Two Simple Questions to Foster Spiritual Growth in 2024
Welcome to the New Year! Many of you have started your New Year in high gear with a list of New Year’s resolutions. I admit I’m not particularly good with creating the annual list of goals to improve yourself. My inner free spirit finds identifying a collection of intentions to achieve stressful.
I understand the concept of painting the target, so you know where you are headed. I also grasp the idea of determining a large goal and then distinguishing smaller steps to attain the larger goal.
However, when I try to set goals, I become antsy and overwhelmed with fear. I feel trapped in a plan that might not be successful. If you offer me ideas, I am capable of selecting one. But if you give me a blank piece of paper, or a dream guide with too many questions, I end up whimpering in the corner.
Paul’s Two Questions
I may not have shiny New Year’s resolutions, but God graciously gave me two questions to help me grow and move forward this year. Paul asked these two questions when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. You can find them in Acts 22:6-10.
“As I was traveling and approaching Damascus, about noon an intense light from heaven suddenly flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, the one you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light, but they did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. I said, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ The Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything that you have been assigned to do’”
Acts 22:6-10 CSB
I’m confident those are not the questions I would’ve asked. I imagine many of us would’ve asked, “Why is this happening?” or “What did I do to deserve this?” or even “How long is this going to go on?” We tend to ask questions that center on ourselves. We are more concerned with who we are and how we will be affected.
Paul Encountered Jesus
Saul (later known as Paul) experienced God’s intense light while he was on his way to take care of business. He was a man on a mission, with important men backing him on his journey. Saul was a bit like a businessman/bad-guy archetype in Hollywood movies.
In the movies, the bad guy doesn’t become a good guy for another hour and a half~ if ever! Saul changed in a moment because he encountered Jesus.
In Acts 9:3, Luke tells of Saul’s conversion for the first time. The Amplified version says, “…suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him [displaying the glory and majesty of Christ].” And then later in verse 17, Ananias says “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road…” (italics mine for emphasis). I read these verses and conclude it was more than just a simple bright light coming down from heaven. Saul experienced God’s glory in Jesus Christ.
As I contemplate the idea that Saul was unexpectedly surrounded by the wondrous visual majesty of Christ, his questions make sense. Saul encountered someone so much more than he himself could ever imagine being. Saul knew his mission and power paled in comparison to whomever he was now engaged with.
Who are You, Lord?
Saul/Paul’s first question, “Who are you, Lord?” shifts the focus away from oneself and one’s circumstance. Our focus is no longer on measuring up to a particular standard, looking good, discovering comfort, or demanding what we want.
When we pause and ask Christ to reveal who He is to us, we move away from our limitations and center on God’s limitless resources. We step outside our fear or hurt and step into His grace, love, and acceptance. As we ask, “Who are you, Lord?” we open ourselves to God’s presence and He surrounds us with His glory.
I generally work my retail job from early morning till noon. By the time I get home and eat lunch, I’m wiped. I don’t want to write or do household chores. Most days, I want to binge watch Netflix for a while, scroll social media, shop online, or take a nap.
I know I must make better use of my time. I’ve begun a habit of sitting in the same chair where I read my Bible each morning. I settle in with a blanket and something to drink, then I read a devotional and ask, “Who are you, Lord? What should I do Lord?” As I ask the first question, God’s Spirit reminds my soul of a myriad of God’s characteristics. Each afternoon, I realize again, I want to please God more than anything else because of who He is.
What Should I do, Lord?
Saul/Paul’s second question, “What should I do, Lord?” shifts the focus away from this world, and places life in the correct perspective. God is the Sovereign King, and we are His humble servants. We ask the question seeking more than just acquiring how we are to behave.
The Psalms remind us over and over that we are to worship the Lord.
- “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” Psalm 29:2
- “Come, let’s worship and bow down; let’s kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Psalms 95:6
- “Exalt the Lord our God; bow in worship at his footstool. He is holy.” Psalm 99:5
- “Boast in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.” Psalms 105:3
- “How happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!” Psalm 128:1
When we ask the question “What should I do, Lord?” we must follow through with an attitude of worship. Since God is the One we aim to please, whatever we do must be done with the goal of honoring Him alone. We are not to be about gaining a name for ourselves or creating a more comfortable circumstance.
There are times, after we’ve asked the first question and aligned our heart and mind with Christ’s, we understand what we are to do. We read scripture and we comprehend how Jesus would call us to respond. However, there are moments we remain at a loss; our hearts ache and we long to know “What should I do, Lord?”
Asking the LORD
Did you notice both questions identify the person with the answer as Lord? When we add Lord to our question, we declare He is the One in charge, and He is also the one responsible. We are humble servants to our Creator and King. He gets to choose not only the answer, but when the answer will come. In addition, God is the one accountable for how life will play out when we follow in obedience.
After asking the second question, we have three things we must do. One, listen patiently. Don’t demand an answer; keep referring back to question one, reminding your heart who you are depending on. Second, do the next best thing. It may be connected to your concerns; it may be something to keep your mind occupied. Take a small step forward and trust God. Third, remain content with whatever God gives you to do. Too many times we compare our task with someone else’s and feel disappointed. Remember, we are focusing on and honoring God, our Lord, alone.
Resolve to Inquire
If I must have a New Year’s resolution, then I resolve to ask Paul’s questions. I’ve already discovered the questions help when I am overwhelmed because they enable me to release control and breathe with peace. When I am frustrated and ask the two questions, I calm down and gain a holy perspective.
On days I am exhausted, and I ask Paul’s two questions, I re-establish mental balance and achieve contentment with what I can do on that particular day, no matter how small it may be. In those moments when I’m afraid, I have asked those questions and gained assurance and confidence to move forward in spite of my fear.
I don’t need to know all that will happen in 2024. None of us do. We are on a journey and God is giving us opportunity to know Him and follow him. It’s going to be a glorious year.
2024 Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash
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