Staying PowerSample

Day Four

Five Good Questions

Scripture: Romans 8:28; Proverbs 19:20; Lamentations 3:23; Psalm 32:8

As a couple, ask each other these questions:

Do we believe that God will work our situation out for his good? I (Carol) reacted poorly when people who had just heard of our son’s arrest stopped by our house, put an arm around me, and quoted Romans 8:28. I rebelled in my heart: They don’t understand—and they’re trying to solve our problem by stuffing a Bible verse down our throats. And yet, even if those friends lacked tact, I needed to remember that that verse in Romans simply describes how God works. Based on everything I know about God and his Word, he will work this situation out for our good and his glory. 

Are we willing to request advice from others? 

The Bible says, “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life” (Proverbs 19:20). Gene and I are both firstborn, “take charge” people. Before Jason’s arrest, we were used to giving advice, rather than taking it. But his arrest humbled us. We became more than willing to seek and follow wise counsel. 

Have we realized there’s new hope and new grace in each day? 

Early in our journey with our son, I often struggled late in the day with feelings of despair and depression. But every morning, when the sun came up, my spirits were lifted. “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:23). The choices we made yesterday and the ones we’ll make today are all covered in his mercy—even if we made mistakes. 

Have we prayed together about the decisions we need to make? 

Because we have a personal relationship with the King of Kings, we can confidently seek his guidance through prayer. As you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the next right choice. 

Have we read the Bible together and looked for God’s direction? 

We live in “hurry-up” mode, and taking even a few minutes to read God’s Word together can be challenging. But check out the reward for doing that: “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you’” (Psalm 32:8). If we make the time to read his Word, we’ll get wisdom for making our next right choice. 

Which of these five questions resonates with you most today. Why?