on their head. He takes bad things, and He 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 trust Him to hold things together and keep us moving in the right direction, even though we are making decisions all day long based on our limited understanding. I don’t have to "know it all" to be in a good place emotionally and mentally; to be "OK". He has a good plan and He will bring it to completion in our lives, even though we don’t understand.

But God doesn’t leave us in our lack of understanding. He doesn’t want us to remain perpetually ignorant. 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 for understanding, and you’re proud of them for working towards understanding. There’s so much joy in this process of asking, teaching, learning, and growing.

 I believe that same process is what God wants to do with us every day. He wants us to invite Him to be close so that we can ask Him our questions; because they 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, 5 foundational questions you can ask every time you read, study or just think about a passage of Scripture. I call them foundational, because I believe they will help you build a solid foundation for your growing faith. And, they will be the spring-board for a lifetime of more good questions. Thank goodness, we have eternity to keep asking and learning.

The 5 questions are:

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’ve practiced interacting with Scripture using these 5 questions, they will become a cohesive team, working almost simultaneously in your mind; one answer helping to uncover another. They will help you dig deeply into parables, narratives, poetry, law, gospels, epistles, basically any type of genre in the Bible!

If you've felt like your personal study of Scripture could use a fresh approach, if you've felt like you've plateaued in your spiritual growth, or if you're looking for ways to personally dig more deeply into the pure Word of God, then One Voice is for you.

It will give you practical suggestions for establishing personal Bible study rhythms that will be sustainable, flexible, and take you as deep into God's Word as you have time and desire to go. It will also be a practical guide to helping you learn how to let the Spirit of God become your primary teacher.

King David knew the joy and power of being in God's presence, asking Him questions and having great conversations with God. He learned it in the fields of Israel as He tended his sheep. He carried it with him 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