We are not strangers to questioning the Lord. Job certainly did. In the middle of loss, confusion, and silence, he poured out his complaint and demanded answers. And yet, when the Lord finally spoke, He did not begin with explanations. He began with questions.

It has always been that way.

In the garden, after the fall, God called out, “Adam, where art thou?” (Genesis 3:9). It was not a question of location. It was a question of condition. Adam was no longer standing in innocence. He was hiding in shame.

On the mountain, the still small voice came to Elijah: “What are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19:13). The prophet who had just seen fire fall from heaven was now running in fear. The question was not for information. It was for revelation.

In Gethsemane, Jesus looked into the face of Judas and asked, “Friend, wherefore art thou come?” (Matthew 26:50). Not because He did not know. But because Judas needed to face what he was doing.

We often demand that God answer us. Why this trial? Why this delay? Why this silence?

But sometimes heaven answers our questions with a question.

Where are you?
What are you doing here?
Why have you come?

God’s questions are never for His benefit. They are for ours. They peel back excuses. They expose motives. They call us out of hiding. And if we are honest, they bring us back to Himself.

Before we insist on answers from God, we may need to sit quietly and answer the questions He is asking us.