Have you ever met that person? The one who has an answer for everything? They are so sure of themselves and offer up their answers, explanations, and advice much to quickly. Have you ever been this person? Me too.
We love having an answer for other people. We want to be the one who knows what time it is, how to file that paperwork, and which route to take downtown. We want to show our knowledge on what product to choose, which haircut would work best, and the most accurate account of historical events.
Ever been around the “problem solvers?” Once again yes, I’ve been this too! Ever shared a prayer request or an issue and gotten slammed with a to do list that you have no interest in and are dubious to attempt? I have had random people give me legal and medical advice that I would have been bananas to follow. The stories we could tell each other!
Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues.
Proverbs 17:28
It’s not just that we are know-it-alls and like to show off, but we also just want the answer to all our own questions the moment they pop into our heads. We live in the information age, and it seems like we can’t live without the answer right away. In our world every issue has a solution and a YouTube video. Every question has an answer, then a different answer, then a third answer.
Here’s a question; why does God not always answer when we ask Him a question?? It’s so frustrating. He knows everything. EVERYTHING. He knows the best way to do it, knows the future, and has absolutely zero gap in knowledge and wisdom. We go to Him for the answer to our medical, financial, relational question and sometimes we get nothing!
I bet you think I am going to answer this question. I am not, because honestly, I don’t know. I’m sure it’s because He’s too good, too wonderful, and too marvelous to act like us. Truth be told as much as I want the answers to all my questions even before I ask them I would rather that God would be allowed to be Himself. His holy, magnificent, wise self.
You crown the year with Your goodness,
And Your paths drip with abundance.
Psalm 65:11 NKJV
Maybe the idea that every question deserves an answer and every request deserves a to-do list is a value of Earth circa 2025 not the kingdom of God.
God is so good and there is no one better, so if He doesn’t answer every question with an immediate answer, explanation, or advice then maybe we shouldn’t either. He doesn’t warn us before we make a mistake every time, and He isn’t waiting to criticize the moment we blow it. That is human nature not God’s nature. (Ouch! I felt that!)
There’s something so very different about God in this area than us whether I understand Hid decisions or not. Let me say something wild here. Knowledge isn’t the only solution.
I think God is humbler in the area of knowledge and wisdom than us. We know so much less but are so proud! He knows literally everything and hangs back and allows us to choose and learn. For goodness sakes, if we learn anything we know it is only by His teaching and if we manage to choose right, we know it is by His grace.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
I’m still going to ask God questions, maybe more than ever, but I will expect that He won’t always answer right away, in the way I want Him to, or ever. Sometimes He answers right away, sometimes He doesn’t, and both are because He is good. He can’t be anything else. I will just have to be patient and faithful.
I will also try to stop answering so many questions myself. I’ll be slower to give opinions, to-do lists, and advice. I won’t stop people from making silly decisions unless God prompts me and I won’t be waiting when people fall on their face to correct. I’ll be judged by the same standard that I use to I need to be careful. My knowledge, wisdom, and behavior are a far cry from perfect.
I just have to remind myself that an answer to every question is not a Kingdom value but a worldly value. I will just try to encourage and point people to God over and over again. That is always the right answer.
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