Questions

Bible Reading: Proverbs 2:1-9

Kahlil closed the book he was reading and sighed.

“You don’t look very happy,” said his sister, Anisa. “What are you thinking about?”

Kahlil hesitated. “About God,” he said after a moment. “I’ve just been wondering if God really hears us when we pray.”

“Of course He does!” said Anisa.

“And another thing—my teacher at church says God is everywhere,” said Kahlil. “How can that be? And how can He have no beginning?”

“I can’t believe you’re questioning God!” said Anisa. “Better not let Mom or Dad hear you do that.”

“Do what?” asked Dad as he walked into the room and sat down. “Come on, tell me.”

Kahlil nervously picked at the corner of his book. “Well, it’s just that sometimes I don’t understand things about the Bible and God. I have lots of questions, and Anisa thinks that’s wrong.”

“No, it’s not wrong,” said Dad. “It’s perfectly okay for you to have those kinds of questions.”

“It is?” asked Anisa. She and Kahlil looked at each other in surprise.

Dad nodded. “That’s how you learn—by asking questions. For example, you made macaroni and cheese for lunch yesterday, right? How did you learn to do that?”

Anisa chimed in. “I heard him ask Mom a ton of questions. He asked how much water to use and how high to set the burner. And he asked how long it had to boil.” She turned to her brother. “You’ve seen Mom make it a million times, but you didn’t know anything when you tried to do it yourself.”

Kahlil made a face at his sister. “Well, I could do it now!”

Dad smiled. “I’m sure you could,” he said. “Asking questions helped you learn what to do. And that’s one reason God doesn’t mind when you ask honest questions—He knows it helps you learn. You’ve watched Mom and me try to follow God and live for Him, and you’ve imitated what you’ve seen us do. But as you grow older, you may have questions about God and living for Him. Don’t be afraid to ask them, even if they’re hard ones. Asking questions will help you really know what you believe.” – Sheri Shaw

How About You?

Are there things you don’t understand about God? You’re not the only one, and it’s okay to ask questions. Ask your parents, teachers at church, or any Christian adult you feel you can talk to. Also look to the Bible for answers, and ask God to help you understand.

Today’s Key Verse: Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

Today’s Key Thought:

Ask and learn