Book Review: Questions God Asks

by Israel Wayne, published by New Leaf Press

Have you ever wondered why the God Who Knows Everything asks people so many questions? Or, maybe, like me, you never stopped to think about this much at all. You will be amazed by the wealth of wisdom we can learn from slowing down and thinking through what God is really doing.

A few weeks back, I saw this title come up for blog reviewers and for once wished my own blog had a wider subject because it looked so interesting. Then, through the miracle of social media communication, I was able to ask Israel Wayne himself if there was enough in his book for me to be able to share about it here. He assured me there was plenty- and he was right.

First of all, the book is an easy read. The ideas are big, the vocabulary and style aren’t. So, you could hand this book to your older kids (about 10 or so) without trouble [Warning: there is a bare bones description of the Assyrians’ cruelty in the Jonah chapter]. Better yet, you could use it for family study time with the everyone.

Then there are the subjects covered. Do you know the first time God asked a person a question? Yes, indeed, it was when He asked Adam where he was. Why did He ask Adam that? So Adam would have a chance to ‘fess up and face what he’d done and the consequences. Most importantly, God wanted Adam to turn to Him for help rather than trying to fix things himself. All of Adam’s children have needed to face these issues for themselves, including each of us. It’s the starting point for our relationship with our Creator and Savior.

Actually, Wayne doesn’t even start his book with Genesis, so this is the 2nd question he covers. The first chapter of his book opens with this bedrock question:

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.” Job 38:4

How many people get their whole way of looking at the world wrong because they think they should be the ones asking the questions and making God prove Himself?

The whole book is this practical for helping us to think God’s thoughts after Him.

Each chapter is like listening to a well-done mini sermon, or even a workshop on how to live the Christian life. From one of the many personal examples Israel Wayne presents, this isn’t surprising since he’s been speaking at conference workshops since he was a young man.

Oh, yes, there was one chapter I’d never seen in the light Wayne shines on it. Do you remember God asking, “why did Sarah laugh?” when announcing Isaac was coming? I’d always imagined it was God’s way of talking to Sarah when she’s behind the tent door. I’d never thought of God actually addressing Abraham (and through him, husbands) with that question.

Origins science is directly covered in the book as well. It’s even part of the “Look Inside” feature on Amazon so you can check it out right away (starting with page 10).

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? Genesis 18:14

Find more reviews at New Leaf Publishing Group’s blog post: Questions God Asks

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic version of Questions God Asks from the publisher in return for this review. The thoughts are my own; no one made me write nice things about it.

And, congrats to Israel Wayne and his wife. They had their 8th child a few days before my own daughter was born!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryJvlcqHnm0