Embracing Questions: A Journey of Faith and Growth

Have you ever felt hesitant to ask questions about your faith? Perhaps you've worried that your inquiries might reveal a lack of knowledge or spiritual maturity. If so, you're not alone. Many believers struggle with the fear of appearing uninformed or doubting when it comes to matters of faith. However, what if we told you that asking questions is not only okay but essential to spiritual growth?

The journey of faith is not about having all the answers; it's about seeking, learning, and growing. In fact, the Bible encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. Matthew 7:7-8 tells us, "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

This passage reminds us that God welcomes our questions and desires for us to seek Him earnestly. It's not about having perfect knowledge but about having a humble and open heart.

Consider the story of a woman who grew up with a limited understanding of faith. She knew about Jesus and God but felt she needed to clean up her life before approaching Him. This misconception led to years of struggle, trying to meet an impossible standard of perfection before embracing faith.

However, her perspective changed when she encountered genuine believers who were open about their own struggles and questions. She realized that following Christ wasn't about having it all together but about inviting Him into every aspect of life, including the messy parts.

This realization was liberating. It allowed her to approach faith with a childlike curiosity, asking questions without shame. She discovered that many others in her church community had similar questions but were afraid to voice them. By being vulnerable and inquisitive, she not only grew in her faith but also encouraged others to do the same.

One particular Bible story that resonated deeply with her was the account of Jesus healing a blind man in John 9. When the disciples asked Jesus who had sinned to cause the man's blindness, Jesus replied that it was neither the man nor his parents who sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

This story challenged her previous belief that every hardship was a punishment for sin. Instead, she began to see how God could use every circumstance, even difficult ones, for His glory and our growth.

James 1:5 further encourages us to ask questions: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." This verse assures us that God doesn't judge us for our questions but rather welcomes them as opportunities to reveal His wisdom and love.

Embracing this truth can transform our approach to faith and community. Instead of pretending to have it all together, we can be honest about our struggles and questions. This vulnerability not only deepens our own faith but also creates an environment where others feel safe to explore their doubts and grow.

Think about it: How often have you held back a question in a Bible study or small group setting, fearing judgment? What if, instead, we viewed these questions as "faith curls" – exercises that strengthen our spiritual muscles? Just as we wouldn't judge someone for doing bicep curls at the gym, we shouldn't judge ourselves or others for exercising our faith through questions.

This approach to faith isn't just for new believers. Even those who have walked with Christ for years can benefit from maintaining a curious and humble attitude. The Bible is a living text, and God can reveal new insights to us no matter how many times we've read a passage.

Moreover, this questioning attitude can fuel our passion for sharing faith with others. When we're open about our own journey of discovery, it becomes easier to connect with those who are seeking. We don't need to have all the answers to share our faith; we just need to be willing to journey alongside others in their exploration.

In children's ministry, for example, breaking down complex concepts for young minds can help us understand our faith more deeply. The process of simplifying truths for children often reveals gaps in our own understanding, prompting further study and growth.

Ultimately, embracing questions in our faith journey is about trust. It's trusting that God is big enough to handle our doubts and loving enough to welcome our inquiries. It's trusting that our community of faith can support us through our uncertainties. And it's trusting that the process of seeking answers will draw us closer to God and to each other.

So, let's challenge ourselves to be "non-gray" Christians – not blending in with rehearsed answers and facades of perfection, but standing out through our genuine pursuit of truth and our willingness to be vulnerable in our faith journey.

As we close, reflect on these questions:

1. What question about faith have you been hesitant to ask?
2. How might openly discussing your doubts and questions strengthen your faith community?
3. In what ways can you create a safe space for others to express their spiritual inquiries?

Remember, every question is an opportunity for growth, every doubt a chance to deepen faith. Let's embrace the journey of discovery together, trusting that as we seek, we will find, and as we knock, doors of understanding will open.

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If this resonates with you, we invite you to watch our latest episode of The Legacy Podcast where our special guest Sarah Campos shares her powerful journey of faith.
In her story, you'll hear how God met her in the middle of uncertainty, how she wrestled with questions, and how embracing vulnerability led to unexpected spiritual growth. It’s an authentic, hope-filled conversation that reminds us: you don’t need all the answers to start following Jesus—just a willing heart.

? Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
? fairfieldbaptist.com/legacy

Let Sarah’s journey encourage you to lean into your questions, trust God's process, and create space for others to do the same.