Question, but also Trust

The band for KING & COUNTRY sings, "My help comes from You. You're right here, pulling me through. You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders, Your shoulders. My help comes from You. You are my rest, my rescue. I don't have to see to believe that You're lifting me up on Your shoulders, Your shoulders." These lyrics remind us that God carries us in our times of need.

Job 3:11 and 7:19 tell say, "'Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?...Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant?" (NIV) Job questioned God. And Maxwell points out that God did not chastise him for that, but for doubting Him. Maxwell says, "God doesn't mind questions; it's doubt that He hates."

In John 20:27, Jesus said, "Stop doubting and believe." We must remember that God is in control, no matter what we go through. We need to have faith in Him and believe that He will never leave us and know that He will never forsake us, as He says in Hebrews 13:5.

When we pray, we can ask God questions. Some He may answer, some He may not. Maxwell says, "Leaders must never be afraid to ask hard questions of God, but neither must they demand that He answer." The most important thing is to maintain complete faith in Him and never doubt that He knows what He is doing. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (NIV)

An Amish adage says, "Sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms His child." When we go through trials, we must remember what Jesus said in John 16:33: "'I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.'" (NIV) We serve the risen Lord! Furthermore, earlier in John, Jesus said, "'Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'" (John 14:27, NIV) That sounds like more than a recommendation to me. Jesus is telling us not to be troubled or afraid. It goes back to having complete faith in Him, knowing that He will be by our side, as Tenth Avenue North sings.

Today's reflection question asks, "When do you question God?"

I have difficulty with this. I try not to question Him because I honestly feel like questioning Him shows lack of faith and trust. I need to learn the lesson in Job concerning asking questions of God. Maxwell notes, "When we, like Job, through trembling lips confess the awesome majesty of God, we may at last be ready for the awesome blessing of God." It is not bad to ask questions of God, but it is bad to doubt Him. I need to learn to separate the two.

John C. Maxwell sends out a daily email with a Word of the Day, along with a video. Today's word was Trust. I truly believe that God meant that for me.

Pray this prayer:

Father, please help me to always remember that You are with me always. Forgive me for doubting You every time I have done so. Please help me through my problems and provide for me. I know that in You I have everything I need, and I know that You will provide for me. Help me to maintain complete faith and trust in You. I know that You lift me up on Your shoulders. Thank You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!

God bless you!