When I get to heaven, I have some questions for God.....

[Scott Hilton]

I have heard this statement more than once in my walk, both within the Naz denom and out. I don't get the question, I mean, I get the feeling of the question, I understand the reasoning behind the statement, but I don't get that actual belief that God is going to stand before us, for our questioning?

Am I missing something?

[Dennis M. Scott]

Although I've used a modified form of this expession, I've never suggested that God would stand before me, answerable to me. In fact, I think you're right to question that perspective.

Rather, we might see a person who says something close to that might be saying that inspite of not understanding something now, they're willing to trust God for now and eternity.

My personal suspicion is that when we get there, we will see through the glass less darkly and we won't want or need to ask those very questions. We'll probably have new things to do: things with higher purpose.

And there, we won't struggle to know how to write posts on Naznet.

[Jon Bemis]

I get the feeling we won't be asking questions. I find it interesting that so often in Scripture, when humans encounter an angelic being, they are prone to want to worship it (such as in Revelation). If a created being invokes that response, I can't even imagine what being in the presence of God will be like!

[Paula Karr]

I must confess that when I first heard the news of Brad's illness, I wrote him an e-mail. I told him that when I got to Heaven, I was going to stand in front of God (hopefully, my glorified body will be taller than 4' 11-3/4") and I was going to ask Him, "What ARE you THINKING by allowing Brad to have this cancer that might take him from us? There aren't enough good people down here, and You have plenty up there! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?????"

Brad wrote back and thanked me for the chuckle (he'd met me and knew how physically imposing I am). He said, "Boy, when that day comes, I might want to be a fly on the wall to see that conversation, but I sure wouldn't want to be God right about then."

I agree with those who say that right now we see through a glass darkly. I suspect that on that day, we'll be so glad to be "home" that nothing else will matter. But I still suspect Brad will be peeking around a corner to see if I'm going to have that conversation with God.

Paula

[Marsha Lynn]

Although I've used a modified form of this expession, I've never suggested that God would stand before me, answerable to me. In fact, I think you're right to question that perspective.

Rather, we might see a person who says something close to that might be saying that inspite of not understanding something now, they're willing to trust God for now and eternity.

My personal suspicion is that when we get there, we will see through the glass less darkly and we won't want or need to ask those very questions. We'll probably have new things to do: things with higher purpose.

And there, we won't struggle to know how to write posts on Naznet.

:basic05

I think I agree with you. However, I think the emphasis is often more on the lack of understanding than on trust. Yes, of course, I trust God, but sometimes I cannot imagine why He lets the world go on as it does and I would certainly like to know the answer to my questions.

Here's a different perspective for asking questions in heaven from one of my favorite Christian songwriters/singers:

Questions for Heaven lyrics (http://www.chrisrice.com/lyrics.php?id=37)
by Chris Rice

[Gina Stevenson]

Thanks for the lyrics. Definitely have some questions, too ... while I'm rather with those who feel we might not be so adamant once there about getting answers to our (former) questions, they're sure not leaving my mind anytime soon while yet down here, methinks.

But that's OK ... I can wait for answers. ;)

[Barb Bouldrey]

Song like, "We'll Understand it Better By and By" never set well with me. When Revelation tells us there will be no sorrow in Heaven, will we remember the sorrow of earth?

Why will anything on earth matter once we are in Heaven?

I think the first 1000 years I will just keep thanking God for allowing me to be there...and meeting people.

He is God and I am not. I am tempted to ask "why", but it does no good. I will never know the answer to "why?"

Barb

[Susan Unger]

"we won't want or need to ask those very questions"

I have a different view on this. Maybe cuz something like the above was also said along with such things as "how dare you ask God for an explanation" as if asking God something is equal to rebellion or murmuring. Yet, I think of Habbukuk who asked God to explain something twice and each time God answered. I think if God could answer us here on earth while we are alive, surely he'd be up for more conversation once we arrive in Heaven.

I am thinking specifically of a time when a christian friend was going through lots of serious problems. As I prayed for her, I felt God wanted her to ask him why this was going on...sort of know what the goal is to help aleiviate the pain some. But she, in a rather pious way, said No, she was just going to trust God. Ok, that sounds nice...but by her demeanor I could tell that she really wasn't trusting, she was instead growing more distant from God because she felt abandoned by him. So, I said I'd pray for her then. AFter I did, I had the answer and shared it with her. At first she still insisted piously that she wasn't going to "question God" but later, I could tell that inside secretly she was relieved to know that God had given some direction after all. And as she went through the rest of that year long misery, the information from God really did help guide her safely across the stormy path. She remained close to God because she had that direction from him.

I am not directing my comments towards anyone here...just sharing what goes on in my head when I hear the part in quotes.

[Scott Hilton]

Susan,

I think there is a difference between the feeling of being at a loss and having questions in a conversational manner. And the thought that once we get to heaven, we are going to get to question God on "well why did You do this" and "Why did You do that" when it comes to illness, pain, suffering etc.

I believe once we (as others have pointed out) see just how darkened our vision is within this fallen world and how our sin has been the cause of so much pain and suffering and we realize that our God has been there the entire time actively working through that thick darkened cloud to bring us through it, most of our questions quieted without need of response from our Lord.

I also think there is a difference between having questions within the now of the fallen world and having questions about the fallen world in the glorified world. We may still have questions, but I have a feeling they will be greatly different in nature. They will be focused on the now in relation to the living glorified body of Christ in heaven and not on pains of the past.

blessings

[Dennis M. Scott]

Personal favor: could we start to compile a list of scripture references that indicate that when we get to heaven we will look back at things of this earth, or that things of this earth will then have significant meaning for us?

1. - ?

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

I've never considered "questioning God" to be an inquisition of the Almighty.

To me, it is more like, "Daddy, why did you let that happen?" The response is, "Come, sit on my lap, and I'll help you understand."

[Jon Bemis]

Personal favor: could we start to compile a list of scripture references that indicate that when we get to heaven we will look back at things of this earth, or that things of this earth will then have significant meaning for us?

1. - ?

Hmmm, let me see now there is . . . . . ummm . . . None come to mind at the moment.

[Susan Unger]

Susan,

I also think there is a difference between having questions within the now of the fallen world and having questions about the fallen world in the glorified world.

I agree with you on this point. I would much rather have my answers here where I can use them .

I've never considered "questioning God" to be an inquisition of the Almighty.

To me, it is more like, "Daddy, why did you let that happen?" The response is, "Come, sit on my lap, and I'll help you understand." This is how I've always invisioned it. And thus why it is hard for me to understand the other responses.