July 2
Something that has brought me a lot of relief is knowing that you can have questions and still have faith. Not only that, but it's probably good that we have questions, because they show that we care and want to grow.
Three Thoughts
"I believe; help my unbelief" is the cry of honest faith. The father in the story didn't have it all figured out, and Jesus didn't get upset with him for it. He healed the son anyway, which tells me that your honesty is the very thing that Jesus can work with.
MARK 9:24
David got frustrated with God. We read about it in the Psalms. The cool thing is that God didn't edit those frustrations out of the book. He kept them in there because being honest with our faith is what God cares about most. We need to bring our prayers to him as-is instead of trying to polish them up first.
PSALM 13:1-2
Scripture tells us to have mercy on people who doubt, including ourselves. Even as you wrestle with things and question what you believe, God is still choosing to love you all the way through it.
JUDE 1:22
Two Quotes
Author and theologian Os Guinness on doubting:
"There is no believing without some doubting."
Priest and professor Henri Nouwen on our identity:
"Being the beloved is our identity, the core of our existence."
Prayer
Dear God, I'm tired of pretending that my faith is stronger than it is. I have questions. I have doubts. I have days when I don't feel very close to you at all. I ask that you would meet me there today. Thank you for not requiring me to have a "perfect" faith.
Question
What question have you been afraid of asking God outloud?
P.S. I am head down researching this follow up book on the meaning of life and Ecclesiastes right now. What are some questions that you have? What would you like me to try and answer?