NO. 2/ TWO QUESTIONS
“Just know that, even when we ask the right questions, there can be roadblocks hindering the way we hear from God. I’m speaking specifically of preconceptions; those pesky thoughts and beliefs we have of God that are ingrained into the way we think about Him; ideas and even “truths” we refuse to let go of even when confronted by God Himself and shown to be wrong. ”
I love Graham Cooke. If you're not familiar with him, Graham is an Englishman who now resides in Santa Barbara with his wife and ministers all over the world. Although some might characterize him as an Apostle and others, a Prophet, I just see him as one of the most profound voices speaking in the body of Christ today. If you care to check him out, go to YouTube and type in his name. He has numerous videos on a whole slew of topics, and if you care to take a nudge from me, listen to his Part One and Two on "Changing your lens." Life-changing!
But I'm not bringing Graham Cooke up to sing his praises. I simply want to start this post by recognizing one of the most eye-opening yet simple teachings I've ever heard coming from Graham's mouth; one that has subsequently had a profound affect on how I engage with Jesus. It revolves around the question "WHY" and how that inquiry when asked of God is rarely if ever answered. That's because it's rooted in "victim thinking" and can leave us trapped in the grief of our past.
On the other hand, Graham points out there are TWO questions that CAN be asked with a full expectation of God answering them!! Found in the Book of Acts, the first question can be seen coming out of the mouth of those who were perplexed at everyone speaking another's language and wondered aloud, "Whatever could this mean?" (Acts 2:12 NKJV). This is a GREAT question. When we don't know what's going on, we can ask God for enlightenment.
The second question is found later in the chapter when, after listening to Peter's impassioned preaching, those convicted in their hearts cried out, "What shall we do? (v. 37)
Each of these questions puts a demand upon God to respond to where He is and what He's got planned, a response that ultimately sets us free in our circumstances once He answers. If I might add, another saying of Graham's is, "God might not always answer immediately, but He always answers eventually." This moves me to say, "Stay expectant. God lives to answer prayers, meet needs, and solve problems."
By the way, did I mention I LOVE Graham Cooke?
Fast forwarding to today, I think we can all agree that we are living in times of uncertainty. I'm also hoping you're seeing the uselessness of asking God why! By all means, however, ask Him what He's doing and where YOU fit into it all. God wants to answer those kinds of prayers.
Just know that, even when we ask the right questions, there can be roadblocks hindering the way we hear from God. I'm speaking specifically of preconceptions; those pesky thoughts and beliefs we have of God that are ingrained into the way we think about Him; ideas and even "truths" we refuse to let go of even when confronted by God Himself and shown to be wrong. Do you know what I'm talking about?
The most extreme example of this (that I know of anyway) can be seen in a confrontation Jesus had with the Pharisees when He said, "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." (John 5:39-40 NIV). Classic. The heart and minds of the religious leaders of the day were convinced they were the "voice" of God and the true "interpreters" of the Holy Scripts ... and yet they were the furthest thing from that; they were imposters!
Such is what we have today in the religious world; those who speak for God but don't know Him.
That's why it's important that we heed the advice of Jesus when He says, "Take heed what you hear." (Mark4:24). And in another place He says, "Take heed how you hear" (Luke 8:18).
Good advice indeed. It's not enough that we're careful about WHAT we hear, it's also imperative that we're careful in HOW we listen and absorb it.
Which brings up my last thought for the day and the very reason for posting in the first place. There is not a person on the planet (well, maybe on some remote island) that isn't aware of what's happening in our country concerning the election of a new President. The word tumultuous immediately comes to mind. Am I right? LOL
Yet, in regard to those who believe in Jesus, compounding the confusion is that we all "see through a glass, darkly." (1 Cor. 13:12). This simply means, we don't always "see" with clarity ... that is, until God brings clear answers to those TWO questions we are to ask OF Him.
But with this observation, I have a question for you. If Christians don't always see with clarity, are they/we still entitled to an opinion? I'm asking because it's these "pesky" opinions of ours that get us into trouble. Don't think so?
When Joshua led the children across the Jordan river and stepped into the promised land, he encountered an angel with a sword and immediately asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies? Neither, he replied (the angel). But as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." (Joshua 5:13-14 NIV)
Isn't this beautiful ... and eye-opening? Joshua lived in a world of which we are ALL familiar - us against them! He only saw two kinds of people; those who were for and those who were against. Can you relate?
That's not to say this was a wrong perspective to have. We live in a world where both light and dark elements exist. What get's in the way, however, is how we interpret or discern these elements. In Joshua's case, he saw his world from a subjective standpoint-his own. I get it. I'm sure you do too.
However, the POINT of this encounter was to reveal to Joshua (and us) that there was and still remains a THIRD point of view; God's. And if you can handle it (I'm being facetious), that's ALL GOD IS CONCERNED ABOUT. HE HAS A PLAN AND HE IS GOING TO SEE IT THROUGH TO THE END.
God says this very thing in Isaiah. "I am God, and there is none like ME, Declaring the end from the beginning." (Isa. 46:9-10 NKIJV) This Scripture is not about Him knowing the future as some suppose (which He does). It's about Him DETERMINING whatever it is He wants to accomplish and DEFINING how it's going to look once He's finished.
TRANSLATED: It's not about WHAT we think or HOW we see it! IT's about WHAT God's doing and HOW He's going to accomplish it. Our role as "co-laborers" in Christ is to ALIGN OURSELVES WITH HIS NATURE AND GET IN STEP WITH WHAT HE'S DOING AND WHERE HE'S GOING. Anything less than that is a waste of time!!
Opinions? Everybody's got one. But do you really want to hold on to it if it's in clear opposition to what God's saying and doing? If you don't know what He's saying and doing, God's ok with that. Just ask Him and add that you'd like to know where YOU fit into it all. As Graham Cooke said, "God might not answer immediately, but God ALWAYS ANSWERS eventually!"
More later.
NO.2/
TWO QUESTIONS
Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.