Choices & Questions?
Life is full of Choices!
Every decision begins with a question. The quality of our questions determines the wisdom of our choices.
From the moment we wake up until we lay our heads down at night, we are constantly making decisions. Some are small and seemingly insignificant, while others can alter the entire course of our lives. But how do we ensure we're making the right choices? The answer might surprise you: it begins with asking the right questions.
The Power of Questions
Throughout Scripture, we see that God values inquiry and discernment. He doesn't want us to stumble through life blindly, but rather to seek wisdom and understanding. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5, KJV).
Notice that this verse begins with a question: Do you lack wisdom? God invites us to ask, to seek, to knock. The very act of questioning demonstrates humility and a recognition that we need divine guidance.
Biblical Examples of Life-Changing Questions
Mary's Question
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary with news that would change her life forever, she didn't accept it blindly. She asked a crucial question: "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" (Luke 1:34, KJV). Her question wasn't born of doubt, but of a desire to understand. She needed to know how God would accomplish His will through her.
Mary's question led to clarity, and her willingness to accept God's answer led to obedience: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38, KJV).
The Rich Young Ruler's Question
The rich young ruler came to Jesus with what seemed like the perfect question: "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16, KJV). Yet despite asking a question, he wasn't prepared for the answer. He had his own agenda, his own limitations already set in his heart.
This teaches us that asking questions isn't enough—we must be willing to accept and act upon the answers we receive, even when they challenge our comfort zones.
Pilate's Question
When Jesus stood before Pilate, the Roman governor asked a profound question: "What is truth?" (John 18:38, KJV). Yet tragically, Pilate asked this question while standing in the very presence of Truth Himself. Jesus had already declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6, KJV).
Pilate's mistake wasn't in asking the question—it was in not waiting for the answer. Sometimes we ask questions but don't pause long enough to hear God's response.
The Right Questions Lead to Right Choices
Question 1: "What Does God's Word Say?"
This should be our first and foremost question in any decision. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105, KJV). Before we consult friends, family, or our own feelings, we must search the Scriptures.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV). God's Word equips us for every good work and every right choice.
Question 2: "Is This in Line with God's Character?"
God's nature never changes. When facing a decision, we must ask: Does this choice align with God's holiness, love, justice, and mercy?
If a choice requires us to compromise on truth, "God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4, KJV). Our decisions must reflect the unchanging character of the One we serve.
Question 3: "Have I Prayed About This?"
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6, KJV). Prayer isn't just about asking God for what we want—it's about aligning our will with His.
When we pray, we should also ask: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, KJV). We must be willing to let God examine our motives.
Question 4: "What Would Jesus Do?"
This isn't just a catchy phrase—it's a biblical principle. "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked" (1 John 2:6, KJV). Jesus is our ultimate example. Would He make this choice? Would He speak these words? Would He go to this place?
Jesus Himself only did what pleased the Father: "I do always those things that please him" (John 8:29, KJV). If we pattern our questions and choices after Christ, we cannot go wrong.
Question 5: "What Does Godly Counsel Say?"
"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14, KJV). God often speaks through mature believers who can offer biblical wisdom and perspective.
However, we must be careful whose counsel we seek. "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly" (Psalm 1:1, KJV). Seek out those who know God's Word and live by it.
Question 6: "What Are the Consequences?"
Wise decision-making requires us to look ahead. "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished" (Proverbs 22:3, KJV). We must ask: How will this choice affect me? My family? My testimony? My relationship with God?
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7, KJV). Every choice has consequences, and we will reap what we sow.
The Danger of Wrong Questions
Not all questions lead us closer to truth. Some questions reveal hearts that are not genuinely seeking God's will:
"Yea, hath God said...?" (Genesis 3:1, KJV). This was the serpent's question in the Garden of Eden, designed to cast doubt on God's Word. Questions that undermine Scripture or God's authority are dangerous.
"Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice?" (Exodus 5:2, KJV). Pharaoh's question revealed a heart hardened against God. Questions born of pride and rebellion lead to destruction.
Waiting for God's Answer
Once we've asked the right questions, we must wait for God's answer. "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD" (Psalm 27:14, KJV).
God's timing is perfect. Sometimes He answers immediately, other times He asks us to trust Him in the waiting. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD" (Isaiah 55:8, KJV).
Making the Choice
After asking the right questions and seeking God's face, we must act in faith. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV).
Remember that God is faithful: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6, KJV).
Are we making the right choices? That depends entirely on whether we're asking the right questions. When we approach life's decisions with hearts submitted to God, minds filled with His Word, and spirits tuned to His voice, we can walk confidently in the path He has set before us.
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success" (Joshua 1:8, KJV).
Let us be people who ask the right questions, seek the right answers, and make the right choices—all to the glory of God.
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV).
Key Takeaways:
- Right choices begin with asking the right questions — inquiry and discernment are valued by God
- Always start by asking: "What does God's Word say?" — Scripture must be our first authority
- Ensure your decisions align with God's unchanging character of holiness, love, justice, and mercy
- Prayer is essential — align your will with God's and invite Him to examine your motives
- Follow Christ's example — ask "What would Jesus do?" and walk as He walked
- Seek godly counsel from mature believers who know and live by God's Word
- Consider the consequences — every choice has an impact on you, your family, and your testimony
- Avoid questions that undermine Scripture or reveal pride and rebellion against God
- Wait on the LORD for His answer — His timing is perfect, even when it requires patience
- Act in faith once you've sought God's guidance — trust Him with all your heart and acknowledge Him in all your ways
