When You are Questioning God, Remember this…

The day my mother died I began questioning everything. I questioned why I believed what I believed. I questioned the existence of God and wondered how a good God could take away an amazing mother. But the amazing thing about God, is that He stands the test. He welcomes it.

In fact, scripture even says, "Test all things, hold fast to what is true." 1 Thess 5:21

In this passage, Paul wanted the Thessalonians to have the heart and mind of the Bereans. The Bereans searched the scriptures daily to see if what Paul was claiming is true (Acts 17:11).

I wanted to add a reminder to this post because I don’t want to preach a faith that makes me look self reliant. My flesh is weak, but His spirit is so strong.

It is important to take note of the next verses of 1 Thess 5, Paul says, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”

Paul made it CLEAR that sanctification is God’s work in us. Throughout scripture this is emphasized. And I wish we emphasized it more.

Again, in his letter to the Philippians, yes Paul tells us to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling…” (which we are so quick to preach). But he also says in chapter 2:13 “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure…”

I find comfort in the fact that in all that he told the Christians to do in 1 Thessalonians 4:1 through 1 Thessalonians 5:22, and his letter to the Philippians…he NEVER intended that they do those things in their own power.

When I stopped trying to do it in isolation, by my own power, God met me through the people in my life who offered sound wisdom for questions I had. People who did not look down on me for my doubts, but pointed me to the One who could fill them.

The biggest mistake we can make while testing out our faith, or even living this Christian life is failing to do it prayerfully and attempting to do it by our own power.

If you are, I hope this encourages you to reach out to someone. You never know who God can work through to aide you in your journey.