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Does God ask questions and why?
By Dr. Ronald K. Powell, PhD., ThD.
Intro:
When I was a young seminary student, one of my mentors made a remark I would never forget... that remark was that the person with the question in their mouth was in control of the conversation.
I must admit I did not understand the full impact of the statement at the time. Eventually, I realized that God Himself asked questions of those who did not understand where they were going in any given situation.
The wisdom of a question should always be that the questioner should already know the answer and provoke the one questioned to consider their ways.
Examples from Scripture:
1- Where Were You? (Job 38:4)
When Job is asked this question, God is reminding mortal man that He is a Sovereign and immortal Creator. The Almighty continues by explaining the breadth of His wisdom. As with Job, while we're not able to fully explain how God moves in time and space, we do know that despite our current circumstances -- God knows all things, He lives and He reigns. God is the Sovereign and all-knowing God and His questions posed are to make his created consider the answer.
2- Is Anything To Difficult For The Lord? (Genesis 18:13)
Life challenges our faith and sometimes we laugh just like Abraham's wife Sarah. God challenges our lives to be entrenched in radical faith. When fear and doubt try to arise, we should confront those thoughts with His question and stand firm on His promises.
3- What Is Your Name? (Genesis 32:27)
Knowing who and whose you are is one of the goals God has for each and every one of us. This question was posed to Jacob who lied about his own identity to falsely assume the birthright blessing of Isaac. God wants us to know that we don't have to deceive to get what He has for us. We can be honest and open about who we are and let God's transforming power begin to perfect us into the image of Christ.
4- Why Are You Angry? (Genesis 4:6)
When our choices get us into trouble, sometimes the natural inclination is to lash out at God. When Cain, for example, slew his brother in cold blood, he was angered when the consequences of the actions came about. The next time you find yourself demonstrating the same response remember this question and examine yourself to see what you can do to change.
5- Who Told You? (Genesis 3:11)
Can you hear the sadness in His voice when He posed this question to Adam? God's word should be the authoritative voice in our life. This question forces the use of discernment. God, through this question, says who the source of your information is - are they corrupt or credible?
6- What Are You Doing Here? (1 Kings 19:13)
God asks the prophet Elijah this question when He finds him running and hiding out from Jezebel. Elijah was battling discouragement, fear and doubt. Instead of complaining and succumbing to our feelings, prayer and praise should proceed from our mouth when we find ourselves in a wilderness situation.
7- Who Made Your Mouth? (Exodus 4:11)
When God gives us an assignment, we're never fully qualified or apt to take it on. Think about Gideon, Moses and King David. That's the whole point, to rely on His grace to amplify our ability and operate supernaturally oppose to only in the natural. This question was in response to Moses' feeling of inadequacy. Through this question, God says I'm greater than your inadequacies.
8- Is My Hand Too Short? (Isaiah 50:2)
Consider the situations in which you find yourself today. Do you feel overwhelmed? Does it seem that circumstances in your life are greater than what you're able to do? God is ready and willing to come to our defense when we call on His name and He reminds us with this question that He can reach us...He is mighty to save!
Closing:
I have long learned the person with the Question in their mouth generally is not interested in my answer, but what have I learned from this event. Parents, Spouses, Business people C.E.Os should all take their ques from God.
To really be in charge:
When you see an error or an infraction and know it is an error, then ask the one committing the infraction a question. Do not answer this for them, but leave the question to make them pursue an answer that will be meaningful and life changing for them.
To really be in control means we already know what those who are following have no idea about and we will leave them with the dignity of searching out a matter. The Question is greater than the direction of the insecure.
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