When God Doesn’t Ask

I’ve had many different titles rattle around my brain for this post…

Why Doesn’t God Ask?What Does God Owe Me?

… and the one I landed on: When God Doesn’t Ask. The fact of the matter is that God rarely asks. Not once has God asked me:

“Karin, is this a good time for me to bless you?”“Karin, are you ready for the crisis coming your way?”“Karin, would you like a boy or a girl?”“Karin, do you mind if I rock your world?”“Karin, do you think it’s time for this season to end?”“Karin, are you prepared for the enemy to attack?”

And if you’re reading this blog, you probably have the Sunday School answer down to know why He doesn’t ask our permission: His ways are higher than our ways. But see the full picture that God paints through Isaiah 55:9…

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

I don’t know anyone who has full comprehension of the heavens. Heaven is so far removed from our concept of life on this earth. Thankfully. The idea of this earth being restored to perfection and the absence of pain is unfathomable for those of us getting banged up and bruised on this ride we call life.

Why do I share this with you? Because there are a lot of times when I just don’t get it. I can’t see what He’s doing and it begins to create fear. If that’s you, I want to encourage you. God doesn’t usually ask your opinion or permission, but that doesn’t mean He’s forgotten you or He doesn’t care. As a matter of fact, here’s what He says through the pages of Scripture:

Do not fear. (Deuteronomy 31:6, Matthew 10:31, etc…)I am with you. (Joshua 1:9)I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

And here are some questions we see in Scripture that Jesus asked:

Do you believe? (John 16:31)Do you want to get well? (John 5:6)Why are you afraid? (Matthew 8:26)Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan? (Matthew 6:27)But who do you say that I am? (Matthew 16:15)

When I look at these questions, they all lead me back to remembering how faithful my Heavenly Father is. They remind me that I’m not in control. But He is. And His plans are for my good.The next time God throws a curve ball in your day or in your life, He won’t ask your permission… but He will accomplish His purposes and He will be found faithful. You don’t have to ask.