Unlocking Purpose: 10 Questions God Asks to Transform Your Life

In the latest episode of The Impossible Life Podcast, hosts Garrett Unclebach and Nick Surface dive deep into how God’s questions throughout Scripture are not for His benefit—but for ours. These questions are designed to sharpen our identity, reveal our purpose, and transform our mindset.

Why Questions Matter

Garrett kicks off with a bold statement: “The key to problem-solving, to bringing value, to fixing so many issues in your life—is learning to ask better questions.” Whether it’s business, marriage, or personal struggles, the failure to ask the right question often leads us to chase the wrong solutions. Nick adds, “You want better answers? Start asking better questions.”

The duo emphasizes how God, the ultimate question-asker, uses this method not to gain information but to provoke reflection and transformation in us.

The 10 Transformative Questions God Asks

1. “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)

This question to Adam and Eve is not geographical. It’s relational. Are you walking with God, or are you hiding because of sin? Garrett challenges listeners: “When you mess up, do you cover it up or do you run to your Father?” Nick adds, “Knowing God’s character should drive you to Him, not away from Him, even in your failure.”

2. “What is this you have done?” (Genesis 3:13)

This is about ownership. Sin complicates everything. Garrett explains, “Taking responsibility is the beginning of maturity. Sin doesn’t just stay where you left it—it multiplies consequences.” It's a sobering reminder that our choices have weight and accountability is essential for growth.

3. “Where have you come from, and where are you going?” (Genesis 16:6-10)

When Hagar runs from her pain, God’s question reframes her escape. Garrett notes, “Many of us want to run from difficult seasons, but God’s purpose often involves facing them.” Nick points out how God’s attention to Hagar—someone outside Israel’s chosen lineage—shows His inclusive care. “Even when you feel overlooked, God sees you,” Nick says.

4. “What is your name?” (Genesis 32:24-29)

Jacob’s wrestling moment is a confrontation with his identity. Garrett explains, “Jacob’s name means deceiver. God makes him say it out loud—then changes it to Israel.” Nick builds on this: “You are not defined by what you’ve done. You are who God says you are. And that might require a name change in your heart.”

5. “What’s in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2)

Moses doubted his calling, but God pointed to his shepherd’s staff. Garrett unpacks it: “Stop telling God what you don’t have. Start being faithful with what He’s already given you.” Nick shares a personal story about learning to embrace his own gifts rather than trying to be a carbon copy of Garrett. “You’re not called to imitate someone else’s mission. Steward your resources, your voice, your story.”

6. “What are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19:1-10)

Elijah’s burnout moment is universally relatable. Garrett says, “Sometimes, you’re not in a crisis of faith—you’re just tired and need to recharge.” Nick humorously notes Elijah might’ve just been “hangry,” but the deeper truth is that God uses this question to snap Elijah back to purpose. It's a call for self-awareness: when you hit a wall, zoom out and reevaluate how you got there.

7. “Where were you when I laid the Earth’s foundation?” (Job 38:4)

Job’s laments are met with a divine reality check. Garrett emphasizes, “This is God flexing—not to belittle, but to realign us with His sovereignty.” Nick adds, “When life feels out of control, you need to remember who’s really running the show. God’s got this—even when you don’t.”

Practical Takeaways

1. Face Reality: Stop hiding from God. Bring Him your flaws and failures.

2. Take Responsibility: Sin complicates life. Own your actions to grow.

3. Embrace Identity: You are not your past. You are who God says you are.

4. Leverage What You Have: Focus on stewarding your current gifts and resources.

5. Maintain Perspective: Don’t let exhaustion blind you to your destiny.

6. Trust God’s Sovereignty: He’s the author of the big picture—even when life feels chaotic.

Final Thought

Garrett closes with a profound reminder: “When God asks you a question, it’s never for His information—it’s for your transformation.” These ten questions aren't just for biblical heroes; they’re for every man who desires to grow in leadership, purpose, and faith.