Introduction
Many of us do not understand God. We hear about God and His Son, Jesus Christ. We are told the good news that Jesus died for our sins and we can be saved from going to hell if we believe in Him.[1] However we do not want to follow Jesus without being sure we know what we are doing. So we ask many questions, but to our surprise, we rarely get satisfactory answers. An impasse is reached and our relationship with God stalls. Why does this happen?
Our own wisdom is insufficient to understand God
The Bible makes a distinction between the wisdom of man and the wisdom of God. Man's wisdom is gained through experience and knowledge and depends on an ability to understand. God's wisdom is a gift from above and comes through revelation. 1 Corinthians 1:21 shows that we cannot know the things of God using our own wisdom. For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.[2]
Nicodemus could not understand what it meant to be born again. Jesus said to him, 'I tell you the truth, unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' 'How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked (John 3:3-4). Jesus replies to Nicodemus 'The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.' Jesus was saying to him to trust in God and not to try to work it all out. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
God gives and withholds understanding
God can give to, or take understanding away from anyone.[3] In Luke 10:21 Jesus praises God because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
In His mercy, God sometimes calls out to us. However He is waiting for us to respond to Him.[4] If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you (Proverbs 1:23).
Instead of directing our questions to God, we try to work out the answers ourselves or ask someone else. If we acknowledge God and ask Him then He will answer us.[5] James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
We need to believe in God
If we refuse to follow God until our questions have been answered, then we are saying we do not trust Him. This is not good, because without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).
God is someone we can trust fully. He is a good God and will lead us in ways of righteousness and peace.[6] The one who trusts in him will never be put to shame (Romans 9:33).