When I was first learning to hear from God and engage in two-way conversations with Him instead of just monologues, I would sometimes try asking Him for His perspective on things I didn't understand. I knew that His ways and thoughts were much higher than mine (Isaiah 55:9) so I would take my perplexity to Him and say, "Here's my perspective on this situation, but what's Yours?" It could be anything from an unexpected health problem to a monkey wrench in ministry to a disappointing change in plans or set back in a relationship. I was always amazed at God's willingness to respond. And even more amazed, usually, at how His response helped me to accept what it was that was happening to me.
So it was fascinating for me to read this morning that my perspective-seeking conversations with God were nothing new. In fact, Rebekah did the same thing I did way back in Genesis 25.
It's a simple, matter-of-factly told incident.
"Isaac pleaded with the LORD to give Rebekah a child because she was childless. So the LORD answered Isaac's prayer, and his wife became pregnant with twins. But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the LORD about it. "Why is this happening to me?" she asked. And the Lord told her . . . " (vss. 21-23). You know the rest of the story, which isn't my point. My point is, she didn't understand what was going on, so without hesitation or acting like inquiring of the LORD was anything out of the ordinary, she simply asked the Him and expected Him to answer. And He did.
To be honest, I don't always hear quite as immediately or as concretely as Rebekah did, but sometimes I actually do. And almost always I hear Him say something that lets me know He cares, He's at work for my good, and I can trust Him. Without fail, I'm always glad I took the time and risk to ask.
What about you? Wish you had God's perspective on the perplexing situations in your life? Why not take your cue from Rebekah and just ask Him: "Why is this happening to me? What's Your perspective on this, God?" Let us know how it goes.