By, Renee Bryant
By nature, I see myself as a problem-solver. I love to offer practical, doable solutions that make the lives of my loved ones easier. Know anyone like that?
Lately, God has had me in a season of soul-searching— teaching me to hold questions and allow the holding to strengthen my relationship with Him.
Do you happen to find it as fascinating as I do how God used questions in His interactions with Adam (Gen. 3:9), Cain (Gen. 4:6, 9) and even Peter (John 21:15-17)?
We may find it uncomfortable to be questioned by another. In those situations it becomes our responsibility to have and give answers. But, we may prefer being questioned over being the one asking the questions.
To hold a question means we must find the courage to ask our question and then wait for a response.
We find an example of this in Genesis 15:2. Abram questioned God regarding a child He had promised. This promise had not yet been fulfilled. In verse 3 Abram offered his solution to the question. God repeated His covenant promise and Abram “believed” God would provide the answer (Gen. 15.4). Still holding the question of ‘when,’ Genesis 16 tells us that Abram and Sarai turned to their own problem-solving for an answer.
Facing the challenge to hold a question is not easy. But it can be valuable. Here are some things the practice of holding questions has taught me about my relationship with God.
1. Holding a question allows me to sit with it, giving me time to explore resources and search for answers. In the searching, I am learning.
2. Holding questions can be a place to practice trusting. It is hard to wait on God’s timing, but in the waiting, I am trusting.
3. Holding a question creates opportunities to repeatedly turn to the One Who has the answer.
As I practice turning to Him, our relationship is growing.
Are you wondering what questions I’m currently holding? Some are simple, others are complex. The one that has lead to this soul-searching is: “What does it mean for me to know God and be truly known by Him?”
Though God has revealed some answers, and I have discovered others - it will be a question I hold for quite some time.
As we hold our questions in God’s presence, may they guide us to learn, trust and grow in our relationship with Him Who created, loves and yearns to know us.
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