My life as a Christian has been full of blessings, but has also been marked by challenges—especially when a hard spiritual question rears its ugly head:

• Why does God allow suffering?
• How do we reconcile faith with doubt?
• What if we don’t understand God’s plan?

Wrestling with these questions is not a sign of weak faith. Rather, it’s an opportunity to grow deeper in our understanding of God and his Word.

Seeking God in the Mess

The Bible is filled with examples of faithful believers struggling with deep spiritual questions. Let’s consider Jacob, who was given the new name Israel after literally wrestling with God in Genesis 32:24-30.

Through that struggle, Jacob received both a blessing and a new identity. In fact, the name Israel means, “he who contends with God.” This shows us that God welcomes our struggles and uses them to refine our faith.

Even Jesus’ disciples had doubts and questions. Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas,” struggled to believe in Christ’s resurrection until he saw the risen Lord for himself (John 20:24-29). Instead of rebuking him, Jesus invited Thomas to examine the evidence, proving that honest questions can lead to deeper faith.

How to Approach Your Doubts

1. Seek God in Prayer

When we face doubts and hard questions, we should bring them to God in prayer. James 1:5 encourages us, saying, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

2. Turn to Scripture

God has given us his Word to guide us. While we may not find immediate answers to every question, the Bible provides timeless truths that help us trust in God’s character and promises (Psalm 119:105).

3. Rely on the Holy Spirit

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth (John 16:13). When struggling with difficult questions, we should ask the Holy Spirit for understanding and discernment.

4. Seek Wise Counsel

Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Speaking with mature believers, pastors, or Christian mentors can help us process our questions with biblical wisdom.

5. Trust God’s Sovereignty

Some questions may never be fully answered this side of eternity. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us.” We can trust that God knows what we do not and that his plans are ultimately for our good (Romans 8:28).

Faith Grows in the Struggle

Wrestling with difficult spiritual questions does not mean our faith is failing—it means it’s growing! God is not afraid of our questions, nor is he threatened by our doubts. Instead, he invites us to seek him, trust him, and rest in his unchanging truth.

If we remain rooted in his Word, open to his Spirit, and steadfast in seeking him, we will emerge with a faith that is stronger, deeper, and more resilient than before.

So, if you find yourself struggling with hard questions, don’t be discouraged! You are in good company with Jacob, Thomas, and countless believers who have gone before you. Keep seeking, keep praying, and keep trusting. God is faithful, and he will lead you through every question into a greater knowledge of him.

Have some questions or doubts? You’re not alone!

Check out Questions with Craig where we answer tough questions about God, Christianity, the Bible, and more.

  AUTHOR CREDITS

This blog was written by the Mission Hills Church Communications Team.