Questions Welcome

I've always been a question-asker. As a child, I would barrage my parents with an endless stream of "why" and "how" inquiries that would make even the most patient adult want to hide in a cupboard. In school, my hand shot up so frequently that I'm surprised my arm didn't develop special muscles. Even now, just a couple of weeks from my 48th birthday, I find myself peppering conversations with questions, sometimes to the point where I wonder if I'm being annoying.

This week during my morning devotions, I discovered something that made my inquisitive heart leap with joy. I've been reading through Zechariah, and I noticed something remarkable: Zechariah asked ten different questions in just the first six chapters! Throughout his prophetic visions, he continually sought clarification:

"And I said, O my lord, what are these?" (Zechariah 1:9)

"What come these to do?" (Zechariah 1:21)

"What is it?" (Zechariah 5:6)

Each time Zechariah asked a question, the angel patiently explained. There was no divine eye-rolling, no heavenly sigh of exasperation. Just answers. Clear, helpful answers that aided Zechariah in understanding the profound messages God was sharing.

What struck me most was the humility behind Zechariah's questions. He wasn't challenging God's authority or questioning His wisdom. He simply wanted to understand. He wanted to get it right.

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Maybe my question-asking nature isn't a flaw after all. Perhaps it's actually a God-given trait that, when directed properly, can deepen my relationship with Him.

The Bible is filled with other question-askers too. David filled the Psalms with inquiries. Job had more than a few questions for the Almighty. Even Mary questioned the angel Gabriel: "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" (Luke 1:34).

Living here in Wales, where skepticism toward faith runs deep, I've learned that answering questions is vital to ministry. But sometimes I forget that it's equally important for me to ask my own questions of God.

When we don't understand Scripture, we shouldn't pretend we do or simply move on. Instead, we can follow Zechariah's example by asking humbly, waiting patiently, and receiving gladly.

Are there passages in Scripture that confuse you? Aspects of God's character that you struggle to reconcile? Don't push those questions down. Bring them to God with a humble heart.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5).

God doesn't rebuke us for sincere questions. He welcomes them. They're evidence of engagement, of a heart that longs to know Him better.

So go ahead and be a Zechariah. Ask your questions. Seek understanding. God isn't bothered by your curiosity. In fact, I believe He delights in it.