How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Romans 10:14 NIV
Read Romans 10:9-14
If you’ve spent time around three-year-old children, you’ve heard them ask, “Why?” “Why is the sky so big?” or “Why do birds sing?” Sometimes, the question can be requested multiple times, talking about the same thing. They are asking from curiosity and trying to make sense of the connections between the things they observe through sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and the context of the wider world. Children trust adults to be their guides. When they ask “why,” they say, “Teach me. Show me the way.” They trust that grown-ups hold the keys to all the answers.
As these same children mature, their questions change from why to other questions of what, when, where, and how. And they turn outwardly to inwardly. They begin to feel the tugging of God to their heartstring–His prevenient grace–and they grapple with profound questions about themselves and their relationship with God. Here are some thought-provoking questions that can lead to deeper exploration:
Who Am I?: As we grow, we seek to understand our identity beyond external roles or labels. Who am I at my core? What defines me?
What Is My Purpose?: Purpose becomes more significant. Why am I here? What unique contribution can I make to the world?
How Do I Experience God?: We move beyond mere knowledge about God to personal encounters. How does God reveal Himself to me?
Why Do I Suffer? Suffering prompts us to wrestle with more profound questions. Why does pain exist, and how does God fit into it?
What Is True Love? Love matures from feelings to sacrificial action. How can I love others as Christ loves?
What Is Forgiveness?: We confront our need for forgiveness and learn to extend it to others. How does God’s forgiveness transform me?
What Is Holiness?: Holiness isn’t legalism; it’s becoming set apart for God’s purposes. How can I live a life that honors Him?
What Is the Role of Faith?: Faith evolves from simple belief to trust amid uncertainty. How do I navigate doubts and trust God?
How Can I Impact Others?: We move from self-focus to considering our influence on others. How can I be a blessing to those around me?
What Is Eternity?: As we mature, we ponder the afterlife. What awaits us beyond this earthly existence?
These are existential, life-changing questions that are worthy of attention. We may not always know the answers as believers, but we know who does–our Lord, Savior, and Friend, Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul says in today’s verse we, as believers, play a crucial role in the educational process. How can non-believers find these answers unless we share the source of all wisdom? The who, what, when, where, why, and how can only be answered by God.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You, our hearts open wide, seeking Your presence. You are the God who hears and answers when we call. We lift our voices in faith, knowing You are near.
Precious Savior, we call upon Your name. We bring our questions—the ones that keep us awake at night and tug at our souls. Father, answer us in the whispers of our hearts.
Lord, use us as vessels of Your truth. May our lives preach louder than our words. Let our actions, kindness, and compassion be a living sermon—a bridge for others to encounter You. And when they ask questions, grant us wisdom to point them to You.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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