Q – Questions to God {26 Surprising Ways to Encounter God, A-Z}

“The best teachers show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.”
– Alexandra K. Trenfor

questions

Q—Questions

We often think God is only in the answers. But sometimes we can connect more with him in the questions. In the unknowns. That’s when we reach out to him with our why’s and how’s and when’s.

Try This

Have a conversation with God using just questions. How would you fill in the blanks? Try to think of questions you haven’t already asked him.

  • Why, God, is _____ ?
  • How, God,  will _____ ?
  • When, God, is _____ ?

Now look back at your questions. What do they reveal to you about what you think about God? About your relationship with him? About what you expect him to know or do?

Use this exercise as an invitation into previously unexplored areas with God.

Learn More

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What question would you like to ask God? Please share in the comments.

Coming up tomorrow:

  • R – Raw
    When have you felt tender or exposed?

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16 thoughts on “Q – Questions to God {26 Surprising Ways to Encounter God, A-Z}

  1. Sherry Stahl

    Being very raw and sharing what question popped into my head when I read your question, here’s what I wondered: Parts of me would want to ask God why He didn’t warn me against marrying my first husband? Why He allowed me to go through so much heartache? Why did my kids have to face so much? Then I quickly remember how wonderfully God has turned my life around and how He is using my brokenness to help heal others. I know He was there with me through every struggle and heartache. I know He is working things out for our good. I just sometimes wonder. My best answer is that God allows us to join in the sufferings of Christ so that out of our brokenness others can be healed. Years ago we used to sing the song “To Be Like Jesus…All I Ask Is To Be Like Him”, I guess brokenness is an answer to our question from that song. And so I sing, “All I ask…Is To Be Like Him.” Thanks for the thought-provoking, Question Inspiring Post Lisa!
    ~Sherry Stahl
    xoxo

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I understand your question, Sherry. I wonder, too, why God allowed me to marry my first husband. But, also like you, although the experience ended badly in that marriage, it led me to a brokenness that prepared me better for wonderful things to come. I love your faith and your encouragement that you share here! Thank you.

  2. Michele Morin

    Somehow I have a feeling that all the questions I would pose to God now will pale in significance when I see His face. What I love about your post, though, is the fact that God is in no way put off by my questions now, and He welcomes our minds and our hearts into His presence.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Asking questions has certainly been powerful to me, too, Jean. I’m grateful for a God who encourages us to grow and change and be more transformed into his image through our questioning!

  3. David

    Dear Lisa

    This is a good idea. In prayer I tend to ask for help, as in “please help me with X”. That attitude would at least bring X to the surface, but your idea — “Why is X so difficult? When – if ever – will Y happen – and what should I do while I’m waiting?” — gives God an opportunity to answer there and then. Also, as you hint, brings my concerns to the surface in more detail.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I don’t always dig deeper into my questions either. But when I do, I usually learn more about my own motives as well as what I’m expecting God to do for me. 😉

  4. Beverley

    In a recent church General Conference, which happens twice a year, one speaker said it was alright to pause, to question, to demand answers from God, but you are not allowed to quit – i am working on it. Life is throwing me curl balls and instead of trying to dodge them i am catching them and examining them and deciding if i want to keep them or throw them over the fence.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Sounds like that was a great lesson: just don’t quit. It’s something we all have to work on all our lives, some of us more than others. I like what you’re doing with your curve balls…

  5. June

    Some days there are lots of questions and some days there is quiet acceptance. I know God welcomes our questions, but I prefer the days of quiet acceptance. For me (Ms. Inquiring Mind) the days of quiet acceptance are true blessings and grace upon grace!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I wonder if you would be a “Questioner” on Gretchen Rubin’s personality typing system. I’m an “Upholder” on that scale, but I know I have quite a bit of “questioner” in me, too. Questions can be good, but they can also be unsettling. So, yes, I appreciate those times of quiet acceptance, too. 🙂

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