When we ask a question we generally expect an immediate response. And we struggle with waiting in the unknown. But growth and maturity is the result when we learn how to courageously ask questions, and then wait patiently for answers to be revealed.
Of course, many questions are resolved fairly quickly. And there’s no need to delay an answer when one is readily available. But the deeper questions of life don’t always lend themselves to such speed. In fact, the questions are often more important than the answers here, because it’s through the quest that we are transformed. To be given an answer prematurely would shortchange our journey of growth.
For instance, our life’s calling is often of this sort. While some have a clear sense of calling from a young age, many of us discover our divine assignments along the way. But it’s a discovery that requires us to stick with the question and not demand immediate answers.
Understanding the heart behind our sexual desires can also follow a similar path. Sometimes our interests are straightforward and clear, but at other times the desires of our heart leave us perplexed. How do we make sense of being tempted to do things we don’t want to do? When we dismiss our questions, or otherwise settle for simplistic answers, then we miss the deeper movements of our heart and invite much unnecessary suffering.
It’s an act of courageous faith to ask a question and then wait patiently in uncertainty. But it’s through this waiting that we open ourselves up to the journey God wants to take us on. And he’s after the transformation of our hearts much more than satisfying our need to know and control our immediate circumstances.
In the end, keep asking the important questions. But learn also to wait patiently for answers. It’s through waiting that God expands our soul to receive all he has for us.
Photo by Malachi Cowie on Unsplash
