Ask the Questions

Periodically, okay, probably more often than not, I find myself asking Father God a series of questions. Not because I do or do not believe Him; it’s because I seek His wisdom, guidance, and assurance. It’s important and imperative that I am assured I am moving as He desires. In other words, that I am instinctively obedient.

The questions I ask are relevant to more than just me; they are life-changing for me and so many others. You see, the decisions and choices I make have an impact not only on my life, but on the lives of people outside of my circle, including people I have yet to meet and may never meet. These questions, the answers, and my subsequent act of obedience or disobedience have the power to change generations to come. So you see, my questions are significant, and so are yours.

Are you like me? Do you find yourself asking Father God questions along the lines of what we’re doing, meaning Him and you? What is His will? To be clear, are you on the right track? Do you ever ask Him to keep you humble and never let you get beside yourself? How about before entering a conversation or forging an alliance or partnership?

These questions can be prayer, fasting, and certainly a combination of both. The fact of the matter is, you ask questions like these and more because you understand the importance, the weight, and the significance placed in your hands; the responsibility you carry; and the accountability required. Your questions acknowledge these very facts.

David understood the importance of asking the questions. In 1 Samuel 30:8, David inquired of the Lord before pursuing the raiding party. In 2 Samuel 2:1, David again inquired of the Lord, asking if he should go up to one of the towns of Judah. After Father God told him to go, David asked another question: where should he go? Father God answered, “To Hebron.”

David shows us again in 2 Samuel 5:19 and 23 the importance of asking the questions. David inquired of the Lord about attacking the Philistines, and Father God told him to go. Yet, when the Philistines came again, David did not simply assume the instructions would be the same. He inquired of the Lord again, and this time Father God gave him different instructions. Never assume you know the answer or the course of action Father God will give. Father God may not move the way He told you last time. Ask the questions.

Do not let the enemy play games with your mind or even use others, including those close to you, to cause you doubt. Or cause you to think your questions to Father God are not necessary because they are. Or make you believe your questions are not important to Father God, because they are.

Taking time, making a moment, whether long or short, to inquire of the Lord is good; it is wise; it shows spiritual maturity. It also shows you understand who’s in control, who you trust, and that you understand your responsibility, the level of accountability, and the weight and impact your voice carries.

Let me be clear about this: Father God is not intimidated by our need to seek clarity and assurance from Him. Gideon’s encounter with Father God is a reminder that Father God understands the heart that seeks confirmation. In Judges 6:36–40, Gideon asked Father God for confirmation concerning what He had told him, and Father God responded. There is a difference between asking Father God for direction and repeatedly questioning what He said because it was not the answer you wanted.

It’s important to ask the questions, and to ask them as often as necessary. Asking the questions is the best thing you can do when walking in purpose, carrying the will of Father God.

Here’s the recipe: Don’t doubt; ask the questions, then listen intently for His answers, and here’s the essential part: when He answers, ask for wisdom to obey instinctively.