In a world where logic and proof are often prioritized, it’s easy to wrestle with doubts about God, especially when we encounter things in the Bible or in life that seem beyond understanding. But perhaps it’s this very mystery that reveals the greatness of God. As humans, our minds are finite, while God’s nature is infinite—something that can lead us to either dismiss or to humbly accept our limitations. Reflecting on this, we’re reminded that understanding every part of God or His Word isn’t a prerequisite for faith, but rather an invitation to trust Him deeply.
The Bible offers encouragement for moments when faith challenges our understanding. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” Similarly, Proverbs 3:5 calls us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Finally, in Hebrews 11:1, faith itself is defined as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” encouraging us to trust even without full comprehension.
How do you respond when certain aspects of faith don’t align with logic or make complete sense? Does it push you away or bring you closer to God?
I realized at some point in my journey that a complete, connect-the-dots, makes-perfect-sense theology simply wasn’t possible. I certainly don’t demand this of my beliefs.
That being said, I do require that my beliefs be rational, meaning not completely contrary to what every intellectual discipline tells us about the reality in which we live. I don’t believe faith is meant to be a test of whether we can cling to irrational beliefs.
I also require - I don’t see how this can be avoided - that my beliefs accord with what I am intuitively capable of believing. If my gut tells me “That can’t possibly be true,” I don’t see how I could rationally say “But I’m going to make myself believe it [or perhaps pretend to believe it] anyway.”
When I encounter aspects of my faith that don’t make sense, it feels like standing at the edge of a vast ocean; beautiful yet intimidating. At times, I want to turn away, thinking that if I can’t understand everything, maybe it’s easier to dismiss it.
However, I am reminded of (Isiah 55:8-9), which says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” It’s quite comforting to know that it’s okay not to understand it all. Rather than pushing me away, these moments often draw me closer to God.
Faith isn’t just about having answers; it’s about trusting in God who is bigger than my understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) reminds me to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
I find it to be quite interesting that faith can coexist with doubts, sometimes my doubts even lead me to explore more deeply.
When I hit those logic walls, it doesn’t make me question God’s existence; instead, it invites me to lean into Him more. Trusting in the mystery is part of the adventures of my faith, reminding me that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Sometimes, God will reveal them to me in due time, maybe it’s not for me to see the bigger picture just yet. Patience is key!
This is where faith grounded in God, not scripture, comes in. While the Bible contains all we need to live lives according to divine pleasure, we come very close to substituting scripture for God.
