From Guessing To Listening
Insights From Vacation Bible School
Asking the Right Person the Right Question
Cookies, Chaos, and Confusion
The scene? A showdown of epic proportions.
Two cookies.
Three kids.
Six hands.
Keisha, A.J., and Bubba were locked in moral combat. Keisha insisted she hadn’t had any. A.J. argued, “first-come, first-served.” Bubba—never one to miss a chance—declared that the biggest kid needed the biggest cookie.
Just as it was about to turn into a full-scale food fight, Emily spoke up, “What would Miss Marla do?”
That stopped them cold.
Everyone had their answer.
Keisha: “She’d say give one to me because I haven’t had any.”
A.J.: “She’d say first come, first serve.”
Bubba: “She’d say big kids need big snacks.”
Then Ryan, calm as ever, pointed toward the corner.
“Why don’t we just ask her?”
And that’s where the light breaks through.
The Wrong Question
We’ve all heard the phrase “What Would Jesus Do?”—a well-intentioned question that can still miss the point.
It invites speculation.
We think, Well, Jesus would probably want me to... —and before long, we’ve rationalized our own preference in holy language.
The problem isn’t the heart behind the question; it’s the distance.
It treats Jesus like an example to study instead of a Person to know.
The Right Question
Ryan had it right.
Don’t ask what Miss Marla would do—ask her.
Faith isn’t guesswork; it’s relationship.
Jesus isn’t a moral memory to imitate; He’s an indwelling Presence to consult.
Because He’s not out there somewhere. He’s in here.
Alive. Near. A whisper away.
Scripture says, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)
That means when we ask, “Lord, what should I do?” we’re not guessing—we’re listening.
He’s not just an example; He’s Emmanuel.
Not just Savior; Counselor.
Not just a model; He's an indwelling Life.
Closer Than You Think
When we stop trying to figure God out and start walking with Him, decisions become less about formulas and more about fellowship.
It’s the difference between religion and relationship, imitation and intimacy, control and communion.
So today, don’t ask WWJD?
Ask AJWTD? — “Ask Jesus What To Do.”
He’s right here, ready to answer.
Reflection
When was the last time you asked Jesus directly what to do instead of guessing what He might say or do?
What would change if you lived from awareness of His presence instead of memory of His example?
How might your relationship with Him grow through listening, not just learning?
Prayer