In this age of deconstruction of one’s faith, having questions is seen almost tantamount to betrayal. Unfounded deconstruction with belligerent questions is dangerous. But when someone is asking questions, sincerely asking questions, I think that is a good thing. Dangerous yes. Scary yes. But necessary? Yes.
In my early morning study, I’m reading a book called 52 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know by Dave Adamson. Dave is not Jewish, just interested in Hebrew words. I know zero, zilch, nada about Hebrew. If I was 40 years younger maybe, but at 71 that ship has already sailed. But I’d like to know a little, even though the alphabet looks like Chinese hieroglyphics.
Anyway, today’s word was “wrestles with God.” (No, I’m not even to try to put the Hebrew letters here). There is no greater story on this topic in the Bible than Jacob wrestling with God. When done, he is a given a new name, Israel.
It is not unusual for people to have self-induced guilt or heaped on guilt by another for questioning what they believe. Or if they question a confusing passage. Or if we see God acting contrary to the way we think He should. And those tough passages that have us raising questions? Aaaaaah!!!
Jacob wrestled with God and came out blessed with a new name and a new purpose. If you have questions don’t bury them. Find someone you trust whom you can talk to. Search the Scriptures. Ask God to reveal His truth to you; He will not turn away. Struggling with your faith should not bring guilt; it should bring deeper digging and celebration as you learn more.
I have to admit that when I question things related to my face, I feel guilty. So I really appreciate your post this morning, Bill. It gives me a positive perspective and permission to ask those hard questions when my motive is to better understand. Thanks!
Thanks for the encouragement this morning Pam. I’m glad I could reassure you.
Faith can be challenging. If one relies on feelings and experiences to maintain one’s faith, I would probably expect that faith to be somewhat shallow. Feelings can change by the minute and experiences will be both positive and negative. Digging in deeper and really grabbing hold of the relationship is paramount. There are definitely confusing and difficult passages that I still struggle with reconciling, but at the end of the day, I can choose to believe or choose to deny who God is. The next choice I continually have to make is how I choose to live my life day by day and minute by minute.
Very true Ryan. We need to dig deeper and grab hold of that relationship. Without it we have nothing to hold onto. I’m thinking there will always be passages we have trouble reconciling, but as you say we can choose to believe or deny. I choose to believe even though I don’t always understand.
God can take all our questions and doubt and make us stronger in our faith than ever before, Bill. That’s where I find myself right now. I’ve told so many folks, I’m not sure if I’ve already told you. Danny is back in the hospital due to his pacemaker flipping out on Friday. We are in St. Simon’s Island at the moment and might learn today when he can be released to go home. Your prayers for healing and smart decisions by the doctors are much appreciated. Thankfully, Danny’s sons have traveled to be with us.
Blessings!
You hadn’t told me Martha and I’m sorry to hear that. You went for a funeral didn’t you? I hope Danny get released and starts feeling better.
For me, growing up catholic faith seemed to be whatever the priest told you it was, and we never studied the Bible, I think we learned more about saints than we did Jesus’s life. When I got saved and starting reading the Bible, I had a ton of questions, since I really did not have a good fountain to start with. I struggled to read the Bible. I always asked God, what does this mean, and how do I apply it. I felt lost for a decade, until I learned not only to lean on God, but how to ask the right questions, and learned how to have a better relationship with God. I still have a lot of learning to do, but it such a joy to be learning, and I love talking to God about what I see and how different verses make me feel. I know God, is teaching me, and when He reveals something new to me, I just love it.
That is happening Gail because your heart is seeking Him. I applaud you for coming out of Catholicism and then realizing you were missing something.God will continue to answer your prayer and the cry of your heart to know Him.
I’m grateful I can ask questions otherwise I would be lost.
For sure. I’m grateful too
I’m grateful I can ask questions otherwise I would be lost.