Curiosity Heralds Discovery
At the start of this year, the Lord gave me the word "curiosity," and I believe it is a timely and anointed word for many of us right now.
Curiosity unlocks creativity and leads to new ideas and inventions. It is a powerful antidote to perfectionism and the fear of failure! Curiosity heralds a season of discovery, and through it, the Holy Spirit takes us on a journey of faith.
At first, it seemed to be an unusual theme for a year! I could immediately apply it to the administration and work of the ministry. So, I created a poster to remind me:
"Curiosity: What would this look like if I approached it with curiosity?"
Then, I added a definition (Cambridge Dictionary):
• "an eager desire to know or learn about something"
• "something that is interesting because it is rare and unusual"
Curiosity heralded a year of discovery, and it was about to take me on a journey I hadn't anticipated!
The Glory of Kings
Curiosity is childlike, yet according to Solomon, it is characteristic of kings! Solomon wrote, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter" (Proverbs 25:2 AMP).
As God's children, we can be like spiritual detectives. In the world, a detective is someone who investigates and solves crimes. But in God's Kingdom, we search for treasure in His Word. We seek to follow Jesus and, above all, to know Him. (Photo via Pexels)
There's an abundance to discover, so there's always an element of mystery!
Five Ways to Become a "Spiritual Detective" Using Curiosity
1. Lean into Curiosity
Curiosity, I soon realized, is powerful, for it breaks open options. The way we choose may work initially, or it can lead us to find a better way. And even if it leads us back to where we started, we have learned something!
Curiosity is an antidote to fear of failure, anxiety, and perfectionism. It allows us to explore without the pressure of understanding or getting it right. It is a key to unlocking creativity.
On a practical level, curiosity helps us tackle tasks and projects, revealing that they aren't as daunting as imagined.
2. Use Curiosity in Your Spiritual Journey
Curiosity is also a powerful tool for spiritual growth and our relationship with God. It is a childlike trait, and it cultivates wonder.
Jesus prayed, "...O Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, thank You for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased You to do it this way" (Luke 10:21 NLT).
We can approach our spiritual journey inquisitively because God always has more for us to receive, learn, and become. As a result, we are always "novices in the new" in the Kingdom of God.
3. Ask Questions about Signs
When we are curious, we ask questions and seek the answers. A question is like an empty container waiting to be filled. When we hold a question before God, He uses it for His glory.
Moses asked, "Why isn't that bush burning up?" (see Exodus 3:3). Then, he followed his curiosity, which led him to encounter God. We, too, can turn aside as Moses did and receive a fresh commission.
The wise men followed a star, pursuing a sign and a wonder in the heavens. They asked, "Where is the newborn King of the Jews?" (see Matthew 2:2). Likewise, the Holy Spirit draws our attention with signs and mysteries and calls us into the adventure of obedience. (Photo via Pexels)
4. Follow God's Clues and Ask More Questions
An important question I've learned to ask is not only what, but why? And "why" always leads us back to the heart of God. In seeking meaning, we find God Himself.
Sometimes the answer to our question takes time to unfold. And following a question, or clue (such as a prophetic dream), does not lead to a conclusion. Instead, it leads to another question! Being curious prompts us to ask questions, to set up a "line of inquiry." It is as though He is taking us on a treasure hunt.
The Father delights to walk with us; if we always knew the perfect way, we would not need His answers.
5. Know That God Comes to the Questioning Heart
Some of Jesus' most profound declarations were in response to people's questions (e.g., Philip, Nicodemus, the disciples of John the Baptist, etc.).
Notice how Jesus responds to the Samaritan woman's questions at the well (see John 4). Gently, he leads her along. "...You would ask Me, and I would give you living water" (John 4:10), Jesus says, referring to salvation. The woman responds by saying, "...[G]ive me this water," meaning physical water (John 4:15).
What stands out is that she asks for the water, just as Jesus invites her. Even though she doesn't comprehend, her petition is sufficient! Because in their next exchange, Jesus reveals who He is. What a comfort: Jesus responds to the openness of our hearts—not the accuracy of our understanding.
God Is Restoring Curiosity
Curiosity is a gift that leads us to seek God and discover what He is doing. Yet somewhere along the way, this gift can be damaged. For example, when others criticize or knock us back, or plans don't work out as expected, we may shelter in the predictable where it seems safe. But the Holy Spirit is moving beyond the familiar.
Hear God say, "Beloved, take My hand and let us walk together." God is restoring your curiosity and rewarding your faith (see Hebrews 11:6).
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Helen Calder
Enliven Ministries
Email: helen@enlivenpublishing.com
Website: www.enlivenpublishing.com
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries, in the David McCracken Ministries family. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in the areas of prophetic ministry, discernment and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog, an online prophetic training and mentoring resource that reaches thousands of people globally. Helen and Malcolm have been married for thirty-seven years and are at home in Planetshakers Church, Melbourne, Australia.
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