Questions

One of the biggest areas in which Satan tries to attack us is questions--not only asking them, but then trying to make us feel guilty about asking them. Allow me to elaborate...

Questions are good things. Much in the same way that music, art, and sex are all made by God but twisted by evil, questions come from the inquisitive minds that God gave us. The beautifully crafted desire to learn and understand the things around us leads to many wonderful discoveries. From medicine to flight, from planets to pastries (I really like the pastry part), the desire to know more leads us down some profound roads. It is this same desire, from the same inquisitive questioning, that we seek to know God more--to understand His ways and who He is. What happens though, is that Satan uses this gift to trap our heart and then ask the wrong questions.

David asked, "Where are you God, will you forget me forever?" (Psalm 13:1, paraphrased) This question is not asked out of anger, or spite, but more of a longing. He knows God's promises, but he doesn't see them happening in his life. His questions are not challenging God, they're simply seeking to understand Him. However, someone may ask this exact question--with the same words--but a different heart; it then carries a whole new meaning. To ask this from the standpoint of, "Where are you now, huh?! That's what I thought! You don't really care!", carries a challenge to God. Knowledge and wisdom are no longer sought, but rather a desire to show God's promises false. Now, the argument does not desire an answer--only conflict. Questions that are formed with the intention not of receiving answers, but that only exist to build and fuel doubt and fear, are not from God--but Satan.

Satan will convincingly whisper, "You're allowed to ask, what's the harm in it?" But soon, he tries to plant the seeds of bitterness and resentment. This is ultimately the difference between the Pharisees and Jesus' disciples. The disciples had questions, but their questions were asked to gain understanding. The Pharisees' questions were to challenge--unconcerned with an answer.

Be on guard for the heart and the reason behind the questions. Are you truly seeking understanding and/or an answer, or are you simply venting, trying and challenging God? Examining the heart can let you know if the questions are guided by the Holy Spirit, or Satan.