Questioning God and still Called Faithful

Genesis 15

Have you questioned God? Are Christians even allowed to do such a thing? While there are many opinions on the subject, the Bible is always our best source for answers so let's see what it has to say.

After Abram fights a battle and refuses to keep any of the spoils (see Genesis 14), God comes to Abram and tells him that He is Abram's shield and great reward (15:1). How does Abram respond? He asks God how that is possible since he will have to leave all he has to a slave and not a blood heir, as he and Sarai were without children. Abram questioned God's promise.

What does God do? Does He scold him, turn His back on him, and take the promise away? No, God leads him outside so Abram can count the stars and attempt to number the descendents God will give him. Then Abram believed and God "counted it to him for righteousness" (15:6).

So is that it? From then on does Abram ever question God again? In verse 7, God promises to give Abram all the land before him. Abram again questions God and again God does not scold or scorn. Instead, God uses another physical act, the division of animals and the passing of a "smoking furnace." Then Abram understands the covenant made with God (15:7-21).

Abram is one of the people found in the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11. He earned this incredible honor by believing in God's promises. It was during the times of questioning that the Lord revealed His true nature to Abram as loving Father and strengthened Abram's faith to the point when he would know that God was, is, and forever will be trustworthy.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. —Hebrews 11:6 KJV

~by Chris~