Any Questions?

We all have questions about God, our faith and how it relates to our lives.  Questions like, Can it be proven that God exists?  Was Jesus of Nazareth God? If Jesus was God, why did he have to die? Is believing in Jesus really the only way to get to heaven? Why should I follow Jesus; can’t I just say I believe in him?  And the ever popular, Can’t I be a Christian without going to church?
 
And it’s OK to have questions.  God doesn’t mind! 

Remember how in the Easter story not one of Jesus’ followers believed that he had actually risen from the dead until they saw him with their own eyes.  Not the Mary’s at the tomb, not Peter or John, not any of the others either.  Remember the story of doubting Thomas, who refused to believe Jesus rose from the dead until he saw him with his own eyes?  

All of Jesus’ first disciples had fundamental questions about what they were to believe.   But Jesus didn’t condemn them for having questions!  And Jesus isn’t going to condemn any of us for our questions either.   

Having questions actually serves an important purpose in our journey of faith.  As odd as it sounds, asking questions actually helps us stay connected with God.  When we go back to God with our why’s and what if’s, with our ‘how does that work…how can that be,’ we keep the lines of communication open and keep our relationship with God from becoming stale or something we take for granted.  When we talk to God about our questions, God helps as we ponder what faith and belief mean for us today.  Through our questions, God leads us to a new life in a new relationship with God.

Having questions is an ordinary and important part of everyone’s faith journey.    Because it’s through our questions, and listening for God’s responses, that we grow in faith.

Pondering the big questions,

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