Questions & Answers

There are many mysteries in this world without answers – where did all the oceans come from? Who defined their boundaries? Where did the sun get its heat from? What holds the sun in place? How many universes exist? and so on. Science may try to postulate theories, but there are no definite answers.

On the flip side, there are other questions that may have gone unanswered and remained mysteries, if not that they were recorded, and we know the answers - how was Adam (mankind) formed as an adult in a day? How did the ark of Noah float over the flood that fell? How did Elijah outrun the chariots of Ahab unto the gates of Jezreel?

So many other questions, but maybe there are answers, such that the God who held the sun and moon in place when Joshua commanded them to be still (Joshua 10) is very likely the one who created them and keeps them in place; the God who sent the flood of Noah for 150 days is the One who created the oceans and defined their boundaries.

We all have questions that we want answers to – why did my loved one have to die? Why did I have to lose my job? Why will this sickness not leave? Why have I prayed over and again for this thing, and it has not come? Why is it taking so long for me to find a job? Why am I not getting pregnant?

While there may not truly be answers to these questions, the responses to other inquiries might provide some insight into the ones we seek or at least offer us some peace regarding them. For instance, how did I receive this manifold grace from God? How did I qualify for eternity with Him? How did I survive this accident? How have I endured this difficult time? How did I get this job for which I did not qualify?

The truth is that there are questions we may never receive answers to in this world. Sometimes, we may not understand why God does what He does or why He allows certain things to happen. Could we have acted differently? Did I have any control over the situation? Here’s what the Bible says in Philippians 4:6 (NLT):

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done”

Chances are, that if you think deeply, God has done something you can thank Him for. So, for the other things that keep us up at night, He tells us not to be worried. I think I know why this is – it is because it is very likely that the God who did the things you are thanking Him for also has the thing you are worried about under control as well. The next verse tells us the aftermath; Philippians 4:7 (NLT),

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

There it is; Peace! Peace that will exceed all the questions that we do not have answers to (yet). And that peace will guard our hearts. It will streamline our thoughts and minds. It will keep us from judging God unfairly. It will keep us from thinking God is wicked to us (because He really isn’t and will never be).

Let me bring this to a close with two analogies. I heard the first one from Minister Tomi Favored. She said she knows her husband’s character, she knows that he is loving and he cares for her. So, if at any point she calls his phone and he does not answer the phone, rather than think he is doing something wrong or cheating, she thinks maybe he is busy with something else in that moment, or she’s worried about whether he is doing okay. This is why when we think of God’s goodness and how He has come through for us in the past, we can judge Him faithful and loving, even concerning the questions we may not already have answers to (yet).

The second one was from Pastor Chingtok Ishaku. He asked a question, ‘What comes to mind when someone you love covers your eyes? Is it fear or anticipation with joy?’ You are very likely to think that they are about to surprise you with something pleasant. So, it does not matter where they lead you, or how long they lead you for, you will beam with smiles, and you can’t wait until they unveil your face so you can see what the surprise is.

Here's to encourage you. Hang on! Stay with God. He is busy with something and that’s why He is “not picking your calls.” Whatever He is doing will end up being for your good. If He holds the sun in place and keeps the universe together, He has not forgotten about you.

Shalom.