Previously I discussed the value and power of the question, “What would a great leader, parent, employee, friend, etc. do?” and that questions can drive cultures and decisions, but what other questions could shape our hearts and motives?
Circumstances arise: a promotion, a birth, a confrontation, a divorce, a death.
If the experience feels good, we rarely ask God “What am I to learn in this?”
If the experience hurts, we tend to ask God “What did I do to deserve this?”
What if, in either circumstance, we asked, “Father, what are You teaching me in this [my get]?” and “What am I to offer [my give]?”
In moments of anguish or anger it is hard enough to breathe let alone think, and God uses all for the good of those who love Him, He says he disciples us as a loving father, and He occasionally turns up the heat to remove our dross so we can look ever more like Him.
So what questions can we ask in circumstances, hard or delightful?
Lord, you just provided me this huge promotion. Am I to receive it with loose hands to advance your kingdom, or am I to learn how to live humbly with abundance?
Lord, there is a tragedy in my family. What do I need to offer in this moment?
Lord, my spouse just harshly attacked me with his or her words. You really want me to love them back? This is hard, what are you trying to change in me?
Lord, my wife just died. Can you hold me? Can you give me the energy to lead my family? Can you teach me what I’ll need to move forward? Lord, what do You want me to learn about my faith through this?
I know this can be difficult, and if we are serious about our faith and who we want to become in Christ, ask what my friend calls the “Give and Get” questions to grow and to change.
The cool part is that He will then gently and kindly transform us. Think so? Share your comments below.
A.E.I.B.