How To Survive Middle School And BeyondSample

Survival Skill 4: Asking God Your Tough Questions

Sometimes it feels like our faith is burning bright. And then, sometimes, it feels like we’re filled with difficult questions that have no answers—and the flame goes out. Maybe it’s doubt. Maybe it’s something that doesn’t make sense. We all have confusing seasons where we’re puzzled. It can feel strange or even sad. What can you do with all your questions? 

Well, what about asking God? Do you think He is able to handle your big questions? Do you think He’s big enough to handle it even when you’re upset with Him or have doubts about who He says He is? Do you ever worry that you’re not a “good Christian” if you have difficult questions for or about God? 

Guess what? There’s really good news. God designed our spiritual life to be filled with active mystery. He made us able to wrestle and work our our faith with questions. He knew that questioning is a life-saving survival skill that provides the friction we need to keep the fire of our faith burning. 

Watch this video for a little more about that.

Have the grit to ask your questions and hunt for answers. Trust that the Holy Spirit will help you find your answers. Trust that there will be some mystery in your walk with God—and that’s okay! Be patient with yourself when your faith feels weaker, and allow God to give your spirit the spark it needs when you seek God with your whole heart. 

Guess what else? Sometimes the answers that build your faith come quickly, and sometimes you need to wrestle. In the meantime, trust that God is. Period. He is. Trust that He is good. Trust that He’s working all things together in your life for your good. 

Ask yourself: How will I feel if I ask God a question, and I feel like His answer is, “You can’t quite understand My answer, but you can trust I am with you—and I’m working out all the details.” 

Challenge yourself: Write down one question you have for God or about God. Fold up the question. Pray about it. See if God brings an answer to you, either through a Bible verse, or through the wisdom He’s given to another person who loves Him and has followed Him for a while.  

Pray: God, thank You that when we need wisdom and answers, we can come to You. You won’t get angry with us for asking. You will give us wisdom! Help us to be patient and persistent in asking our questions because we want to know You better. In Jesus’ name, amen.