Let’s Talk About the Questions We’re Afraid to Ask

You’ve probably seen it. A funny meme. A joking text. A vulnerable conversation wrapped in humor. It usually starts with the phrase: “Asking for a friend…”

It’s what we say when we want to ask something real — but we’re not quite ready to admit it’s our question. Whether it’s fear, pride, or the uncertainty of how others will respond, we sometimes hide our deepest faith questions behind a smile or a shrug.

But here’s the truth:

Many of the questions we ask “for a friend”… are the same ones we carry quietly in our own hearts.

• Why does God allow suffering?
• How do I know if I’m really saved?
• Does God still speak today?
• Why do I feel far from Him?
• What if I still have doubts?

These are honest questions. Necessary questions. Faith-building questions.

And instead of ignoring or suppressing them, what if we brought them into the light?

That’s exactly what our new series — Asking For A Friend — is all about.

Why We’re Starting This Series

Because real faith isn’t built by pretending we have it all figured out. It’s built through wrestling, wondering, and learning to trust in the middle of it.

So, we’re making space. Space to talk. To wonder. To dig into God’s Word. To bring up the questions you’ve been carrying — even if they make you feel unsure or uncomfortable.

This isn’t a classroom. It’s a conversation.

You’re Not the First to Ask Questions

Sometimes we feel guilty for questioning God. But if you flip through your Bible, you’ll see we’re in very good company:

Moses Asked: “Who am I to do this?”

When God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, Moses didn’t leap at the opportunity. He asked, “Who am I that I should go?” (Exodus 3:11). He doubted himself — and by extension, doubted God’s choice.

God’s response wasn’t rebuke. It was reassurance: “I will be with you.”

Mary Asked: “How can this be?”

When the angel told Mary she would give birth to the Savior of the world, her immediate response wasn’t applause. It was a question: “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34).

Mary wasn’t reprimanded for her question. She was honored for her faith.

David Asked: “Why have You forsaken me?”

In the psalms, David poured out raw emotion to God. He asked bold, sometimes even bitter questions:

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1)

God didn’t turn away from David. He called him a man after His own heart.

John the Baptist Asked: “Are You really the One?”

Even John the Baptist — the one who baptized Jesus — had doubts. From prison, he sent messengers to ask Jesus:

“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3)

Jesus didn’t shame him. Instead, He gently pointed John back to the evidence of who He was.

Jesus Welcomed Questions

Time and time again, Jesus was approached with questions — by skeptics, seekers, and disciples alike. Some were meant to trap Him. Others came from genuine places of curiosity or confusion.

Jesus didn’t just tolerate questions. He used them to teach, challenge, and draw people closer to truth.

He answered questions with parables. He asked questions in return. And He invited people to seek and find (Matthew 7:7).

If Jesus wasn’t afraid of questions, we shouldn’t be either.

Why It’s Good to Ask Questions of Faith

1. Questions Reveal a Desire to Understand

When you ask questions, it means you’re engaged. You’re thinking. You care enough to wrestle. That’s the first step toward deeper understanding.

2. Questions Create Opportunity for Growth

Every time we explore something we don’t understand, we grow. Not just intellectually — spiritually. Faith isn’t about having perfect answers; it’s about trusting a perfect Savior.

3. Questions Break the Illusion of Isolation

When we talk about the hard stuff, we realize we’re not alone. Others are asking the same things. Others are wondering too. And in community, we find strength.

4. Questions Lead Us Back to the Word

Healthy questioning always drives us toward the truth. And God’s Word is the solid ground we come back to, again and again.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16

What You Can Expect from This Series

As we travel through this series, we’ll explore some of the most common and vulnerable faith questions — the ones many of us have, but few of us voice:

• Can I be a Christian and still have doubts?
• Why didn’t God answer my prayer?
• Is it wrong to feel angry at God?
• What if I feel far from God even though I’m doing everything right?
• How do I trust God when life feels unfair?

Each post (and podcast episode) will include:

• Real stories
• Biblical insight
• Practical encouragement
• A safe place to grow

We won’t pretend to have all the answers. But we’ll point you to the One who does!

Let’s Make This a Conversation

We’re inviting you to be part of this journey — not as passive listeners, but as active participants.

• Share your questions (even anonymously)
• Talk about it with your life group or a trusted friend
• Journal what God is showing you
• Pray for courage to be honest and open

And remember — asking questions isn’t a sign of weak faith. It’s a sign of a faith that’s alive and growing.

You’re Not Alone in Your Questions

If you’ve ever felt like a “bad Christian” for asking hard questions… If you’ve ever sat in church and thought, “Is it just me who wonders?”… If you’ve ever wished you could raise your hand and ask what’s really on your heart…

You’re not alone.

The Church was never meant to be a place for perfect people with polished answers. It’s a family. A hospital. A gathering of seekers, strugglers, and followers of Jesus who are learning — together — what it means to trust Him.

So go ahead and ask.

For a friend. Or for yourself.

Either way — there’s grace for your questions. And there’s a place for you here.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” — James 1:5