Questions That Drive Me Crazy In a Good Way

I never know what will come into my head when I turn off the lights. This will amuse some people. Some will find it shocking. Some will be curious. I don't need to know into which category you fall. 

> When were Heaven and Earth created? (Everyone is gonna miss this one. )

>  How long was it from the creation of the heavens and the earth until the creation of time?

You can find the answers in Genesis 1. But don't cheat. And there is no rush. Time, after all, doesn't matter.

My brain operates like an earth mover. It digs down into the core. I love it when it happens, but I sure wish it didn't happen when I'm short of sleep. 

Thirty years ago, I'd sit up all night playing with this stuff. Now? I have to write it down if I can remember it in the morning. I remembered these, and I know if I remember them, they were important. Perhaps not important to you. You may believe they're frivolous questions. I'm so glad God doesn't mind my questions. I'm glad he gives me the hard ones, too!

So, if you want to play along, write your answers. Opinions will vary and some are incorrect. However, there is no grade. If you'd rather see what other answers are, that's OK. 

We're all learning, and we learn at different rates. Sometimes I think I have the answer and I go skipping along, secure in that knowledge. Then, I trip over a boulder and realize that my original understanding was faulty. Now, here's this big old rock in the middle of the road that exposes my error. I like that rock. It has character and I can examine it in depth, every crack, crevice, and hole. I can climb all over that thing, wearing safety gear, of course.

I don't expect anyone to share my views. I am content to treasure them to myself, discussing them with the Lord, sharing only when called upon. Because some people get ugly when you share your views. When questions challenge the concepts we've adopted, our genuine nature reveals itself. As if by attempting to see, hear, and understand from a different perspective, we'll catch some dread disease. God forbid we ask God for the blueprints. How dare we! And who do I think I am to pose such questions?

I'm not afraid to ask the hard questions. I'm not afraid of answers that challenge my views. I'm not afraid to disagree, nor am I afraid to concede.Rocks are cool. They tell a story. I examine every rock placed on the path. I think God liked rocks, too. 

Why? Well....

Deut 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. 

2 Samuel 22:1-7 And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: 

2 And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

4 I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

 1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

I'm sure someone far more educated than I will have answers. 🙄

Can We Disagree With God?

I think this is actually a wonderful question! As a Christian we often feel like we can't ask challenging questions about faith, The Bible, or sin. I don't know why we feel that way, but it could be because there is this unwritten "Biblical" rule passed around that you can't question God or disagree with his actions. Please cite the Biblical references for this. I will cite mine. 

Exodus 32:9-14 Moses - bargained to prevent the destruction of the entire Hebrew nation in the desert because they worshiped a golden calf.

Genesis 18:16-33 Abraham questioned and bargained with God over Sodom & Gomorrah

2 King 20:1-11 Hezekiah reminded God of his own integrity and ask for 15 extra years of life. He got them. 

Everyone of these men disagreed with God's decision and addressed it directly to God. And God agreed with them. Abraham not only disagreed with God's decision to kill everyone in Sodom, he questioned him about it AND he bargained with God to save the whole city, sinners and all. Yes, the deal fell through, but God didn't punish or destroy Abraham. It was neither Abraham's fault nor God's fault that it failed. God was under no obligation to bargain with Abraham. That is an interesting point all by itself.

In fact, had God found one righteous person, he would not have destroyed the city. Well, in the story, they bargained for 10. Even so, he didn't find them, and he didn't punish Abraham for questioning his decision. Probably because, in his questioning, he maintained his belief that God was just and faithful. 

So, can we disagree with God? 

Yes. We don't have to like how things turn out. We don't have to agree that the bad things that happen are fair or just or right. We can disagree about anything God does. And we can bargain with God over issues. But there are things you have to understand and accept.

By disagreeing with God:

1. You assume that what happened is God's doing or fault. That he is responsible for the problem.  

2. You assume God made a mistake based on immediate outcomes, not long-term results. Your emotions affect your views and you can't see the end results of any situation. You're reacting without reason.

3. You assume, based on your own emotional response, rather than facts, that God is not fair or just and that you are right. 

4. You ignore free will and personal rights and accountability and place the blame for the problem on God, who gave us the right to choose the path we follow, the actions we take, and to endure the consequences of our decisions. 

Will God acknowledge your questions? 

I think he does. But: 

1. Your integrity and faithfulness will determine your right to disagree and bargain with God. If you aren't following Him, you have no rights to do either. Your children are the only children that can question you on your decisions. The neighbor kids have no rights in your house. A disobedient child who has left your home has no right to say how you operate your house. 

2. Your logic as to the reason for your disagreement is important. Just because you don't agree with God's laws, doesn't give you a right to disobey them nor to question their validity. To defend your position, you must cite resources based on God's laws because that is the parameters he operates in. He respects evidence and integrity. Remember, Abraham's integrity gained him a hearing with God and they reached a bargain. More importantly, Abraham accepted the outcome without question. All he needed was ten people. Ten Godly, righteous people. Surely he could find that.

3. If you question God, you are admitting you believe in him, that you know he is the supreme being, and that he has the power to do as he wills. The very act of questioning is acknowledging the power to act, whether or not you agree with the acts. Why ask if you don't even believe in God? 

Well, unbelievers question ... but that means they don't actually disbelieve. I don't believe in the tooth fairy. I'd never question her about her job or why she does it. I don't care. She doesn't exist. 

4. You agree to abide by His decisions and answers, whether or not you agree with them. Abraham knew if he didn't find those righteous people, the city would burn. He accepted the bargain. BECAUSE HE KNEW THAT GOD IS JUST AND FAITHFUL.

Ask God any question you want. Disagree with any of his decisions. By doing so, you acknowledge his sovereignty. That's a plus with God. Then, get your emotions in check. 

The Bible says in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool."

Reason is crucial to any argument or challenge. Reason is calm and willing to consider all aspects. You can be angry. Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,-" Anger is not a sin. Lay out your arguments, keeping the Word as your guide. 

Yes, you can disagree with God. I know, from His Word, he likes a good debate. Just remember that God is faithful and just. You can't see the end results from this moment. Only God knows that. Accept the outcome, whatever it is, and maintain your integrity. 

 Job 27:2-6 2 As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul;

3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;

4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.

5 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.

6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.