Answers and Questions

Read Genesis 25:19–22

Reflection

When a child really wants something from their parents, they don’t hold back in expressing their desperation for that thing, often bargaining with the offer of behaving extremely well. Pleading is our way of communicating our desire to get the outcome we want. We don’t know the exact words Isaac used to plead with God, but we can sense just how much he wanted this child for himself and his wife.

Experience tells us that God doesn’t always respond with a yes, but He did answer Isaac’s pleading with a double yes: twins! What we know from the rest of the story, however, is that God’s yes wasn’t just about Isaac; it was about something much greater – the whole nation of Israel and the lineage of Christ.

Sometimes, God’s answers can lead us to more questions. Rebekah had received exactly what she had most wanted and yet she became frustrated with the struggles within her, asking, “Why is this happening to me?” Does that question sound at all familiar to you? Life is full of great answers to prayer and yet hard times still come our way and we return to questioning; we want to know why.

Be patient – God has answers for you – but remember that His answers are not only about what is right for you. They could also be part of a much bigger picture.

Consider and Pray

Are there things you are pleading with God for right now? Do you have more questions than answers? Bring those to God in prayer and trust Him to work out what is best for you and those around you.