DIGGING DEEP No. 1126 March 10, 2026
DIFFICULT QUESTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN FAITH
JOHN 16:33
Christians often face difficult questions about faith, life, suffering, and the Bible. These questions can come from unbelievers, new believers, or even mature believers who are trying to understand God more deeply. In every generation, the Christian faith faces challenges. Questions arise from culture, philosophy, science, and even personal suffering. Many people challenge what Christians believe about God, salvation, sin, and the Bible. But challenges are not new. The early church faced them, the prophets faced them, and even Jesus Christ Himself was questioned, opposed, and misunderstood. God does not call believers to fear questions. Instead, He calls us to stand firm in truth, understand what we believe, and defend our faith with wisdom and humility. Faith that has never been tested cannot become strong.
1. The Challenge of Believing in an Invisible God
One of the most common challenges is: “How can you believe in a God you cannot see?”
Scripture teaches that God is spirit. Gospel of John 4:24 “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Faith often requires trusting what cannot be seen. Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Biblical examples of faith:
- Abraham obeyed God without seeing the promise.
- Moses endured “as seeing Him who is invisible.” Faith sees what the physical eye cannot see.
1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
1 John 4:20
The most common argument for God’s existence is the evidence of creation. The universe did not create itself. Romans 1:20 “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.”
Creation reveals: Order Design, Purpose, Complexity. Just as a building proves there is a builder, the universe points to a Creator. No one has seen the wind, but we know it exists by the evidence of the things we see it do. We see its effects especially during storms.
2. The Challenge of Suffering and Evil
Many people question Christianity because suffering exists.
They ask:
- “If God is good, why is there pain?”
- “Why do bad things happen?”
The Bible never denies suffering. Instead, it explains that suffering entered the world through sin. Romans 5:12 “By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin.” Yet God can turn suffering into purpose. Example: Joseph was betrayed by his brothers but later said: “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” Genesis 50:20. What looks like defeat may be God’s plan for deliverance.
One of the hardest questions people ask is:
“Why do bad things happen?”
- Why do good people suffer?
- Why do tragedies occur?
- Why does God allow pain?
These questions have troubled believers for centuries. Even faithful servants of God asked similar questions.
Habakkuk cried out to God asking why injustice existed.
David asked, “Why do the wicked prosper?”
Even righteous Job struggled to understand his suffering.
But the Bible helps us understand that God is still working—even in the middle of pain.
Bad Things Happen Because We Live in a Fallen World. God created the world perfect, but sin changed everything. Genesis 3 records how sin entered the world through disobedience, Because of sin:
- sickness entered the world
- death entered the world
- suffering entered the world
Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin…”
The brokenness we see today is the result of humanity living in a fallen world.
Bad Things Can Be the Result of Human Choices. God gave humanity free will. People have the ability to choose good or evil.Many painful events happen because of human decisions.
Example:
- jealousy caused Joseph to be sold into slavery.
- pride caused Saul to fall from his throne.
God allows freedom, but human choices often produce painful consequences.
Bad Things Sometimes Test and Strengthen Our Faith
Trials can strengthen believers spiritually. James 1:2–3 “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Consider Job,
He lost:
- his children
- his wealth
- his health
Yet through the trial his faith became stronger, and God restored him.
Testing does not destroy true faith—it refines it.
God Can Turn Evil into Good. What people intend for harm, God can transform for good.
Genesis 50:20 Joseph told his brothers: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” Joseph’s suffering eventually saved an entire nation from famine. Sometimes we only see the pain, but God sees the purpose.
Suffering Draws Us Closer to God Many people grow spiritually during difficult seasons.
Pain often pushes us toward prayer and dependence on God. 2 Corinthians 12:9
God told Paul the Apostle: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Hard times often reveal God’s presence more clearly than easy times.
God Promises Ultimate Justice. Sometimes people wonder why evil people appear to prosper.
But the Bible teaches that God will bring justice.
Revelation 21:4
“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.”
One day God will restore everything that sin has broken.
Bad things happen for many reasons:
- We live in a fallen world
- Human choices bring consequences
- Trials strengthen faith
- God can bring good from evil
- Suffering draws us closer to Him
- God will ultimately bring justice
The cross of Jesus Christ is the greatest example.
The worst event in history—the crucifixion of Christ—became the greatest victory: the salvation of humanity.
What looked like defeat became redemption.
So when life becomes difficult, remember:
God is still working.
God is still present.
God will bring good out of what seems bad.
3. The Challenge of the Exclusivity of Christ
Many question the Christian belief that salvation comes only through Christ.
But Jesus Christ made a clear declaration:
Gospel of John 14:6
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father except through me.”
The apostles repeated the same truth.
Acts of the Apostles 4:12
“There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.”
Christianity is not built on human philosophy—it is built on the person and work of Christ.
4. The Challenge of Living a Holy Life
Another challenge Christians face is living differently from the world.
Believers are called to holiness. Peter 1:16 “Be holy; for I am holy.”
The world may question or mock Christian standards. But followers of Christ must stand firm like:
- Daniel, who refused to compromise in Babylon.
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow to the idol.
Faithfulness often requires courage.
5. The Challenge of Defending the Faith
Christians are called not only to believe but also to defend the truth.
Jude 1:3 “Contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.”
The early church faced persecution and intellectual opposition. Yet men like Paul the Apostle boldly preached the gospel in hostile environments.
Faith must be:
- known
- understood
- lived out
6. The Challenge of Persevering in Faith
Some challenges come through trials, disappointments, and waiting on God.
But Scripture reminds believers to endure. James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” Even strong believers faced trials:
- Job lost everything but kept his faith.
- David endured many hardships before becoming king.
Trials refine faith like fire refines gold.
Conclusion
Christian beliefs will always be challenged by the world.
But believers must remember:
- Truth does not change with culture.
- God’s Word remains eternal.
- Faith grows stronger when tested.
Jesus warned His followers in. John 16:33
“In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
The call of every believer is to:
- Stand firm in truth
- Live with courage
- Defend the faith
- Trust God through every challenge
Because in the end, the truth of Christ will stand forever.