I was recently shown the value of questions. Once pointed out to me, it seems quite obvious, but up until then I’m not sure I had realized the value they hold.
Questions are something I almost have a love / hate relationship with. As in they are one of the best tools for me to use when I’m trying to figure something out, but on the other hand I can feel completely bombarded and overwhelmed with all the unknowns, all the questions, I face in a day.
But questions are good! They inspire us to think, to use our mind, and to stretch our perception of what is or what might be! Questions are powerful! And when we remember the value of questions, we have the opportunity to go so much further than we might have before we thought to ask them!
Ask, Seek, Knock
The most basic, fundamental, memorable parable that couldn’t get more direct if it tried: Ask, Seek, Knock.
I remember not long ago, realizing the value of asking questions. It sounds silly, but up until then I had tried not to ask too many questions. I wasn’t trying to challenge the status quo or fight the way things were.
But then one day I saw a new perspective when I read the parable to ask, seek, and knock. It is as if a light bulb went off! I wasn’t living to my full potential, I wasn’t giving my all, I was simply a bump on a log waiting to see what happened next! And that’s not what God created me to be!
Starting that day, and even now, I find myself questioning everything. Not in a difficult, pain-in-the-neck way, but rather in a how-can-we-make-it-even-better way! What I’m doing now is special, but how can we step it up a notch? I’m always questioning, always asking, seeking, knocking.
When There is No Answer
Here is a very real part of asking questions – there isn’t always, or even often, an immediate answer. And that can be hard. Some things are easier to wait on and continue to work towards while we wait for the answer, but some things are close to our hearts and can be much more difficult. How do we handle this well?
One interesting take away is that typically if you give it long enough, there will be an answer. God always answers, even if it might take a lifetime. He might say yes or He might say no. Ultimately, we must remember that He is in control and that His plans are perfect. He sees the future, He knows what is best for us, and He is a good, good Father.
When there is no answer to your question, have faith, give it to God, and give your best effort in all things. Sometimes when we are discouraged or uncertain, it can be easy to want to let it all go, but that is the time it is even more important to step up our game and give our very best. Not because we feel like it but because it is the best way we can represent God. This life isn’t about us or our comforts, but rather about serving our God to the best of our ability.
What Questions Should We Ask
What questions am I suggesting that you ask? I don’t know what you might be going through, but I’ll suggest a few questions that might inspire you!
Perhaps you are single – you might ask God what He has for you to do now that you can accomplish best for Him as a single lady.
Maybe you’re trying to figure out what to do with your life – ask God to direct your steps, to give you a vision for what He has for you. And then pay attention to what comes along! Knock on doors of opportunity. God has an amazing way of guiding us if we will simply muster up some courage and pursue the things in front of us!
Finding your dream job – if you could do any job, what would be your dream? Consider this as you go about your day. Work is necessary in life and there is absolutely no reason not to pursue something that delights you!
Perhaps you feel stuck in a rut – how might you get out of this rut? Think about this carefully and reclaim your joy of living! Do you need to get out a bit, refresh and unwind? Maybe you need to allocate a few minutes to sit down with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy a book. Want to reconnect with a friend? Reach out and choose a day and time!
Remember, there is nothing holy about maxing yourself out and rushing through your days. God says when we do our work and live our lives unto Him, He will fill our lives with good things!
Don’t live passively, but rather intentionally!
Give God your best where you are and pursue the dreams He gives you a glimpse of! As the saying goes, Don’t give up on your dreams, you have them for a reason!
May God bless you with a new joy for living! May He inspire you with questions and ideas, interests and relationships that help you be all that you can be for Him!
There is so much value in asking questions – perhaps your first might be: What would You have me ask?!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2018/03/07/art-asking-questions/