Answers

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Life has more questions than answers; it is perplexing when unable to find the answers to some difficult life situations. God wants us to trust Him and believe that in love, He is in control even when it doesn’t appear that way. This will develop faith and perseverance as well as a correct perspective (1 Cor 13:12).

Don’t just ask God ‘why’, but ‘what do you want to teach me through this situation’? Maybe repentance is called for. By having a tender responsive attitude to the Lord you will emerge a better person each time. Often we voice ‘Lord, why?’ His answer is, “You do not realize now what I am doing but later you will understand” (Jn 13:7).

Some things God has not revealed to us, other things He has made very clear (Deut 29:29). Even though our human finite minds can’t comprehend many aspects about life and God we have been clearly shown that men without God are lost, and Jesus is the only way back to Him. “What may be known about God is plain” but through sin and not accepting the truth it is lost to those who insist

Do I act on the answers when I know them?

in living sinful lives (Rom 1:19-25). Disobedience is an act of the will and not the result of a lack of knowing the truth. God’s Word reveals what we should do; it is our responsibility to act accordingly by loving God with every part of our being and our neighbour as our self (Mk 12:30,31).

His answers are normally principles to live by, to govern our conduct. These supplement the 10 commandments and other Bible directives rather than providing specific solutions to the infinite situations of life. As we spend time with God, and read the Word the Holy Spirit will guide by revealing things to us that we need to know (Isa 30:21; Jn 16:13). Whatever we believe we receive from God will line up with Scripture as He will not contradict Himself (Act 17:11). Our knowledge of Him will set us up for godly living (2 Pet 1:3).

We are, however, warned to only seek answers God's way; do not seek advice from fortune-tellers, clairvoyants or other means that do not acknowledge Christ, or are forbidden in Scripture (Lev 19:26,31; Deut 18:10-13; Gal 5:19-21). God and occult practices are not compatible and the information that may be obtained from Satan will be distorted or totally false, as he is “The father of lies” (Jn 8:44). Don't follow advice that will not bring you into bondage to Satan and away from the liberating power of Christ (Gal 5:1).

No one person, Church or denomination has all the answers – not even this resource! God reveals Himself to those who diligently seek Him (Jer 29:13). We should study as well as seeking wisdom and knowledge to gain a fuller understanding (Prov 4:5,7, 23:23). It is a desirable quality to be curious and seek answers or at least increase your understanding into the complexities of our modern and

Ensure the answers you seek reflect the truth

technological world. As we gain knowledge about legitimate affairs of this world through an inquiring mind we will become more proficient and wise in helping others. While some issues have a clear-cut definitive answer other matters have more than one acceptable solution and this can cause tension between those who hold to opposing views.

Definite answers to prayer may take some time to become reality – this develops persistence in praying and stretches our faith (Lk 18:1-8). When it is not the response we believed and hoped for don’t let it shatter your confidence or trust in God. Remember He doesn’t give us what in our selfish, carnal, limited view we think is best; rather He operates from a much higher and long term perspective (Isa 55:8,9).

Abraham, Moses, the many prophets and Job all lived with relentless perplexities many of which were never solved. To have faith is to live with unresolved doubts, prepared to rise above ourselves and our very limited wisdom and perspective.