I’ve been listening to Annie F. Downs’ podcast called “That Sounds Fun”. If you haven’t ever tuned in, I would highly recommend it, although it’s not as light and airy as the title implies. Annie interviews Christian authors, musicians, ministry leaders and athletes currently making an impact for God’s kingdom. And sometimes the conversations get deep. Recently she spoke with two back to back guests about crisis’ of faith. This topic stirred my heart in light of a recent guest lecture I attended at church on Generation Z (kids born between 1999 and 2015 – like mine). All three resources had one theme in common – the lack of a safe place to take questions.
For those of us who came to a believing relationship with Christ at a young age, the decision might have been a no brainer. When presented with a scenario like, “Jesus loves you. Won’t you love Him too?” Of course. Why not? Then we grow up. And although the Bible’s teachings about Jesus remain the same, we awaken to the ever changing landscape of the world. There are many different flavors of people and we aren’t sure how they all fit in. We experience heartbreak. There’s dissension in our church. Someone we love and respect views the Bible differently than we do. Disease or death strikes a devastating blow, or our “’til death do us part” falls far short. When life looks so very different from the way we imagine it, our faith often takes a hit.
I have walked with a friend who traveled back to square one – examining EVERYTHING she believed and taking nothing for granted. I personally have experienced what I’ll call minor doubts – never questioning the existence of a loving God or even a Savior who gave His life for me – but becoming uneasy or unsure of other Biblical teachings and church doctrine. What do we do with this? I have heard faith compared to a brick wall. It stands strong and sturdy, but many believers are afraid that if one brick crumbles near the bottom, the whole thing will topple. So we shy away from testing the strength of the bricks. We don’t ask the questions because we are either afraid of the answers or afraid we won’t be able to find the answers. Or do we fear what others will say/think of our doubts?
When we don’t have anywhere to go with our questions or even suspect that our faith is not strong enough to endure them, we are closer than we may realize to abandoning it altogether. And I’m afraid that’s exactly what happens to many Christians who grow up and out into the world. They find it easier to walk away than to wrestle. Who wouldn’t?
But the truth is, Christianity has survived for more generations than we can count. And the Bible remains the most published and read book in the world for hundreds of years now. More importantly, our God withstands the scrutiny. When we are wrestling the thing out (studying, praying, seeking counsel), whether it be theological questions, or anger at God, or just flat confusion, we are in relationship with Him. That’s what He wants. Communion with us. Do you remember memorizing John 3:16? God sent Jesus – this whole thing – because He “so loved the world.” NIV
Testing our faith can make it stronger. Not only is it important for us to know that personally, but we need to be intentional about making sure our homes and our churches are safe places for people to have doubts. That’s how we build a strong community of faith. But as we struggle with issues and feelings we must remember that we are not God. Isaiah 55:8 NIV says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Some things we may not wrap our finite minds completely around. Although there is evidence to be found, sometimes our faith simply takes faith, which Hebrews 11:1 ESV defines as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” God promises, however, that when we meet Him face to face it heaven, it will all become clear. “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV
Grappling with our faith questions is paramount, in my opinion, for strong growth. I questioned if there was a God…after I grew up in the church and believed. Disbelief infiltrated, but because I questioned and searched for an answer, I found Truth and a solid faith. My prayer is that others questioning will go ahead, ask those questions, and find that solid ground. <3 Thanks for visiting KristiWoods.net yesterday. You are appreciated!
Thanks for your testimony of wrestling, Kristi!
I think it’s important to be honest with the younger generations that questioning, seeking answers and finding out for yourself is all part of the process and one that everyone will go through at some point in their lives.
Yes. You are so right, Calleen. I’m afraid some people don’t stick around long enough to find out.
I have a friend who I really used to look up to. He had started having questions and doubts but he never said them out loud. Now a few years later, he has walked away from the Lord and says he is an atheist. And I can’t help but think that things might be different if he had ever spoken about his questions and doubts! You are so right, though. The testing of our faith can make it stronger if we seek for the answers in God’s Word. Thank you for linking up over at GraceFull Tuesday!
My pleasure, Ronja. Thanks for reading.
So it shouldn’t be as much of a struggle, as a holding on to Jesus.
You make some very good points, Lauren. I’m afraid my default tends to fall on the other side: I don’t react well to doubts – my own or others. It’s definitely an area I’ve got to work on, because as I was reading your post specific conversations were playing over in my mind. Thank you for this reminder today, and I’m glad to be your neighbor at the Tell His Story linkup.
Thanks for adding to the discussion, Ashley.
I’ve found that questions are best brought right out into the light of day! Great post!
Do you ever listen to Annie on the Relevant podcast? That’s a fun one, and I’ll have to go check out the one you recommended. I really enjoyed her book.
I’ve heard a lot about Relevant but have yet to listen. I need to add it to my que!
God isn’t afraid of our questions and that’s a comfort. Thank you for sharing your journey.
So true, Angela.
I needed this today! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for letting me know, Jessi.
Yes, struggling with our faith is not a bad thing. It makes it ours. Thank you for sharing with us on Grace & Truth Christian Link-Up. Maree
Thank you Maree.
Lauren – thanks for sharing about Annie’s podcast, I am always looking to add new ones to my list. I didn’t know she had one. 🙂 I think sometimes people think they are not supposed to wrestle with anything let alone their faith. but the truth is, it makes us stronger and more solid when we come out the other side. 🙂 thanks for sharing at #TuneInThursday this week.. we are also neighbors at a lot of other linkups too !!
I think you are so right! Thanks for visiting and I hope your book baby is doing great!
Happy grappling! And I love Annie Downs’ podcast.
Me too!
Though we attended church every week, faith and God weren’t real to me. It wasn’t until I accepted Christ as my Savior that faith sprouted, faltered and continued to grow. I have wrestled with God on many occasions. I love how your wrote that we hold on tighter when we wrestle, as my times of wrestling lead to a deep faith that has prepared me for the battles He has led me through.
Sincere questions can lead to deeper faith and assurance of why we believe what we believe. Great post!
Thank you Patricia. I’m so thankful for your input!