God knows how we're feeling/ what we're thinking anyway, so, no I don't think it's wrong to question Him. When I miscarried I had a lot of those types of conversations with the Lord. I told Him that I didn't understand why He allowed me to conceive just to lose the baby and that I was having trouble trusting Him. I went up for prayer as soon as I knew I was pregnant asking God to watch over the baby and for a healthy pregnancy, when I knew I was miscarrying I prayed for God to intervene and make everything ok. Afterwards I felt like I couldn't trust Him when I prayed, how could I put my other children in His hands when He didn't save this baby. It took a few weeks, but I just kept coming back to Him, not accusing but questioning and pleading for help and understanding. One afternoon He moved for me. It's not something I can put into words but He met me where I was and restored my trust. Don't know if that helps, may be more information than you wanted! But I think as long as we have the right spirit, there is nothing wrong with asking God "Why?".
Gideon had a clear message, but he still laid down a fleece--TWICE!! I believe it is a show of faith and a genuine desire to please the Lord when you ask for a sign of confirmation.
My thoughts for the first post went to reading the book of Job and seeing all the questions that God asks of Job, also. Does David question God in the Pslams? I don't know. I will have to look. But on Isaiah 1:18... I read Isaiah 1:18. Good verse. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. " God tells of why He is displeased with the people in the preceding verses, and also tells them what they should be doing, and the verses following this one tells if we are willing and obedient, we shall eat of the good of the land. But if not, ye shall be devoured with the sword. Here is how I would see it in God talking to me...Your heart and actions are wrong... do these things...Come now, let us reason together, knowing all I have done for you (forgiveness of sins is the key to life), trust and obey and seek Me, only then will you have the abudant life... That is how I would take that verse, in context with the surrounding verses. Sure hope my thoughts typed out make sense to the rest of you.
To me, it depends on what you mean by challenge him. I would say, no, you shouldn't challenge him in the sense where if you know God doesn't want something a certain way...you shouldn't go back on His will for you because he wont just save us out of our own ignorance and stubborn ways. However, I think it's perfectly fine and normal to question Him. I think we all question Him sometimes, but it's important to always remember that He knows what is best for us.
'Challenge God' as in saying, for example, you said 'you will open the windows of Heaven, if I return a tithe,' etc... challenge Him as in reminding him of what he promised.
Ah, I see. I find myself reminding God that the king's heart in in His hand, as the rivers of water; He turneth it whithsoever He will...Proverbs 2:1 when I pray. We can look at the verses from Isaiah 1. If we are willing and obedient then we will eat of the good of the land. There are lots of Scripture that can be taken as you are stating, twosets. I think it is good to use God's Word when we pray. I still would like to see if David questioned Him. I know David complained, poured out his heart before the Lord, different thread.
For me, I think I can talk to God about absolutely anything. Just as others have said. I guess my question is your challenge a demand to show his answer now? Or in his time?
I guess I am a bit confused at your question now. If it is tithe, from what I understand, is that is the one thing he said we can test him on. And that alone. But to question him ~ where were we when the foundations of the earth were laid. Do I think it will keep us from his grace? No, but do I think it is a good idea? No. I am pretty honest with the Lord, and because of that, he usually has to put me in my place. I think since we are living in such a time of grace, many in this world just do not fear God like they should, me included. It seems we have lost the reverence that was had in the Bible.
Now I am confused. Where in Psalm 37 does it say the wicked are prospering? The scriptures do say that they attempt to bring down the righteous but God always prevails over them.
I think the Psalm dwells on the happy state of the Godly; and the short lived prosperity of the wicked. Verse 7
Is It okay to complain, but not question? Do they mean the same thing? I know some christians who think: We shouldn't question God, and that God does what he does, because he is God. ' Is this the correct trend of thought? Or does God require us to 'reason', 'discuss', 'question' perhaps, 'challenge' perhaps... him??
I question God when I don't understand His will for me. But in my heart I know His way is the best way for me even if I don't see it at the time. I question for Him to help me understand His will, not to try to convince Him His will is wrong. Because it isn't. My understanding is.
I agree totally with this statement. It's like if my child comes to me with a meek spirit asking why I did/did not do something..... that's ok. I may not explain myself if I don't think they are mature enough to understand but I don't have a problem with them asking. On the other hand if they come to me all haughty and demanding that's not ok. In the wilderness Moses talked to God when God was going to destroy the children of Israel. I had to find it, it's Numbers 14:11-20. Moses talked boldy to God and God agreed to pardon them. I just read over what I've typed and it doesn't really flow :lol: but those are some thoughts I had while reading!
