F4S: July 2025

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Think about the compassionate Lord. He's there for You. Think about His Special Plan for You, and all the Questions inside. Think about the kind Responses of God as well.

He knows you already! Let's all know Him better. We can ask Him about all kinds of stuff!

You’ve heard this before - God loves you. Yes, He does, and he has a special, unique plan for your life. In fact, he has a better plan for your life than you have for yourself. He knows you better than you know yourself (every detail about you), and your questions as well ..before you even ask!

Prayer in Jesus’ Name of course can be beautifully-simple. Profoundly simple. Yes, for born-again believers, it’s not about lofty or fancy words or even polished phrases—it’s about honest heart connection. From your heart to God's heart. Jesus Himself said, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:8). 

So we never need to impress Him or people around us—just come to Him honestly.

Sometimes God responds. Sometimes, He answers immediately. Other times, He lovingly waits until the timing is best, wanting to develop trust in us. But every simple prayer of a believer like—“Jesus, help me. I want to get it in this area,” “Thank You, Lord. I love you” or “I trust You, want to trust you more.. but I have some trust issues with people who can be very fickle as you know”—reaches His heart.

Even short, whispered prayers carry weight in heaven with God. Heaven doesn't answer, He does. It’s not about how long or brainy we pray. It’s about who we are in Christ and who we’re praying to. It's about the purpose with that. 

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” ~ Oswald Chambers

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Have you talked with God alone and had some questions for Him? Is talking with Him a daily thing for you? Have you asked Him directly, and then He spoke to you.. like when you were reading your Bible? Have you asked Him personal questions, and now you are still waiting for Him to answer you? Some people are in that "waiting room" and hating that place. I've been there before, and I'm not so good at waiting.

Hey, God delights to answer prayer, and He answers a whole lot of His kid's questions while they are here. Yes, before they enter the afterlife in Heaven.

Have you blown it in life and now need some answers and cleansing? Do you need Him to pick up all the broken pieces of your life?

He's so good at lifting the broken, crushed and fallen people! He understands you!

You might see a failure in the mirror cuz you've failed (like we all have ), but God sees your potential. "But I'm really messed up and broken, Kurt." Listen, He sees who you could become after being forgiven. Come to Him as you are.. yes, just as you are yet willing to be changed by Him. Not changed into religious or even worse than you've been before, cuz He not religious and never does that.

I'm not interested in religion cuz no religion ever saved anyone, and He's never been religious. Come.. come today!

The Bible says, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24

It happens in a flash, becoming a Christian! It doesn't take a month, a day, or even an hour to get right with God. It can happen inside you before you even finish reading this article by a flawed surfer.

Do All Our Questions And Prayers Get Answered?

Do all Our Questions Get Answered ..While Here?

How Can We Understand God’s Responses?

A Sunday school teacher once gave the kids in her class an assignment to write down any questions they had for their Heavenly Father.

Here are some of the questions, comments, and suggestions that the kids came up with for their teacher:

Dear Heavenly Father God, did You mean for that giraffe in the zoo to look like that, or was it an accident?

Dear Heavenly Father, I like "the Lord’s Prayer" best of all. Did You have to write it down a lot of times, or did You get it right the first time? I have to write everything over and over again.

Dear God, thank You for my li'l baby brother that You gave to us, but how come.. cuz what I prayed for was a puppy.

Dear Heavenly Father, how come You haven’t invented any new animals lately? We still have just the old ones.

Dear God in Heaven, I bet it is very hard for You to love everybody in the whole world. There are only four people in my family, and I just can’t do it.

Dear God, what name do you prefer that we use when talking with you.. like Lord, Jehovah, Almighty God or something else? Does it matter that much?

Dear Heavenly Father God, in school we read that Thomas Edison made light, but in Sunday school, they said that You made it. I bet he stole Your idea. 

Are you new at talking about this God-stuff, and now you have your own questions, or comments, or suggestions for your heavenly Father?

Lots of people who have been Christians for most of your lives still have questions for God. I know I do! Your personal questions may be tough ones, but He's smart! It may seem impolite for you to ask God and you want to remain respectful. Ask Him in your own words anyways--He can handle your bluntness. Do you feel that your questions may suggest a lack of faith on your part? Why? Didn't believers filled with faith way back in the day have questions for God? Yup!

No matter how you feel, ask anyway. Open, honest, sincere communication with listening is good for any human relationship.

The psalmists back in the day asked God questions, and that's what we love about the psalms in the Old Testament. Pause and check out all of Psalm 10:1.

"Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
(v.1).. Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand;
forget not the afflicted.
Why does the wicked renounce God
and say in his heart, 'You will not call to account'”
(vv.12, 13)?

I enjoy pointed questions from the heart, and God too -- He loves heartfelt cries to Him. God really loves you. He's not mad at you believer, He's mad about you! Ask of Him!

He often responds to our heartfelt humble cries—not with anger, disgust, frustration or punishment for questioning Him, but with tender compassion, gentleness and full understanding. He can give each of us His wisdom and peace when we inquire of Him. He can easily open our eyes to spiritual truths that we can’t see on our own. Ask. He will gladly illuminate His word and give discernment with insight to each of His beloved kids!

Can you think of a Bible character who was closer to God than David was? Remember this psalmist and shepherd who ran toward the battle and killed that giant Goliath?

David was later promoted to king of Israel by God (See 1 Samuel 13:14. He was anointed three times and each time it was in connection to a promotion with a purpose). David did some serious praying and obeying, and then came the blessings, but not without some human opposition. Life from religious Saul who went mad in the brain. The Bible describes David as “a man after God’s own heart.” That's true, and yet look at all he wrote.

Go see what David asked of God in Psalm 13:1–2: “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?” (nlt).

He had his questions, so he poured out his soul honestly to God. It was because he knew God would recieve his questions for exactly what they were: genuine attempts to understand God and His will. David sought the Lord and wanted to get closer to Him.

Perhaps you remember the practical advice of the apostle James? “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5–6 nlt).

Listen, all sincere prayers prayed by Christians actually get answered by our loving Heavenly Father..

..But God doesn't always respond or answer us exactly the way we expect Him to.

Read through the Bible and you will see that God answers prayer in three distinct ways: yes, no, and wait. You already know this!

1.) When we honestly pour out our hearts to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus (His sinless Son) and He responds with a “no,” it’s so easy to feel like our prayer has been completely ignored. But in reality, a “no” is a direct and definitive response. It's an valid answer. God, in His wisdom, may see a bigger picture with others involved that we don’t see, or He may have a better plan in store for us. When God says no, that's not necessarily a bad thing at all. He is wiser.  That response of "no" might seem cold-hearted at first, but it can be a redirection for you, indicating a better plan or better timing for what was initially requested 

2.) When God’s answer is “wait” don't alow yourself to get discoraged. Stay in the word! This can be challenging, as we often desire immediate resolution. However, God operates according to His perfect timing. He uses seasons of waiting to develop our patience, strengthen our faith, and prepare us for what He ultimately intends. 

3.) When God's answer to you is "yes" ..rejoice! In fact, rejoice in the Lord always. Give thanks and praise in all circumstances cuz He has a good plan. There are the times when God answers with a resounding “yes!” These are the moments we often focus on, but understanding the other ways God communicates is crucial for a mature prayer life.

The Bible says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:4-6

Isn't God All Powerful -- Why Can't More Prayers Get Answered With A “Yes”?

If God really loves us all equally, then why don’t we experience more affirmative responses to our prayers? And why doesn't He always answer our questions right on the spot? I don't know all the reasons cuz I'm still a learner too.

One key reason could be in the prerequisite of a relationship with God after being born again. Have you repented of sin and believed in Jesus yet?

You know that not all kids or people have chosen yet to become God's children. Some sadly never will.

Though God calls us to Himself for a good purpose, not all will come to Him. Not all have heard the gospel yet? Not all humans are currently His children. Some have chosen to run the other way, after the worldly way. The promise of answered prayer is not at all a universal guarantee for everyone here on earth. Nope.

Today, during this age of grace, anyone and their brother can call upon the Lord.

Anyone, during a moment of emergency or great need, can think of God and put out a form prayer learned. I never discourage that. When I was young, Jesus was my God of choice during emergencies, but I didn't really decide to get saved until my teen years, when I was at Dana Hills High School in Dana Point. It was in 1977 that I was born again spiritually -- wasn't born at all right the first time, cuz for the longest time I loved sinning!

You must be born again cuz Jesus (with your best interests at heart) said you must.

Remember when Jesus answered Nick at night with, "'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Nicodemus said to him, 'How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?' Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’" John 3:3-7 esv

A consistent prayer life, characterized by fellowship and communion with God, is a privilege solely reserved for God's real children. You've got to be born into His family.

Think about the analogy of a normal family: you can ask your opposite-sex spouse or child for a favor with a reasonable expectation of a response, that's based on your cultivated, nurtured, and well-established relationship. Sure, you can. That same principle applies to our connection with our heavenly Father.

Does Liney, or my sons, or my grandkids ever ask me questions? Yes, and I readily answer them as best I can. Sometimes I don't know yet, but I will try to find the answer if it'll help them.

Does our heavenly Father prioritize the prayers of those who are in a right relationship with Him? Yes, absolutely! So cultivate this connection in Christ -- your calls and questions will be heard and He will answer you.

Is There Ever A Hindrance of Unconfessed Sin In A Person's Life?

Yes, and that will impede your prayer life. Sin is a barrier to answered prayer. Unconfessed sin in our lives keeps us from growing up spiritually. Gettting real with God (talkin' about candor and honesty) is so easy if you let go of the pride, the world, the fleshly lust, the lies of Satan, the greed, and those embarrassing feelings inside. The Bible says:

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2 nkjv)

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” (Psalm 66:18 nkjv)


What's that word “regard” mean in this context? It means clinging to, clutching onto, or holding onto personal sin.

All Christians stumble and sin even though we try never to do that. What's the dif between occasional stumbling or falling and that pattern of willful, habitual sin that's without any remorse or a desire to change inside. A lot. The devil points his finger of accusation, "Look at you, and you call yourself a Christian, but you are such a faker! You're not saved!" Makes you feel like a dirty dog (cuz he's a deciever, and the accuser of the brethren), but the Holy Spirit will graciously convict us when we blow it, and the result is SO sweet when we confess and repent of our sin.

If you are a genuine believer, you will be contrite inside. You'll experience inner conviction and real sorrow with mourning over the sin, but someone living in unrepentant sin will typically demonstrate a lack of true relationship with God. Some are sorry they got caught (ie, King Saul), but not sorry they hurt the heart of God.

The Bible says, "Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God." 1 John 3:8-9 esv

Therefore, addressing and confessing our sins is vital for maintaining an open-friendship-channel of communication with God.

Is there a Negative Impact from People's Selfish Motives?

Even when praying for seemingly “right” things, selfish motives or selfish ambition can enter in to hinder our prayers.

For instance, desiring to be used by God or positively influential for the Kingdom are noble aspirations for any believer. However, if the underlying motivation of the heart is to gain fame or recognition, or praise, or gobs of social media followers, then prayer’s effectiveness is compromised.

True leadership and service come with significant responsibility, and our hearts should remain focused on Jesus and glorifying Him. We live for God and His glory rather than for our own. Examining our inner intentions behind our prayers is SO crucial.

Can There be a Real Obstacle of Unforgiveness?

Yes, so choose to forgive people regardless of what you feel.. those who have deeply hurt you. Your feelings will eventually line up with your decision you prayed over. You don't have be best friends or keep doing business with those untrustworthy foks -- that would be stupid.

Trust is earned slowly and can be lost quickly.. or sometime it can be re-earned slowly too.

Unforgiveness in the heart so to speak is like posen for the one holding on to it. It is another powerful impediment to our prayer life too. A forgiven people need to be forgiving as well. Jesus Himself instructed:

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25 niv)

Harboring it inside is ugly.. tenderly nurturing and gingerly nursing bitterness and resentment towards others creates a barrier between us and God. It's a blockade. Do you forgive those on the other side of the isle.. even when so many of them are crooks? So what about the crooks on your own side of the isle..and there are some there as well?

But for the grace of God go I. I am depraved as well and am capable of doing those evils.

Forgiveness for Christians doesn't mean ignoring any harmful actions or rightful accountability! Biblical teachings also emphasize true justice and addressing the wrongdoing. However, the approach should be rooted in real love and seeking to win those sinners, or for some restoration of those once walking with Christ.

Holding onto..clinging to bitterness and resentment will negatively impact mental and emotional well-being. And that's according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Forgiveness can bring peace and facilitate healing, says Johns Hopkins Medicine.

While the offense committed against us may be very significant, there are police personnel (remember your church elders are not the police), and forgiveness is as much for our own well-being as it is for the other person. I don't go say, Hey, I forgive you when they don't ask or think they did anything wrong. Some people are very dim upstairs. It's so true -- unforgiveness is like drinking potent poison and then waiting and waiting, expecting the other person to die like a rat. It wounds our spirit and obstructs our connection with God.

But what About the Power of Persistent Prayer?

Our posture in prayer daily should be one of consistent engagement with God, regardless of our circumstances. We can opt to live harmoniously with Jesus as Lord. Are you suffering today? Then earnestly pray. Are things going well for you? Are you blessed right now? Rejoice in Jesus with friends and praise God. Do you need healing from the Lord today? Then pray, pray, pray--pray through until you know you've prayed through. Keep on praying and don’t stop praying. A breakthrough will be there for you.

We are engaged in a spiritual battle while here, where daily we are either advancing God's Kingdom, personally advancing spiritually, or retreating. Ephesians 6:10 reminds us to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” before even considering the good armor of God to put on by faith. Our strength in this battle stems from our relationship and fellowship with Him who is strong!

When sin or unforgiveness inside creates that distance, our vulnerability increases. Why want that? Therefore, our priority should be to stand firm in our connection with our loving Lord. Stay tight with Him through it all.

While God answers every prayer we pray..in His own time and special way, the quality and effectiveness of our prayers are deeply influenced by our close walk and relationship with Him.

The presence of unconfessed sin, the purity or impurity of our motives, and our willingness to forgive Him and others (He's done no one any wrong) all are factored in. Let us cultivate the good aspects of our lives in Jesus so that our prayers may be heard and answered according to His perfect will!

Ever done a li'l study on God's responses to people before?

Here are a few of my own questions: 

- How many different types of responses of God have there been before.. I mean regarding the questions asked by people recorded in the Bible?

- What were God's responses like to those questions recorded in the Bible.. that were asked by believers? And...

- What were God's specific responses to the questions in the Bible.. that were asked by unbelievers?

Type of SpeakerGod’s ResponseExamplesPromises/Practice
BelieversClear answers (yeah, sometimes)Moses, Elijah, JonahListen, obey, expect divine guidance
BelieversDelayed responsesAbraham, JosephWait in faith, grow in trust
BelieversSilenceJob, DavidTrust mystery, rest in God’s character
UnbelieversMiraculous signs & actionsPharaoh (plagues), Nineveh, Jesus to skepticsGrace can break unbelief through HS illumination

Yeah, what About those Questions from Unbelievers?

When unbelievers get in a bad situation, they sometimes cry or ask.. or request help—and some of them ask mockingly or angrily—God might graciously respond with a physical rescue. They tell me about how he responded to pull them out of that sinking or crashing car. Ever been in a near miss from a car crash when you were a lost-person? Who is your God of choice in emergencies?  

I don't like asking for signs personally, cuz too many religious folk do that, the Cross and empty tomb are the old signs I really like! God could respond with powerful signs, real miracles, signs and wonders (He's done those a lot over history), or with clear illumination from what His prophets have said, or He could respond through the words of Christ or others' words in the Bible when a believer is asking Him questions. Consider:

  • Moses before Pharaoh: God responds by sending plagues, signs, and judgment. God won, though Pharaoh wanted to win.

  • Prophets to wayward Israel: warnings, visions, promises of redemption. God wins again. Let's let him win. 

  • Jesus, standing before the skeptics and wicked opponents.. did good miraculous works and clear truth-teaching reveal His divine authority. God always wins, and we don't live for signs and wonders. 

I can't find any biblical records of God remaining totally silent when unbelievers challenge Him openly, and He almost always reveals Himself to his kids when they earnestly seek him.. and sometimes dramatically.

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.. the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Without faith, our prayers ring hollow—God doesn’t answer unbelief's demands with signs or wonders indefinitely. He is a rewarder of those who know He's there and diligently seek him (see Heb. 11:6 and the whole context). 

Reflect on His Word. Can You Give Some Wise Applications?

  • Season of Silence ≠ Absence: Job and David felt abandoned by God at times, yet finally recognized God’s close presence. We, too, must learn to listen even when God seems far away and quiet.

  • God's Testing of Us grows faith: Need an Barna-style insight: times of delay can refine our character and deepen our devotion to Him if we draw near. Not so much if we go away when hurting. The waiting posture is part of God’s cultivation of trust in us--let that happen. When you hurt run to God, run to a healthy local Bible teaching church and to the pastors, not away from them. 

  • God speaks through His Word: In modern seasons, answers often come through Scripture, not always through wind or fire. The Word (Jesus) is living -- “He speaks nowadays through His Word (the Bible).” 

Waiting Today While Needing Some Encouragement? You aren't alone. 

Please Remember to Hear Rich Mullins, who Sang “Hard to Get”?

“Do you remember when you lived down here where we all scrape to find the faith to ask for daily bread?”

And then go hear Andrew Peterson in “The Silence of God”:

“And the heavens’ only answer is the silence of God.”

Yet the hunger created in us by silence can drive us back to the Wellspring of unshakable promises (to God Himself), Matthew 5:6, Luke 11:9)

How Many Questions Does God Respond to in Scripture?

  • Believers’ Questions ..Answered
    In the Bible, when believers ask God, He sometimes answers them directly, often waits for the right season, and at times remains silent for quite a while. He has his reasons. 

    1. Direct Answers (a brief list—not at all exhaustive. Illustrative for ya)

    • Moses and the burning bush: God calls Moses and gives answers (Exodus 3–4).

    • Elijah on Mt. Carmel: God responds by fire consuming the altar (1 Kings 18). Real fire, real altar, real ashes. 

    • Jonah: When Nineveh repents, God relents and spares the city -- he is merciful and loving. Far more than Kurt is (See Jonah 3–4).
      Each of these demonstrates a clear divine and loving response.

    2. God Waits—Delayed His Responses

    • Abraham: waited 25 years (from age 75 to 100) before Isaac was born—man, that was a long silence between the promise given and His fulfillment. See that in the studies from B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary.

    • Joseph: long years in Potiphar’s house and then in prison before God’s plan unfolded (see the Genesis narrative).

    3. God Remains Silent

    • Job: cries out repeatedly. God does not explain all his suffering on earth; instead God asks him some questions about creation (Job 38–41).

    • King David: laments “why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22), “cry by day.. no rest by night” (Psalm 22:1–2).

  • Practical Steps—Wisely Apply the Truth. Don't Do That Unwisely. Ask for God's Wisdom First. 

    1. Ask boldly of Him and reverently for sure (James 1:5) and expect wisdom in return.

    2. Wait patiently and faithfully when God delays, cuz He has your best interests at heart (Psalm 27:14).

    3. Trust even when God stays silent—God is not absent for far away; He is shaping faith inside.

    4. Listen to Him when you are in His Scriptures—His Word is living and active, powerful, life-changing and even illuminates His voice to our inner human spirit.

    5. Respond in obedience, even when you don’t feel a thing or understand the whole, bigger picture.

    The Bible says, "A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them. The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being." Prov. 20:26

    *Okay, So What Are Your Thoughts On This?

    God’s answers to believers appear in three ways: direct responses, patient delays, or respectful silence. For unbelievers (like to hard-hearted Pharaoh), answers often come via Biblical revelation, signs, or judgment. The Bible is our revelation from God, we believers need no "new revelation" as the false teachers say we need. None of these is arbitrary—each response from God reveals a deeper truth about our Holy Creator.

    He is holy and you can live holy in Christ. He has joy for you as well! May this encourage you to seek the Lord wisely acceptably, biblically.. waiting with hope, and trust in Him. Yes, in the whispers from His Spirit. Let your faith rise up in you—not in the tempory absence of answers, but in the unchanging kind nature of the One who holds all the answers.

    The Bible says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).



    *The Many Ways God Speaks—or Stays Silent

    1. Direct Answers to Believers

    When faithful hearts ask, God often responds openly:

    • Moses at the burning bush: God speaks clearly, commissions his deliverance (Exodus 3–4).

    • Elijah on Mount Carmel: Fire from heaven answers prayer (1 Kings 18).

    • Jonah and Nineveh: God hears repentance and relents (Jonah 3–4).

    2. Divine Delay—Faith Refined in Waiting

    Sometimes God waits—deliberately and lovingly:

    • Abraham (Genesis 12–21): waited 25 years for Isaac.

    • Joseph: unredeemed in prison until Pharaoh’s dream (Genesis 37–41).

    • Modern reflections:

      “God waited four thousand years, until the fullness of time, before He sent His Son…” —Andrew Murray  

      “We shall not grow weary of waiting upon God if we remember how long and how graciously He once waited for us.” —Charles Spurgeon 

    3. Silence—God Speaks Through the Whisper

    Some of our questions meet silence, yet reveal depths:

    • Job repeatedly asks, and God responds with questions about creation, not explanations (Job 38–41).

    • David, in Psalm 22, cries “Why have you forsaken me?” yet learns to trust God's unseen faithfulness.

    • Elijah in the cave: not in wind, earthquake, or fire—but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11–13).


    *What About Unbelievers’ Questions?

    When skeptics question God, He often answers with powerful signs, revelation, or judgment:

    • Pharaoh’s heart hardens (he did that and God made it more firm), plagues come (Exodus).

    • Prophets speak visions to a rebellious nation.

    • Jesus reveals Himself and pure truth to skeptics through healing, resurrection, and convicting with truth statements.

    In these cases, God typically does not remain silent—He acts and speaks decisively to reveal His nature.

    Here's a beloved tapestry poem for ya:

    “My life is but a weaving / Between my God and me… Not ’til the loom is silent / And the shuttles cease to fly / Will God unroll the canvas / And reveal the reason why.” 

    I love how that beautifully captures God's delays: the sacred weaving in of destiny that we cannot yet see.

    *In Our Waiting Times Before The Lord:

    • “Be Still for the Presence of the Lord” reminds us:
      “Be still … for the Lord is present among us”—a poetic call to rest in silent trust.

    • William Cowper’s “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” declares:
      “God moves in a mysterious way / His wonders to perform.” Even when we don’t see answers, His higher wisdom is at work.

    What Resonates With Me?:

    • John Piper:
      “Waiting is a holy work of faith. God may delay years—but He does not delay in love.” 

    • Oswald Chambers:
      “God’s ‘nothings’ are His most positive answers. We must learn to wait.” 

    • Elisabeth Elliot:
      “Waiting on God requires bearing uncertainty, carrying unanswered questions while lifting your heart to Him.” 


    *Types of Divine Response Get Summarized:

    Who AsksGod’s ResponseBiblical ExamplesWhat to Learn
    BelieversDirect AnswerMoses, Elijah, JonahSeek boldly; expect guidance
    BelieversDelay / Silent WaitingAbraham, JosephTrust deeply; grow in patience
    BelieversDivine Silence, then PresenceJob, Job’s trust renewed; David's Psalms; Elijah’s whisperRest in mystery and character-shaping silence
    UnbelieversSigns, Revelation, JudgmentPharaoh, Nineveh, Jesus' miracles to skepticsGod reveals truth, convicts, offers revelation

    *A Fresh Call to Trust the Person of Christ for Obedience-sake

    Know and follow Jesus well. He blesses your obedience. Reflect and pray for a moment:

    • What question have you posed to God recently?

    • Whether He answered swiftly or with delay—or even silence—is He shaping your faith today? You know He ain't done with you!

    • Are you leaning into relationship with Christ and Scripture, memorizing truth, praying like you mean it cuz you really do, and worshiping as His written voice (Bible insights) unfold in your heart and mind?

    In seasons of waiting, remember Jesus loves you and has a good plan:

    • “He is working in the dark so you may shine in the light.”

    • “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

    May your heart and mind keep learning truth from the Holy Spirit who will guide you into all truth, yes from Scripture too. Yes, be learning the deep holy art of waiting on the Lord with hope from the Bible and joy from the Holy Spirit. While we wait, don't be passive. Yes, let's ever be seeking Him, listening with faith to God's word, and trusting God’s promises as well as His perfect timing regarding every unanswered question of ours. He responds with.. yes, no or wait and He always has good reasons for every response He gives us. 

Jesus asked curiosity questions that make us think.

Ever noticed how Jesus Christ didn’t ask “when” questions? 

We ask a lot of “when” questions.

“When will I find a spouse?”

“When will we have a child?”

“When will I get my dream job?” 

“When will the pandemic be over?”

“When will the Dallas Cowboys (who have at least been really consistent) win another Super Bowl?”

“When will Jesus come back?”

Of course, it appears obvious to reborn believers in the Bible that Jesus Christ will come to get his Church before his Second Coming to earth.  

Life seems pretty busy here, so midst the incessant hum of daily existence and inquiries, there often arises a profound hunger for meaning, purpose, and understanding. People are hungry for God and for His answers. 

We are, by nature, question-askers. Yet, in the divine narrative of the New Testament, we encounter a startling reality: the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, Himself was the supreme question-asker. His inquiries were not born of ignorance but of perfect wisdom, designed to pierce through intellectual facades, dismantle comfortable assumptions, and ignite a transformative encounter with truth.


In the Bible, We Find Our Loving Divine Inquirer?

I See Some Human Interrogators in the scriptures as well. 

Do their questions interest you any? 

While many seek definitive pronouncements, Jesus offered probing inquiries. Consider the sheer volume: Jesus asked over 300 questions in the Gospels—far more than He directly answered. Why this divine pedagogy of interrogation? Because questions compel engagement. They demand a personal response. They force us to confront not just what we know, but who we are and who we believe God to be.

George Barna in his research found a challenging paradox: while a significant majority of individuals intellectually acknowledge the Bible's relevance for life's dilemmas, genuine, deep exploration of its truths remains tragically low. Could it be that the core issue isn't a scarcity of divine answers, but a profound lack of spiritual curiosity—a reluctance to truly grapple with the very questions God Himself poses? As the insightful author Henri Nouwen once wrote, "The great spiritual task is to find the question that has been hidden in your heart and to live in a way that allows it to emerge." And often, Jesus' questions serve as the gentle, yet firm, catalyst for this emergence.

Let's lean into a few more of these piercing questions from Jesus, allowing their eternal resonance to cut through the noise of our lives and land squarely in our souls.


Questions of Relationship and Belonging: Redefining Family

Imagine Jesus, surrounded by His disciples, the crowd pressing in, and someone announcing His mother and brothers are outside. His response? A profound, boundary-shattering question: “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” (Matthew 12:48). This isn't a rejection of His earthly family, but a radical redefinition of kinship. He then extends His hand toward His disciples and declares, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."

This question challenges our comfortable, often exclusive, definitions of family and community. It calls us to a higher allegiance, a spiritual bond forged in obedience to God's will. It resonates with the powerful truth in the hymn "Blest Be The Tie That Binds":

“Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above.”

Are our circles drawn by blood and convenience, or by the transformative power of God's Spirit and a shared commitment to His purpose?


Questions of Faith and Provision: Beyond the Obvious

Recall the overwhelming crowd, the disciples' anxiety, and Jesus' seemingly practical query to Philip: “How many loaves do you have?” (John 6:5). On the surface, it's a simple logistical question. Yet, John reveals Jesus asked this "to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do." This question, often repeated in our lives through various challenges, isn't about God's need for information, but about our capacity for faith.

Philip's immediate calculation of insufficiency ("Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them...") is a common human response. We tend to focus on our limited resources, on the "impossible" mathematics of our situations. But Jesus' question invites us to look beyond the natural, beyond our current supply, to the limitless power of God. It's the same spirit reflected in the famous line from the hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness":

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.”

When facing overwhelming needs, are we asking "How many loaves do we have?" or are we asking, 

"What can God do with what little we surrender to Him?" 

This is a question that renowned philanthropist and missionary George Müller would have intimately understood. He famously ran orphanages entirely on prayer and faith, often facing days with no food, yet never letting a child go hungry. 

His consistent, unyielding faith in God's provision, even when resources were utterly absent to the natural eye, was his answer to Jesus' question. He chose to reckon with God's power, not human limitation.


Questions of Impatience and Understanding: The Weariness of the Divine

Sometimes, Jesus' questions carry a note of divine weariness, a longing for deeper understanding from His followers. After a frustrating encounter with a demon-possessed boy and His disciples' inability to cast it out, Jesus laments, 

“O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?” Matthew 17:17

This isn't an outburst of anger, but a heartfelt plea. It's a question that cuts through our spiritual complacency. It asks us: How long will we cling to doubt and spiritual immaturity when such power is available through faith? How long will we resist the transformative work of the Spirit within us? It's a call to move beyond spiritual infancy and embrace the deeper truths of God's kingdom.


Questions of the Heart and the Head: Unveiling Inner Turmoil

Jesus, with His unparalleled insight into the human psyche, often pinpointed the source of our outward struggles in our inner turmoil. When He declared a paralytic's sins forgiven, sparking silent accusations from the scribes, He asked, “Why are you thinking such evil things in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:4). This question bypasses polite conversation and goes straight to the core of hidden judgment and doubt.

It reminds us that our thoughts, often unseen by others, are intimately known by God and profoundly shape our reality. The famed psychologist Carl Jung, though not a Christian, famously said, "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." Jesus' question, though spiritually profound, echoes this truth: what we harbor in our hearts, whether good or evil, ultimately directs our lives. Are we allowing ungodly thoughts to fester, or are we bringing them to the light of Christ for transformation?

Similarly, in the midst of a terrifying storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calms the winds and waves, then turns to His fear-stricken disciples and asks, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). This question isn't a scolding but an invitation to self-reflection. It prompts us to examine the root of our anxieties. Is our fear based on present circumstances, or on a deeper lack of trust in the sovereign power of God? It's a reminder that even in the most tumultuous moments, faith should be our anchor. This resonates with the powerful sentiment found in the classic hymn "Be Still My Soul":

“Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change, He faithful will remain.”


Questions of Spiritual Dullness: The Blinders We Wear

Sometimes, Jesus’ questions reveal a deep-seated spiritual dullness, a resistance to truth. After explaining a parable that confused His disciples, He asks them, almost in exasperation, “Are even you likewise without understanding?” (Mark 7:18). This isn't a rhetorical jab; it's a lament over a hardened heart, a mind unwilling to grasp spiritual truth. It forces us to ask: Are there truths in God's Word that we are intentionally, or unintentionally, ignoring or refusing to understand?

And as Jesus surveyed the magnificent Temple, knowing its impending destruction, He asked His disciples, “Do you see these great buildings?” (Mark 13:2). It seems like a simple observation. Yet, in context, it's a profound challenge to our misplaced allegiances. They saw grandeur and permanence; Jesus saw transient structures destined to fall. This question compels us to examine what we value, what we consider "great" and enduring. Are we fixated on earthly structures, achievements, or possessions that, though impressive, are ultimately destined to fade? Or are our eyes fixed on the eternal, the unseen kingdom of God? The contemporary Christian song "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" encapsulates this call to eternal focus:

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace.”


The Enduring Interrogation: Your Answer Matters

Jesus' questions are not meant to confuse us but to clarify our understanding of ourselves, of God, and of His kingdom. They are invitations to deeper intimacy, profound transformation, and genuine discipleship. They demand an answer, not merely an intellectual one, but a life-altering response of faith and obedience.

As you reflect on these piercing inquiries—questions about our relationships, our faith in provision, our spiritual maturity, the hidden thoughts of our hearts, our fears, and our true priorities—which one most profoundly resonates with you today? Which question cuts deepest into your soul, prompting a renewed commitment to the One who asks not to know, but to transform? For in the divine interrogation, we find not judgment, but the very pathway to life abundant and eternal.

I like God's Penetrating Questions. 

The Bible, from its first pages to its last, is filled with questions—about God, about life, about us. Not because God is uncertain, but because we are. And God, like the masterful Teacher He is, often uses questions not to gather information, but to stir the soul. Jesus Himself asked over 300 questions in the Gospels—far more than He directly answered. Why? Because questions provoke reflection. They expose the heart. They awaken a longing for truth.

George Barna Research reveals that nearly 6 in 10 Americans still believe the Bible has answers for life’s problems, yet few spend time exploring it deeply. Perhaps the problem isn’t the absence of answers, but the absence of curiosity. As pastor and author A.W. Tozer once said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” And often, that discovery begins with a question.

Want to revisit a handful of the Bible’s most soul-piercing questions—and ask them afresh, as if they were directed right to us?


“Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1)
The serpent’s whispered question still echoes in every human heart tempted to compromise God’s Word. Doubting Scripture is the seedbed of sin. As Vance Havner said, “Satan is not fighting churches—he’s joining them. He does more harm by sowing tares than by pulling up wheat.”

“Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love…” (Come Thou Fount)


“Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)
This isn’t a GPS question. It’s a soul-searching one. God wasn’t unaware of Adam’s location. He was asking, “Where are you—spiritually?” God still asks. If you’re hiding in shame, He seeks. Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).


“Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)
Cain’s deflection becomes today’s apathy. Are we responsible for one another? Yes. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens.” True love is not passive. It pays attention.


“Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25)
Abraham’s rhetorical question still comforts the faithful. When God’s ways confuse us, His character assures us. As Charles Spurgeon declared, “When you cannot trace His hand, trust His heart.”


“If a man dies, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14)
This is humanity’s oldest cry. The Gospel answers: Yes! Jesus said, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). Eternity is not fiction—it’s your future.

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow..”


“How can a young person stay pure?” (Psalm 119:9)
The answer isn’t found in culture—it’s found in Scripture. “By living according to Your Word.” God’s Word cleanses, corrects, and equips (2 Tim. 3:16–17).


“Whom shall I send?” (Isaiah 6:8)
God still asks. Missions isn’t only across oceans—it’s across the street. Will you answer like Isaiah, “Here am I. Send me”? Or like many today, “Here am I—send someone else”?


“How many times shall I forgive?” (Matthew 18:21)
Peter asked with limits. Jesus answered with grace: “Seventy times seven.” Forgiveness isn’t about what someone deserves, but what God already gave us.

“Amazing grace… that saved a wretch like me.”


What shall I do with Jesus?” (Matthew 27:22)
Pilate asked, but everyone answers. The question is personal, eternal, and inescapable. You’ll either crown Him Lord or cast Him aside. There’s no neutral ground.


“Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15)
The most important question of your life. Not what others say about Jesus—but what you say. Peter got it right: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Eternity hangs on your answer.

“Jesus is either Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all.” — Hudson Taylor


“What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul?” (Mark 8:36)
Our culture idolizes gain, but Scripture asks: at what cost? The soul is eternal; success is not. C.S. Lewis wrote, “You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.” Don’t sell what’s eternal for what’s fading.


“What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30)
The most desperate and beautiful of all questions. And the answer is timeless: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31) That’s the Gospel. Full stop.


“Shall we go on sinning so that grace may abound?” (Romans 6:1)
Grace is not permission to sin—it’s power to overcome it. True salvation changes the heart. As Paul Washer said, “The evidence of justification by faith is a sanctified life.”


“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
Life may hit hard—but heaven holds you. If God is for you, nothing can defeat you. Even death only ushers you home.

“No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me…” (In Christ Alone)


Some More Thoughts: Prethink And Ask Your Questions Well, When Asked, Pray And Answer Wisely

God doesn't mind us asking him as long as I don't demand an answer. He doesn't really owe me anything. He answers when it's needed. 

The Bible isn’t afraid of questions—and neither is God. But every question leads us somewhere. Are you asking in faith or in doubt? In search of truth or justifying your sin?

Jesus asked the deepest ones of all: Do you love Me?” “Why do you doubt?” “What do you want Me to do for you?” (John 21:17, Matthew 14:31, Mark 10:51).

May we become a people who don’t just ask well—but respond well. Like Isaiah: “Here am I.” Like Peter: You are the Christ.” And like the jailer: “I believe.”

For eternity hinges not on asking the right questions really—but on answering the One who calls you. What will you do with God the Father's sinless Son Jesus