How do we engage in relationship with God all the time?
In each new circumstance, every unexpected challenge, all future unknowns, we present our heart motivations before God and ask the question, “What about God?” or “WAG?”
Here are some of my favorite ways to ask “WAG?”:
- “Is this circumstance bigger than God?”
- “Is this the thing God cannot handle?”
- “Is this person the one God cannot change?”
- “Is God really Who He says He is in scripture?”
- “Do I really believe that God’s truth applies to me and my circumstances?”
- “Do I believe God’s eternal best for me is better than my temporal desires?”
- “Where are You, God, in this circumstance? I know You are here, but I can’t see right now. Open my eyes. I need You!”
Because of our relationship with God, we don’t need to ask, “What about me?” God gave us the answer to that question in the Bible. God knows every hair on our head and values us (Luke 12:7). He loves us beyond all we imagine (1 Cor. 2:9). Because of the truth in scripture, we believe that God will complete His work in us (1 Thess. 5:24, Phil. 1:6).
Philippians 2:13 (CSB)
For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.
We trust God because we believe His words will produce His purpose (Is. 55:10-11) and He is sovereign, faithful, righteous, and loving.
Also, as we relate to God, we don’t ask, “What about you?” We can fill in the “you” with anyone in our life. Often we ask, “what about my spouse, my boss, my siblings, my competitors, my friends, my pastor, my neighbors, my co-workers?” The list could go on forever.
We like to call the “What about you?” question the “Peter Syndrome.” By the way, we have a lot in common with Simon Peter. Jesus already answered this question also.
John 21:21-22
So Peter seeing him (John)said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”
God knows all that happens (1 John 3:20). He is not surprised by the people that impact our lives. He overcomes in His perfect timing (Gen. 50:20, Rom. 8:31-33) and we believe God is gracious, forgiving, ever-present, and all-knowing.
Through relationship with God, we continually ask, “What about God?” As we pray and praise God, our hearts are changed to trust Him. We respond to God as we expect His faithfulness in all things, because God’s word is truth (John 17:17) and He cannot lie or change (Heb. 6:16-20). Our God is everlasting, unchanging, powerful, and above all things.
The next time you are faced with a new circumstance, unexpected challenge, or future unknown, take a moment to consider if you trust God, whatever the outcome. This is a “state of the heart” consideration. If we believe God’s word applies to OUR life in ALL circumstances, we will respond to the question, “What About God?” with child-like faith.
2 Corinthians 4:15
For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.
All things are for our eternal sakes, that grace may spread to others, while thanks and praise abound to God.
We pray, praise, and trust God’s purpose because our He is faithful. We are committed to walking in SABERS, not just talking about SABERS, as we seek, acknowledge, believe, expect, receive, and surrender to God’s love every day.