As a father, it is important to me that my kids know they can come to me with questions. I make an intentional effort to encourage them to ask whatever is on their minds, even when the questions may seem to pose a challenge to something I have done or taught them to do.
As a result, my boys have questioned my disciplinary tactics, my eating habits, my spending habits, even my faith. I wish I could claim to always respond with something wise and profound that leaves the boys in awe of their father’s ability to unpack the mysteries of life and deliver them to children. But that’s not often the case. Sometimes I have good answers for them. Sometimes I am convicted by their questions and have to admit a mistake. Sometimes I offer explanations that are beyond their ability to grasp at this stage in their lives. But I always end with this:
Do you trust me?
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They always say yes. But I have seen the shadows of doubt in their eyes at times. My hope is that as they grow up in a home where questions are invited, where mistakes are admitted and where dad demonstrates consistency between his words and his actions, they will learn that they can trust me. If they trust me, my less than satisfactory answers will not damage our relationship. If they trust me, we can always come to a place of peace between us.
Many of us have questions for God. I believe he welcomes our questions. Here are some big ones I have wrestled with in my life:
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Why does God allow suffering?
Why do Christians not seem to practice what they preach?
Doesn’t God want me to be happy?
Would God really send “good people” to hell?
Sometimes God points me to answers. Sometimes the answers are beyond my ability to grasp. Sometimes he seems frustratingly silent. But I believe the one thing he wants to know when I come to the end of my questions is, do I trust Him. Because if I do, I can be at peace with God even when I don’t understand, or maybe even disagree. If I don’t trust him, no answer will ever be sufficient to satisfy my doubts. I’m convinced He’s done enough to earn my trust. How about you?
What are your questions for God?
Has he earned your trust?
