Are you free to ask God the hard questions? (123-1)

Christian leaders must never be afraid to ask hard questions of God, but they should use great care if they plan to demand an answer. God doesn’t mind the questions; it’s the doubt He hates. Read Job 13:20-14:22.

Job’s three friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar each traveled long distances to be with him at a time when he had lost his possessions to thieves and all his children to a freak storm. They had displayed great respect by sitting with Job for a week without speaking but when Job questioned why his life was being torn apart his friends did not display the same kindness they had during the first week. In each cycle of conversation between themselves and Job, they had accused Job of incurring God’s wrath because he had done some secret evil. They spoke the same kind of foolish words the ill-informed often speak to a leader whose life has been turned upside down by circumstance.

Job’s words from today’s Scripture reflect the kind of torment we might expect from a godly leader in deep emotional and physical pain. Even though he cried out to God for an answer, God stayed silent. Only at the end of the book of Job does God at last break His silence and even then He doesn’t answer Job’s questions nor does he chastise him for asking them. God rebukes Job for only one thing: doubting His righteous character (40:8).

A core truth every Christian leader must develop is that no matter how overpowering our circumstances, we must resist the temptation to doubt God’s holy nature. God uses every Christian leader to accomplish His purposes but only leaders that trust God’s holy nature and character completely are ready to receive assignments God reserves for the few.

Is your relationship with God such that you feel free to ask God hard questions about your circumstances without questioning His judgment or character? If not, search your beliefs about God’s nature and character. If you find you question God in these areas seek counsel from a wise, trusted Christian friend and seek truths from the Bible that will help you develop understanding of God’s holy nature. Wise Christian leaders do whatever needs to be done to verify and accept truths that are central to the belief system they have chosen to live by even when disaster strikes.