The whole world demands answers! The questions are too many and too hard.  The responses to the bigger issues and so-called answers come fast and furious with confusion and violence in their wake.  The leaders contend with overwhelming appeals.  They reach out for earthly wisdom, established ideology and unproved snap-answers that are being forced on a confused population through every media stream possible – trusted and dubious.   Classic liberalism that secured a right to everyone to voice his opinion, is now on the altar of modern agendas that disregard any opposition.  Values and principles of older reputable sources are being “cancelled” in rage and discontent.

Over the past years I have learnt a lot from various internet ministries – precious teaching from amazing spiritual leaders.  They fill their pulpits and platforms with dignity and wisdom, passionate hearts and servant-attitudes to bring the good news of the Gospel to our desperate planet.  Let us not always focus on the failures of the Church, but also celebrate the greatness of godly men and women in the Body of Christ.

I would like to mention six statements from two ministries in California.  I have added a seventh because I like the number seven.

1. God is good
2. God is present
3. Nothing is impossible
4. Jesus paid in full
5. You are significant
6. There is mystery
7. The Sword (Word) is drawn

All our biggest struggles are answered in these declarations.  It is the basic principles of faith and the answer to every situation – even when everything looks impossible and hopeless.

We search for answers.  That is good.  Jesus said so.  He commanded us to ask, but that is not all.  He went on to command a search and a knock.  All three commands are followed by promises that guarantee God in action.  When we ask we will be answered, when we search we will find and when we knock the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7)

Ask the questions of the One who is Wisdom.  (Proverbs 8)  Do not stop at the question.  Go further.  Seek the Giver of the answer.   Knock to go and sit at the feet of the ultimate Answer to everything.  The door will open and it will not be shut again.  (Revelation 3:8)  It is with that knock that the answer is prayed into the realm of the seen.

Knocking has a delightful double meaning.  We knock so that the door can be opened for us. But, we are also on the receiving end of a knock.   We are on the inside when God says: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  (Revelation 3:20)

In old Judea breakfast was early and rushed, lunch was packed, but the evening meal was peaceful and long, often on the roof of the house to enjoy the coolness of the evening breeze.  The family came together and talked much.  It is this meal that Jesus refers to in Revelation.  A nice chat with Dad about the day.  A face to face to unburden the heart.

CS Lewis writes: I know now Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer.  Before your face the questions die away.  What other answer would suffice?

It is when we open the door for God that the double doors open, so that the gates will not be shut:
‘I will go before you
And make the crooked places straight;
I will break in pieces the gates of bronze
And cut the bars of iron.  (Isaiah 45:1,2)).  

It is the feasting table in the Valley of the Shadow of Death (Psalm 23) where you are anointed with oil and your cup is filled to overflow.  The effect of a Jesus-feast is goodness and mercy at your heels.  Ancient Hebrew suggests almost a “persecution” of goodness and mercy – almost like two bloodhounds following you without relenting.  Be aware of blessing on your life in the midst of the struggle.

In his Presence is the solution to everything.  Every demon and every circumstance must bow before my Saviour.  I flee to his Shadow and the Secret Place we share.  (Psalms  91)

He is the Almighty Creator God.  He has created all the splendour that the James Webb space telescope now reveals to us – unimaginable cosmic beauty.

Ask, seek, knock – his Face is the Answer!

The answer

he decides

I know it

can I control it

manipulate perhaps?

I sigh, I cry,

I pray, I search

an answer that fits my bill

in grace comes peace

in quietness trust

his Plan, his Purpose

God decrees

again and again

the Answer