When I had this realization several years ago, it was so freeing...
Growing up as a Christian, I was often confronted with questions. And, I always felt terrible when I didn't have the answers. It seemed to me that answers were what I was supposed to have...an answer to every question, and the right answer to every question. Not only that, but whenever someone would ask a question, I felt strangely fearful, as if somehow I would be unable to defend God, and as a result of my lack, his power and greatness would be immensely diminished and the questioner would be lost forever. If I had only understood then what I understand now, I would have been appalled by the arrogance of my thinking. The fact is, God's dealings with individuals don't begin and end the moment they encounter us, and how ridiculous is it to think we should have all the answers all the time. Only God has all the answers, and he is not afraid of our questions. God is so much bigger than that. Sometimes the best answer we can give a questioning person is, "I don't know". One thing I have learned is to never underestimate an individual's need to search things out for himself, to connect with God on a personal level without always going to someone else for answers. After all, scripture does exhort us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)... That scripture goes on to say that it is God who works in us... God is not afraid of our questions, so why should we be afraid when others ask questions. God can handle it! HE is God. Not me. And, what a relief that is!
c2009 Lorenda Houston
