“ It is not about forcing scripture to fit our life… It is about living your life guided by scripture. “
Sam Willcox
...that all things work together for good to those who love God...
Are you struggling with doubts or have difficult questions about God?
However, some may feel guilty or hesitant to question God, fearing it may be disrespectful or a sign of weak faith.
But is it okay for a Christian to question God?
The answer may surprise you. Questioning God is not only acceptable but it’s also encouraged in the Bible.
Questioning God can lead to a deeper understanding of our faith and a stronger relationship with Him. It is perfectly acceptable to bring your questions to Him.
First of all, we need to distinguish between two types of questions: honest questions and rebellious questions.
Honest Questions
Rebellious Questions
Honest questions are inspired by God’s love, trust, and humility. These ethical questions come from a sincere desire to know and understand God better.
Rebellious questions come from a hardened heart that rejects God’s authority and truth. They are motivated by pride, resentment, and unbelief.
The Bible shows us that God welcomes honest questions from His people.
For example, Abraham questioned God about His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:22-33), Moses asked God about His call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:11-4:17), Job questioned God about His justice in allowing his suffering (Job 38-42), David questioned God about His presence and protection in times of trouble (Psalm 13), Habakkuk asked God about His sovereignty and goodness in the face of evil (Habakkuk 1-3), and Mary questioned God about His promise to make her the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:34).
In all these cases, God answered their questions with grace, patience, and wisdom. He did not rebuke them for asking but revealed more of His character, power, and plan to them.
However, the Bible warns against rebellious questions challenging God’s authority and truth.
For example, Satan questioned God’s word and goodness when he tempted Eve in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-5), Pharaoh questioned God’s power and glory when he refused to let the Israelites go (Exodus 5:2), Korah questioned God’s choice of Moses as the leader of Israel (Numbers 16), the Pharisees asked Jesus’ identity and authority as the Son of God (Matthew 22:15-46), and Judas questioned Jesus’ worth and betrayed Him for money (Matthew 26:14-16).
God judged their questions as acts of rebellion and sin in all these cases. He did not answer them with grace but wrath, discipline, and justice.
Many Christians may struggle with the idea of questioning God. After all, God is seen as the ultimate authority, and questioning Him may seem like a sign of doubt or disobedience.
However, it is important to remember that questioning God is acceptable and can also be a healthy part of one’s faith journey.
Questioning God can be a form of seeking understanding and growth in our faith. It allows us to wrestle with difficult questions and come to a deeper understanding of who God is and what He desires for our lives.
Our openness is important as we approach God with humility and willingness to listen to His response.
It is also important to remember that questioning God does not mean we are challenging His authority or sovereignty.
Instead, it is an opportunity to express our doubts and fears to Him and seek His guidance and comfort.
In conclusion, it is perfectly okay for a Christian to question God. It can be a healthy and vital part of our faith journey. We should approach God with humility and a willingness to listen to His response, trusting He is always working for our good.
