Does anyone else question God?

[Xen_Antares]

Im not sure if this is the right forum for it or not, but I know more people here, or atleast know their hearts and minds a little.

Of course Ive had my problems with lonelinesss, Ive ranted about it many times here. Thanks for listening by the way, I come here and I see so many of you have complete faith that everything will be worked out if only you draw closer to Jesus. Me on the other hand I've spent the past year and a half questioning his motives more than ever, but it finally came to a head this weekend. This has little or nothing to do with me, other than in faith but an old friend called me on Saturday. This guy and I have been friends since High School, I was a groomsman in his wedding, if something would have happened to the best man I would have been it, but to get to the point his wife miscarried on Wednesday and he was asking me if I could come to the funeral of his son.

Let me take this moment to say there is nothing like attending the funeral of an infant, that was one of the worst things I have ever experienced in my life and is something I will tell you I wish I never have to do again. The family let me come in with them, I was the only non-relative let in at the time being, but first I was asked to lead them in prayer. Now that was awkward, Ive been questioning God for so long and to suddenly be placed in the spot light for a prayer.....I did the best I could. But to go in and see the tiny casket and to try to comfort the family and assure them it was God's will and it was for the best. Thats an experience I can never forget, and the whole time I was there I questioned God. I was so unsure of how this was for the best.

Does anyone else get to the point where they look at their lives, and the lives of those they love and question God why? During these past several month's it has honestly felt as if God was no where near, people say he is but he must be playing hide and seek or something, I sure havent felt him, just anger. If theres one thing I can say about me, its that I hate being ignorant. I hate being out in the dark, I hate the question why and not being able to find the answer. Can anyone else relate?

 

[GeorgiaGuy]

You know, I don't have an answer. I've questioned God at times before. However, for whatever reason, there is a purpose. I don't know what, but there's a purpose for everything that occurs.

 

[desi]

Yes I have felt such feelings, at those times I recognize I'm not trusting in God which is what he wants. He wants trust in him to do best.

Ten or so years ago a prominent High School athlete in the area was diagnosed with a brain tumor. His parents weren't well off and a community collection was made to pay for his medical bills. Later after he recovered he was asked about his illness. He answered to the effect that he did not ask God why as he did not ask God why when he was a member of the football team who took state as a freshman, where he received a big gold ring for his efforts. Keep in mind this guy was still in HS when he said this, this is trust in the Lord which we all should aspire to.

I've recently lost my job and initially panicked, but I'm doing what I can with trust in God to bless my efforts. So far every change in my life has led to a better life so I trust God to lead things once again, I pray you do the same.

 

[HoosierCanuck]

Does anyone else get to the point where they look at their lives, and the lives of those they love and question God why? During these past several month's it has honestly felt as if God was no where near, people say he is but he must be playing hide and seek or something, I sure havent felt him, just anger. If theres one thing I can say about me, its that I hate being ignorant. I hate being out in the dark, I hate the question why and not being able to find the answer. Can anyone else relate?

Yes. I'm there now....not only do I wonder about my own life but I wonder about a lot of lives...why some people suffer so much when to me it seems like they don't deserve it. Why don't child molestors and murderers ever get cancer? Why is it always someone's loving, faithful wife or mother? Why does it seem like it's always those who have the most to live for that end up dying too young in some horribly tragic way? I just don't get it. Yeah, I believe there is a purpose for everything but most of it doesn't make sense.

 

[fishstix]

I don't think we have to try to convince ourselves or others that tragedies and other bad things that happen are God's will. Not everything that happens is God's will. If God always had His way, there would be no sin or hurt and none of us would ever make bad choices. God can make some good come of even the worst things, but that doesn't mean that those bad things were His will in the first place. And if they aren't His will, perhaps there isn't really a purpose for the bad things - we just have to trust that God can still make good things happen anyway. God is ultimately in control and it will all work out in the end, even though some bad stuff happens on the way.

 

[HoosierCanuck]

I'm not trying to question you or attack you, Fishstix but why can't God always have his way? He's God, right? Maybe my questions are deeper than what this thread is supposed to be about. I dunno. I just don't know why God doesn't show more that He IS indeed in control. I look around and only see Satan's work and it really bums me out. It just seems like life has always and will always suck for some people. It's not right.

 

[oldrooster]

All I would like to ask God is , Why do you have to make it so hard all the time ?, but if it wasn't I guess I would never get it.

 

[fishstix]

I'm not trying to question you or attack you, Fishstix but why can't God always have his way? He's God, right? Maybe my questions are deeper than what this thread is supposed to be about. I dunno. I just don't know why God doesn't show more that He IS indeed in control. I look around and only see Satan's work and it really bums me out. It just seems like life has always and will always suck for some people. It's not right.

He could always have His way, but only if no one else is allowed to make choices. As soon as God lets anyone make decisions of their own and gives them the ability to choose something that is their own will and not necessarily His will then He doesn't always have His way.

It does sometimes seem like all there is is bad, but there is good stuff out there too, you just have to look carefully for it sometimes. Even when it seems that there is so much bad in someone's life that there couldn't be any good, there is still some good if you look for it. I can't really answer your question as to why God doesn't show that He is in control more than what He does. Maybe He doesn't want to force Himself on anyone or something. That would be something to ask Him one day I guess.

 

[exalt]

I'm not trying to sound insensitive, but GOD does things for a reason. The child is with GOD so all you can do is be happy for that, and through faith know that GOD had his reasons. We don't understand why and yes it does seem harsh, but GOD does look after us, and he had good intentions. I am sorry to what happened to your friend, and what you had to experience. I can only say to you my friend that you need to pray. I know that when I feel that GOD is distant in my life, that's the last thing I want to do. I just struggled with this for over a month right after feeling unexplainably close to GOD. This is exactly how satan works, recognize it, and pray against it. Seek the Lord with your questions, it may take time, seek with a true heart and you will hear. Stay in the word, stay around christian community, and have people pray for you. The only reason I say this is because through my last struggle I didn't, and I fell way away. I am coming back, and feel GODs presence again, he is working in me. It's all about faith. You really need prayer bro, get connected. Is your friend a believer?

 

[Peter_in_Christ]

If God gave us all the reasons for all that has happened, then there wouldn't be the need for 'Trust' and our faith is rather pointless.

Hebrews 11 By Faith 1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

We trust the God will make good from everything, both from the positive and negative, as Christians we are not exempt from toils and troubles which non-Christians encounter too.

Satan loves to cause doubts in our minds, causing us the question God. When Satan attacks our thoughts and minds, it affects our feelings, and in turn it will affect our actions/decisions. Guard your minds with the Word of God and constantly pray for His guidance through the Holy Spirit to see things through daily, thus quiet times is an important element in our Christian life (finding time to spend alone with God, reading a small passage, meditating on it, pray, and listen out for Him).

It is good to ask questions, as a Christian there are often times where we will have doubts but if left alone for too long Satan will use it to draw us away from God.

The more we don't know or understand to more we have to Trust in God to help us see things through. It is not by our own strength or effort that we live on this earth but by His grace and love.

Take care and God bless
Love in Christ

Peter

 

[klewlis]

There is nothing wrong with questioning God. David and the prophets did so all the time.

The problem comes when we dwell on the problems and not on the solution. In the end, for all our questioning and fighting we have to eventually run back to God and trust him, knowing that there is no other way. There is no one else who holds the answers and the power to change our world. There is no one else who loves us unconditionally. There is no one else who IS the truth. There is no one else who can forgive us and cleanse us from our sins. There is no one else who holds our very breath in his hand. What alternative do we have than to trust him?

God has promised us that one day he will make everything right--he will punish injustice and cleanse and restore the earth and us. What other hope do we have? If we do not cling to that, how can we face life?

Where else can we go, when Jesus has the words of life?


I highly recommend Philip Yancey's book "Reaching for the Invisible God", which deals with this issue.

 

[HoT-MetaL]

I ask God questions, but I certainly wouldnt question his judgement. The guys knows whats best for me, better than I do!

God Bless, metal.

 

[mina]

I don't think there is anything wrong with questioning God. He is the one with all the answers after all. In fact if you don't understand something, the very person you should be talking to and seeking understanding from is God. I think God understands us better than we do ourselfs and I really don't think He would push us away for questioning Him. God knows the question is in your head and heart before you even ask, so the best thing we can do is be honest with Him. God is big enough to give you the comfort you need and the answer in His time for you.

 

[JPPT1974]

It depends on the subject and also depends on how and why the subject is being called in question. But it isn't crazy or dumb at all as people question like why God let 9/11 happen??

 

[HoosierCanuck]

Thanks, OldRooster (the rep)

I want to clarify that I'm not necessarily questioning God because I think 'my' life is so horrible. All I have to do is check CNN to know my life is pretty darn good. It's more like I'm questioning Him because of people I know or know of who are really going through a lot of horrible stuff.

I agree with JPPT1974 I don't think it's crazy or dumb to question things like 9/11. I have my opinions on that but I don't want to go there because I know it would upset more than just a few people.

 

[Lia]

I did had questions like that and still wondering sometimes. But I know that these sufferings are part of God's mystery, but be encouraged that we live in a temporary fallen world now..temporary pains as well. Someday we will understand, someday it will all be revealed to us and it'll be so clear why God allows these things happened. Someday all the evil things will be defeated. There will be no suffering anymore FOREVER... when we see Him face to face. What a hope!

In his book, "Sacred Romance", John Elridge (sp?) tried to explain why God allows suffering in this world. There are much of God's grace and mercy behind suffering, there's always a lesson to learn. God is good no matter our circumstances are.

As for God's justice (why bad things happen to good people and vice versa), I'd encourage to read Psalm 73. We know the destination of the wicked one... and our God is a just God.

 

[Lia]

Also, questioning God with a sincere heart is not wrong at all... if you really seek to understand God's truth and strengthen your faith in Him. I think it'll a different story if you question God in an arrogant way as if we know better than God. It's all about the heart and motivation of asking, IMO.

 

[Pirch80]

Well I think almost everybody has doubted Christ in one time or another. Especially for new christians because you're trying to justify "Okay is he real or is he not?". I mean it was strange in my class my best friend (who invited me to her church and I go to now) said that this test God is going to do something and she's a major religious person and I look up to her majorlly but she ended up not doing so good. Sometimes I ask myself like Lord what am I supposed to be doing? Because right now I have very little doubt that we were probably meant to meet eachother. I mean we met eachother in our older class and we just became great friends.

Right now I'm just trying to figure out what is she getting from God or Jesus? Because part of me is saying what am I supposed to do to help her? Right now I'm bound determined how I can help my friend and I won't stop.

So yes I think all people have doubted Christ but when you learn more about Christ and his saying and what he was about and learn that we live in a world of sin and shame and greedy people then you realize that you can only do your best but you can't change the world. God gave us free will and because of free will there will always be people that will sinful things and even extreme sinful things. All you can do is stay strong in the faith and pray that Jesus will show you the way.

 

[Pirch80]

Oh sorry by the way the test I was talking about was this past Anatomy Test. My friend had said when this new unit before came up that God was going to do something. So that's what I was talking about.