B Sides for Lesson 4

Can we be curious?

When life kicks us in the gut, when it seems God has shown up in order to disrupt our predictable lives, can we be curious instead of angry?

Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.— James Stephens

When our first impulse is to be angry about something, if we can stop, take a breath, and take a minute to be curious, then maybe life's trails will begin to look a lot different.

I'm still learning this lesson. My first impulse is to be angry. I'm sick and tired of life going more wrong than right. I want a God that shows up at a moment's notice to solve all my problems. Instead, we worship a God that calls us to be faithful and to trust. Anger and trust are polar opposites. We cannot trust God while we sit in anger. Instead, if we can teach ourselves to be curious, we can learn to trust God. Ask: I wonder what God is up to in this? I wonder what God is calling me to right now?

If only Cain had been curious instead of angry. If he had approached God with a curious spirit, asking God what he was being called to in this moment, he may have learned why his offering was refused. He may have deepened his relationship with God instead of being exiled to Nod. 

​The next time your life is disrupted, be curious and find a deeper relationship blossom with God!