Lessons On Living

[nChrist]

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 6:3-5 Romans 5:18 Luke 1:3-4 Colossians 1:15

It's a Mystery to Me

Joshua 6:3-5

"You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. . . . But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. Then it shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat."

It's a Mystery to Me

In speaking of things beyond our understanding, the famous orator and statesman William Jennings Bryan declared, "I have observed the power of the watermelon seed. It has the power of drawing from the ground and through itself 200,000 times its weight. When you can tell me how it takes this material and out of it colors an outside surface beyond the imitation of art, and then forms inside of it a white rind and within that again a red heart, thickly inlaid with black seeds . . . when you can explain to me the mystery of a watermelon, you can ask me to explain the mystery of God."

Joshua was faced with the mystery of God as well. Upon hearing the plan given by God, surely someone must have asked him, "How will marching around a wall, blowing trumpets and shouting knock down that wall?" Certainly it was beyond understanding. But the mysteries of God usually are.

Divine mysteries abound. We don't understand how a child could be conceived without a father, but it happened (Luke 1:34). We can't comprehend how an infinite God could be housed in a finite human body, but He was (Col. 1:15). It's beyond our comprehension that one man's death could pay for the sins of the world, but it did (Rom. 5:18 ). We don't understand, but that's okay. God's mysteries are not for us to explain; they are for us to accept by faith and act upon.

If you're struggling to understand a mystery of God, don't trouble yourself. The real issue is not whether you understand; it's whether you are willing to obey.

Faith obeys when explanations are lacking.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 7:10-13 1 Corinthians 10:12 Joshua 7:3-5

Let the Victor Beware

Joshua 7:3-5

And they returned to Joshua and said to him, "Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not weary all the people there, for the people of Ai are few." So about three thousand men went up there from the people, but they fled before the men of Ai. And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six men, for they chased them from before the gate as far as Shebarim, and struck them down on the descent; therefore the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

Let the Victor Beware

On November 16, 1776, Fort Washington fell to the advancing British troops and General Washington was forced to retreat. Secure in his victory, General Howe chose not to pursue the Continental army, but ordered his men into winter quarters instead. On Christmas night, Washington ferried a portion of his troops back across the Delaware and mounted a surprise attack. The British were caught off guard and more than a thousand Hessian soldiers were taken prisoner. On the heels of victory, the British experienced a stinging defeat.

Joshua had the same experience. After an overwhelming victory at Jericho, his soldiers were routed by the defenders of a pile of rubble (Ai literally means "ruin"). While the defeat was brought about by sin in the camp (7:10-13), the attitude of those in leadership was one of arrogance and conceit. Their overconfidence set them up for a humiliating defeat.

Someone has said that the most vulnerable moment for a Christian is the moment following a spiritual victory. We are often basking in the glow of our accomplishments. Our guard is down. And Satan knows that this is a prime time to attack.

If you are experiencing a time of spiritual success, give God the glory. At the same time, be on guard. Continue with your spiritual disciplines and maintain an attitude of watchfulness. As the Scriptures warn, "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10:12).

The more "puffed up" you are, the better target you make.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 11:31

The First Step

Genesis 11:31

And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there.

The First Step

The Chinese philosopher Lao-Tse once said, "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." While we all tend to focus on the destination, the time it will take to complete our journey or the items we need to accomplish it, the trip itself cannot begin until we’re willing to take the first step.

Abraham was willing to take that first step. True, Haran was not his ultimate destination. Some have faulted him for stopping short of Canaan. We don’t know for sure why he didn’t go on. Perhaps his father, Terah, was not physically able to continue. We do know that Terah died in Haran. It is also possible that Abraham got temporarily sidetracked. Circumstances may have caused him momentarily to forget that God’s call was to Canaan, not Haran. But we should never forget that at least Abraham took the first step toward his ultimate destination.

You, too, may have a goal in mind. Perhaps God has burdened your heart to teach a Sunday school class, to receive more training in the Bible or to witness to your neighbor. But as you look at that objective, you don’t see how you can reach it. The way seems too long or the process too difficult. The answer is to take the first step. Even though the way may not seem clear at the moment, you can be sure that if you don’t begin, you’ll never finish.

Trust God to provide whatever is needed along the way. As you step out in faith, expect God to step in with power. As you take the first step, He will make sure all the other steps fall in place.

The hardest step is always the first step.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 12:1-3

The Greatest Calling

Genesis 12:1-3

Now the Lord had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your kindred and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

The Greatest Calling

An oil company needed a suave public relations man for its office in Asia. After interviewing several candidates, the officials decided to ask a local missionary to take the position. Company executives met with this man of unusual gifts. Whatever they proposed, however, his answer was always "no." "What’s wrong?" asked one interviewer. "Isn’t the salary big enough?" The missionary replied, "The salary is big enough, but the job isn’t."

Abraham was faced with a similar option. He could have stayed in Haran and become a leading citizen. As a natural-born leader, he may have become ruler of the city. Most certainly, as a clever businessman, he would have become wealthy and lived in luxury and ease. But all that was insignificant compared to what God had in mind for him. By obeying God’s call, he became a blessing to the whole world.

God still calls people today. Maybe He is calling you to be a pastor or missionary or church leader. On the other hand, He may be calling you to be an active witness for Him in your place of secular employment. But you also may be facing alternatives. Another position may offer a bigger salary, a bigger office or less hassle. Don’t be fooled. Seek God’s direction. Wherever He is calling you will bring the greatest blessing—to you and to those around you.

When God calls, accepting anything else is no bargain.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 12:5

Obey All the Way

Genesis 12:5

Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan.

Obey All the Way

Louis Cassels once wrote, "Obey . . . take up your cross . . . deny yourself . . . it all sounds very hard. It is hard. Anyone who tells you differently is peddling spiritual soothing syrup, not real Christianity." Perhaps that’s why so many Christians stop short of complete obedience.

Even Abraham struggled with this problem. As a great man of faith, Abraham had obeyed when God told him to "get out of your country" (Gen. 12:1). Immediately he packed up his possessions and left. But God also had said, "from your kindred and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you" (emphasis mine). It was here that Abraham stumbled. Genesis 12:5 notes that he took "Lot his brother’s son" with him. Perhaps Abraham felt responsible for his nephew since Haran, Lot’s father, had died. But this act of incomplete obedience became a cause of grief for himself (Gen. 13:5-7) and eventually for his nephew as well. Lot lost everything but his two daughters in the destruction of Sodom (Gen. 19:12-26).

Obedience is often hard, but partial obedience will not make things easier. The lack of total obedience may seem justified—especially if it involves a family member. It may even seem as if we are shirking our duty to loved ones if we do as God has instructed us. But God has a reason for every command, and not to obey Him completely always means forfeiting a blessing.

What is God asking of you today? What obedience is He prompting from you right now? Are you willing to obey all the way? Remember, incomplete obedience is the half-brother of disobedience.

Trust and obey—there’s no other way.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 12:8

Pledge Your Allegiance

Genesis 12:8

And he moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.

Pledge Your Allegiance

Many professional athletes proudly wear the corporate logo or company colors of those who sponsor them. They have no qualms at all in identifying themselves with the products and purposes of those who finance their careers.

When Abraham pitched his tents near Bethel, he boldly identified himself with the Lord. God not only called him to leave family and all that was familiar, but also provided for his needs along the way. In response, Abraham built an altar to God. This was not only an act of worship but also a public declaration to everyone who saw it that he was a worshiper of Yahweh. Furthermore, he "called on the name of the Lord"—that is, he publicly acknowledged his commitment to and need for the God of Israel.

As Christians, we are to boldly identify ourselves with the Lord as well. Be prepared. This may cost you the friendship of those who prefer the praises of the world. It may mean that you will experience ridicule and rejection. But Jesus reminds us, "Whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God" (Luke 12:8-9).

Make your allegiance known. Wherever you may be, with whomever you may be, refuse to hide your commitment to the One who loves you and provides for your salvation. Jesus suffered the shame of the cross for you; be willing to suffer the ridicule of the world for Him.

There’s no place in God’s service for secret agents.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 12:12-13

The Wrong Kind of Help

Genesis 12:12-13

"Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you."

The Wrong Kind of Help

A little boy asked his mother, "What is a lie?" "A lie," she replied, "is an abomination to the Lord—but a very present help in time of trouble."

Abraham apparently agreed. Faced with a famine in the land of Canaan, he moved his household down to Egypt. Out of fear for his life, he told the Egyptians that Sarah was his sister and persuaded her to go along with his lie. When Pharaoh heard of her beauty, and thinking her unmarried, he took her into his harem. Abraham was on the brink of saving his life but losing his wife. Fortunately God intervened and Pharaoh learned the truth in time. Abraham, however, was rebuked and forced to leave the land. In the end, his lie earned him nothing but contempt and disgrace.

Often we are tempted to lie our way out of a tight spot. Perhaps at work a "small lie" will help us avoid admitting we made a mistake. Or at home "bending the truth" may seemingly help us avoid a scene. But resorting to subterfuge always ends up causing us more heartache than help.

When tempted to lie, remember that what seems like a "very present help" will ultimately be "an abomination to the Lord." Lies always result in more hurt and hassle in the long run. That kind of help you can do without. Instead, tell the truth and trust God. He’ll take care of you.

A lie appears to offer help, but in reality only delivers harm.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 13:1-2

Blessed Promises

Genesis 13:1-2

Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South. Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.

Blessed Promises

William Penn, the founder of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was well liked by the Indians. Once they told him he could have as much of their land as he could encompass on foot in a single day. So early the next morning, he started out and walked until late that night. When he finally went to claim his land, the Indians were greatly surprised, for they didn’t think he would take them seriously. But they kept their promise and gave him a large tract of land. Today that area is Philadelphia.

God also made a promise to Abraham: "I will bless you" (Gen. 12:2-3). Even though Abraham made mistakes and sometimes failed to trust the Lord fully, God never went back on His promise. He blessed Abraham materially until he was "very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold." More important, He blessed Abraham spiritually. God declared in Genesis 22:17-18, "In blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." Through Abraham’s descendants came the Messiah, who brought the blessing of salvation to all nations.

God continues to bless today just as He has promised. Though we quickly forget them, God’s blessings are all around us. He allows some of us to be the stewards of His material blessings, but He gives all of us the opportunity to enjoy His spiritual blessings. His salvation, forgiveness and lovingkindness are promised blessings that God will never forget.

Rejoice today in your blessings. Rest confidently in the truth that what God has promised, He will never take away.

Enjoy the riches that are yours because you are His.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 13:5-7

Someone is Watching

Genesis 13:5-7

Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents. Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great. . . . And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.

Someone Is Watching

Whether we know it or not, people are watching us. One day as a woman was crossing the street at London Station, an old man stopped her. He said, "Excuse me, Ma’am, but I want to thank you." She looked surprised and asked, "Thank me?" He replied, "Yes’m. I used to be a ticket collector, and whenever you went by you always gave me a cheerful smile and a good morning. I knew that smile must come from inside somewhere. Then one morning I saw a little Bible in your hand. So I bought one, too, and I found Jesus."

Abraham was also very conscious that he was being watched. Problems had developed between his nephew, Lot, and himself. They came to possess so many sheep and cattle between them that the land was not able to support them all. It reached the point where the herdsmen of Abraham and the herdsmen of Lot began to quarrel over the best grazing lands. All the while, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, who lived in the land as well, were watching. Abraham knew that he represented Yahweh, the Lord God of heaven, before these pagan families. As a result, he immediately sought a way to bring peace to the situation.

Neither your church family nor your personal family are immune from problems. But how you choose to deal with those problems can encourage or hinder others who are watching. Your actions can even influence their eternal destiny. Always choose the way of peace. Let the God of peace rule not only in your heart but in all your relationships.

A family at peace is the best witness to the Lord of Peace.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 13:8-9

I've Got Rights

Genesis 13:8-9

So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left."

I’ve Got Rights

Everyone seems concerned about their rights. Whatever the issue, someone is sure to claim that he or she has the right to engage in it. Someone else will maintain that if this person asserts his rights, it will violate their rights. It’s no wonder that one social commentator observed, "The search for the good has yielded to the search for rights."

When it came time to separate from his nephew, Abraham certainly could have demanded his rights. As the patriarch in the family, Abraham had the right of first choice about where he wanted to go, but he graciously allowed his younger relative to choose instead. When Lot selfishly chose the lush, fertile valleys, Abraham could have legitimately protested that this flagrant unfairness was a violation of his rights. Instead, he simply packed up his belongings and moved to the more barren hill country. Obviously, Abraham was more interested in preserving his relationship with Lot than he was in exercising his rights.

God does not assure His children that we will always have our rights recognized. The apostle Paul urges us, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" (Phil. 2:3). In other words, let the rights of others be first in your mind, and God will take care of the rest.

If your "rights" have been trampled upon, turn them over to the Lord. A loving relationship with the important people in your life will ultimately be more satisfying than protecting your rights.

Be more concerned about doing right than having rights.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 13:14-15

A Place Called Home

Genesis 13:14-15

And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: "Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever."

A Place Called Home

In late summer the migration of the monarch butterfly occurs. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you can see hundreds of them clinging to tree limbs and shrubbery as the flock journeys to a remote mountain site in central Mexico. Scientists have found 16 of these sites, ranging from one to ten acres each, within a 100-mile radius, where millions of butterflies from North America spend the winter. No one knows how butterflies find their way there. Each generation that migrates is new and has never been there before. Yet something programmed into their tiny bodies directs them to a place they have never seen, but is a home they instinctively know they must find.

The Jews have the same attitude toward their homeland of Israel, and it all began with Abraham. God gave him a plot of land—not just to this Jewish patriarch, but to his "descendants forever." Even though they are now spread throughout the world, Jews still long to return to this small oasis. For some, it’s just for a visit; for others, it’s to start life over again. But for Jews, wherever they may live, Israel is home.

That same instinct for home should burn in the hearts of Christians. For us, home is not a country on earth; it’s a destination called heaven. While Abraham and his descendants were promised a land, all who receive Jesus Christ as Savior are promised an eternal dwelling place (John 14:2).

Take comfort in the thought that you have a home in heaven. Each day brings you closer to home—not to visit but to live. God has reserved a dwelling place that will fulfill the deepest longing of your heart. Rejoice!

Heaven is more than a city; it’s a home.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 14:14

The Lord's Army

Genesis 14:14

Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.

The Lord’s Army

We live in violent times. The American Bar Association claims that crimes involving guns, drugs and juveniles are putting an unprecedented crunch on the nation’s courts. Every 22 seconds someone in the United States is beaten, stabbed, shot, robbed, raped or killed. Nearly two million people every year become violent-crime victims.

Lot lived in violent times as well. Fortunately, he had an uncle with his own private army. When Abraham learned that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had been conquered and all their people taken captive, including his nephew, Lot, he armed his private militia. In a brilliant piece of military strategy, he overtook the enemy forces and surprised them at night. When morning arrived, the adversary was on the run and all were rescued, including Lot.

Most of us do not have relatives who can muster a private army. But Christians have something even better—we have the Lord. The psalmist says, "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Ps. 34:7). And again God’s Word reminds us, "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways" (Ps. 91:11). Every believer dwells in the midst of God’s protective care as represented by His angels.

When you find yourself beginning to be afraid, remind yourself that God’s army is with you. God’s angels stand guard over you. No enemy can ever truly harm you. The mighty army of the Lord has your safety as its responsibility. Don’t be afraid. Remember Psalm 56:3: "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You."

Our safety rests not in the ability of man but in the army of God.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 14:22-23

Making It God's Way

Genesis 14:22-23

But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, "I have made Abram rich."

Making It God's Way

People often want to get rich quickly. In 1989 John Bennett established the Foundation for New Era Philanthropy. Under the guise of a non-profit foundation, he offered donors the opportunity to double their money within six to nine months. In 1994 he allowed nonprofit organizations to participate. This too-good-to-be-true offer brought waves of money from various institutions as well as philanthropists to support what turned out to be a pyramid scheme. In September 1997, Bennett was sentenced to prison for defrauding charities and others of $354 million.

Abraham also had the opportunity to gain more wealth quickly. Bera, king of Sodom, offered Abraham all the "loot" of the city in exchange for the people. But Abraham considered the source and declined. The opportunity to become even more wealthy was not worth the price of being indebted to the king of Sodom. His city was so wicked that it would shortly be destroyed by brimstone and fire. Abraham preferred to let God provide for his needs; he didn't need Sodom's money.

The desire to get rich can bring many pains and heartaches. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Tim. 6:10). The appetite for more and more can lead you into associations with people who can cause you irreparable spiritual harm.

If you find yourself in any relationship, business or personal, that is damaging your spiritual life, drop it immediately. It may mean taking a financial loss, but when you make your relationship with the Lord your most important priority, He will take care of all your other needs (Matt. 6:33).

God's wealth can't be found in Satan's treasury.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 15:1

Fear Not

Genesis 15:1

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

Fear Not

Fear is everywhere. Even people who appear brave, if they’re honest, will admit to moments of immense fear.

During World War II, a military governor met with Gen. George Patton in Sicily. When he highly praised Patton for his courage and bravery, the general replied, "Sir, I am not a brave man—the truth is, I am a craven coward. I have never been within the sound of gunshot or in sight of battle in my whole life that I wasn’t so scared that I had sweat in the palms of my hands." Patton’s honesty is refreshing, but God offers the best solution for our fears.

Abraham was just as human as you and I. Even though he had 318 trained soldiers in his personal army and had just won a major victory over four mighty kings (Gen. 14:13-17), he still experienced times of apprehension and dread. That’s why God said, "Do not be afraid." God then told Abraham why he need not be afraid: "I am your shield [to protect you from evil], your exceedingly great reward [to meet all your needs]."

Our fears fall into two broad categories. We fear that something will harm us or that we will suffer need in some way. God promises that He is sufficient for both of these concerns. The psalmist speaks of God’s protection from evil when he says, "A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you" (Ps. 91:7). And in another psalm we are assured of God’s provision: "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing" (34:10).

What troubles you today? Put aside your fears and trust God. The God of Abraham is sufficient both to protect you and to provide for all your needs.

Where God stands, fear falls.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 15:2-4

I Wonder

Genesis 15:2-4

But Abram said, "Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!" And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir."

I Wonder

Henry Drummond, a 19th-century Scottish evangelist, observed, "Christ never failed to distinguish between doubt and unbelief. Doubt is can’t believe; unbelief is won’t believe. Doubt is honesty; unbelief is obstinacy. Doubt is looking for light; unbelief is being content with darkness."

When God promised to bless him (Gen. 15:1), Abraham responded, "How are you going to do it?" This was not a lack of faith, because Abraham believed God was going to keep His promise; he simply didn’t understand how God would do it. Since "blessings" were always believed to come through children (Ps. 127:3-5), and Abraham had none (nor from a human perspective did it look like he would have any), he inquired as to how God was going to do it. God honored that question and told him, "One who will come from your own body shall be your heir." Abraham was satisfied. The case was closed.

It’s not wrong to ask questions about God’s plan; it’s only wrong to question the rightness of God’s plan. There’s a subtle but important difference here. It’s only natural for people to want to know, "God, how do You plan to pull this off?" In essence Abraham said, "I’m to be the father of a great nation, and yet I have no children. I know You can do it, Lord. But I’d sure like to know how."

If you’re wondering how God will work His will and His way in your life, it’s perfectly legitimate to ask. But always ask in faith. Feel free to question how God is going to work out His plan, but never question His ability to work out that plan. The first is inquiring faith; the second is irreverent unbelief.

Doubt asks how; unbelief asks why.

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