Talk, Don’t Argue by David Jeremiah

Tuesday, June 19 Talk, Don’t Argue    But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” Romans 9:20    All parents have experienced being “argued with” by a toddler. Less an argument than a very small child’s attempt to explain their point of view, most parents listen patiently before announcing how things are going to be. When toddlers argue with parents, things never go the toddlers’ way. It’s an exercise in futility.

Recommended Reading: Ecclesiastes 6:10-12

Solomon says something similar when it comes to arguing with God. He says we “cannot contend with Him who is mightier than [we]. . . .How [are we] the better” for doing so? (Ecclesiastes 6:10-11) The apostle Paul asked a hypothetical debater who might challenge God’s sovereign choices: “Who are you to reply against God?” Yes, Jesus entertained, and answered, questions from people, even detractors. And God even invited Israel, through Isaiah, to “come now, and let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). Talking with God? Yes. Arguing with God? Not a fruitful idea. Far better to cultivate trust in His ways, words, and actions. Pour out your thoughts and concerns to God. But do so ready to trust in His will (Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 4:16).  To obey God’s will is to find the fulfillment of our lives. David Watson