Many of us grew up believing that questioning God was forbidden - that true faith meant never wrestling with doubt. However, this perspective has led many to silently struggle with their beliefs or even walk away from their faith entirely.

Is It Wrong to Question God?
God can handle our questions. He's not nervous, insecure, or offended when we ask "why?" or "where were you?" In fact, some of the most profound examples of faith in Scripture come from people who dared to ask difficult questions.

What Does Authentic Faith Look Like?
Real faith isn't about having all the answers or maintaining perfect certainty. God doesn't ask us to fake certainty - He asks us to stay close. Biblical figures like Job and David frequently questioned God while maintaining their faith. Their questions weren't signs of weakness but of authentic relationship with God.

Thomas, often labeled as "Doubting Thomas," might better be understood as "Honest Thomas." After witnessing Jesus's crucifixion, Thomas struggled to believe in the resurrection without seeing it himself. His response wasn't about weak faith - it was about honest faith surviving grief.

When Jesus appeared to Thomas, He didn't rebuke him. Instead, He offered peace (shalom) - not just calm, but wholeness, completion, and restoration. Jesus showed His wounds and invited Thomas to touch them, meeting him exactly where he was in his doubt.

What Can We Learn from Thomas's Experience?

• Questions draw Jesus closer, not away
• Faith isn't pretending everything's fine - it's trusting Jesus when it's not
• Jesus still shows up for people who need more
• The most sacred place to meet Jesus can be in the middle of our questions

This Week, Consider These Questions:

1. What doubts or spiritual questions have you been carrying that you haven’t shared with God—or anyone else?
   What would it look like to bring those honestly into prayer this week?
2. When was the last time you felt God’s peace—not because everything was resolved, but because you knew He was near?
   What might it take to receive that kind of peace again?
3. Have you ever felt pressure to appear certain when you were actually struggling?
   How has that shaped the way you engage with God or with church?
4. Who in your life needs a safe place to ask honest questions about faith?
   How can you be that person who listens well and loves without fixing?
5. What would change if you stopped seeing doubt as dangerous—and started seeing it as a doorway?
   How could that reframe your spiritual growth?

Challenge:
This week, choose to be honest with God about your doubts. Instead of hiding your questions, bring them directly to Him in prayer. Additionally, if someone shares their spiritual doubts with you, resist the urge to fix or explain. Practice listening without judgment, and offer presence over platitudes.

Remember:
Faith isn’t the absence of doubt—it’s the courage to keep seeking God in the midst of it.
Your questions don’t disqualify you from God’s presence.
They may be the very thing He’s using to draw you closer.