Ask the Question

James 1  ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  

When the demons of questions are harassing me, I need answers. I know that the Lord brings me to the crisis point on purpose, because He wants me to ask Him for the gift He has for me, his gift of understanding. You can be sure, that when I ask, I am expecting answers on a level so profound, that it will hit like a payload of rocks. By rocks, I mean rocks like Him. He is THE Rock: Bedrock: Security: Peace. Direct your questions to Him and wait. The answers will come, for it is not really answers that we need, but the proof of His presence.

The two questions I had recently were two sides of the same coin. First, what would be the purpose of allowing a believer to sin? To experience great distress because of that sin? The Lord allows a believer to sin so he can learn what is and is not expedient. He allows them failings so they can experience grace more deeply. This leaves no room for pride. The realization comes of how inadequate are our own efforts on our own behalf. Only HIS mercy saves us. One who has failed cannot look down on another who has also failed. Sympathy and support come naturally. The good news of deliverance is shared in humbleness. It brings awareness of just how unlimited is God's power in compassion, that He could bring all who trust in Him, home. A humbled brother cannot assist satan in accusing the other brethren. On what base could he stand but on Christ?

The other question is, why would any believer want to use the Word of God as a weapon against his spiritual kin? As a cudgel to bludgeon them to the point of shame? What could be the motivation of he who feels called to condemn those who have been forever justified? It stems from pride, a defense mechanism! Their prison is the anger of unforgiveness, these powerful people (in the flesh) who have been hurt.  They have lost sight of the fact that the only merit that they possess is God's mercy!  A freed slave has no grounds from which to feel superior or judge another's freedom. He has lost sight of the fact that what God has freed, no one else can condemn again.

1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawfulfor me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

^{Romans 14:4} Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.