Devotionals for the Heart: Questions

Questions for God
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped

I had nearly lost my foothold.

For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

They have no struggles;

their bodies are healthy and strong.

They are free from common human burdens;

they are not plagued by human ills.” 

–Psalm 73:2-5 (NIV)

Have you ever found yourself asking God any of these questions: How long Lord? When is it going to be my turn? Are you even listening Lord? When is relief coming?

If you’ve ever expressed these thoughts, you are definitely not alone.

There have been days when I sat by my window and wondered how much longer it would be before the change I needed to see would come. It’s very likely many of us go through phases like this and then we receive a call, an email or a text from someone who is going through a situation and their questions are the same or more complex. Essentially, we are both asking God for an answer. This is not new to God because He has been listening to human beings from the beginning of time (He created us). He is quite familiar with our pain and uncertainties.

For me, this is comforting to remember. It lets me know that God is not afraid of my questions. He is committed to seeing us become all that He has purposed for us. We just need to trust Him. The writer of Psalm 73:3 (NLT) struggled with similar questions. He was struggling with the fact that people around him who weren’t serving God, were living their best life (or so it appeared) without any struggles, prospering and were yet wicked. How is that possible?

Later on, King David (the psalmist) is given some insight into what really happens to the wicked when they appear to be prospering. It’s not a very good picture. God sees and God hears! There really is a payback when you sow evil into other people’s lives because the Bible says you “reap what you sow” (Galatians 6:7-9).

Yet no matter how bad a situation looks we have the hope and blessed assurance that God is always extending mercy. He is always showing us that there is a reward for living faithfully. And that He really does hear our cries.

Jeremiah was a prophet who was given a very hard task to speak on God’s behalf to His people and warn them of things to come, to get themselves together and live right before God but how much do you think they listened? They did not. Yet God once again extended mercy and hope. God lets them know that despite their wicked behavior, He still has good plans for them.

In Jeremiah 31:3-4 (NLT), God says to Israel:

“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.

With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself

I will rebuild you, my virgin Israel.

You will again be happy and dance

merrily with your tambourines.”

Israel was not in a good place at the time when they are given this message. How often do we find ourselves being disobedient and not living in alignment with God’s will? How often are we living contrary to how He has instructed us to live. Yet we see that God’s love for us is not based on our behaviour. His love is unconditional and when He says He will do something, you better trust and believe it’s a done deal.

During the times we are waiting for change and answers, God reminds us that His love for us is everlasting. It’s unfailing and will not change. Can we strive to be consistent like our Heavenly Father? Can we trust Him a little more today, especially in those moments when the future seems so uncertain?

We can continue to hope. We can continue to trust. We must certainly be convinced that God’s love for us is constant and when He states He will do something, it’s a done deal!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me and caring for me every day. Thank you for your lovingkindness and faithfulness to me. Thank you for your promise of hope even when it seems that change is taking long in my eyes. Help me to trust you even when I cannot see. Lord, I trust you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter. 

Her gifts have been shared internationally with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through words and songs. She has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers. Over her 30 years in ministry, she has been a featured artist in musical cantatas locally and the United States of America.

Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.

Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.

Patricia has recorded two CD’s: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com