Every day, I get questions from people around the world asking me why God doesn’t speak to them. They want answers, but they’re disappointed when none come. They want me to tell them what is right, what they should believe, and how they can be sure they’re not hurting themselves or others by following their own path. It’s hard for them to accept that not all questions have easy answers or that sometimes we just need to trust Him.
So I asked myself: Is there a way for unbelievers to feel comfortable with this kind of uncertainty? Couldn’t a Christian have a more loving and sensitive approach? You have questions about the Bible. We all do. People often ask me questions about what it means to be a follower of Christ. I’m grateful for that interest, but if I could give one piece of advice to people interested in learning more about the Bible and their faith, it would be this: don’t feel bad if you don’t know all the answers yet. In fact, I think God expects us to ask those questions, which is why he gives us life and breath—to ask them and then seek out his answers together as we live our everyday lives together as Christ’s Church.
Bible Verses About Not Knowing All The Answers
Christianity is not about having all the answers and knowing everything. Being a follower of Christ does not equal being a Biblical Scholar (not that there’s anything wrong with that). In fact, I would say it’s quite the opposite and as believers in Jesus, it’s a lifelong commitment to learning and growing in our walk with Him. The sooner we can admit that it’s ok to not have all the answers, the better.
The Bible is full of examples of when the disciples didn’t quite get it. When Jesus talked about the parable of the sower in Mark 4, His followers had to ask Him about it afterwards (Mark 4:10–13). When Jesus rose again from the dead and appeared to some of them, the rest of the disciples didn’t believe it (Mark 16:12–13).
These are Jesus’ disciples! They were right there with Him, actually physically walking with Him, witnessing many miracles in their presence, and still, at the end of the day, they didn’t always quite get it. If the disciples didn’t always have all the answers or even doubted Jesus at times, then how much more do you think we won’t have the answers or doubt Jesus ourselves?
He was patient with them every step of the way and He is still patient with us today. We can find great encouragement in the fact that we don’t have to have all the answers. As we continue to walk in our relationship with Christ and grow, here are 3 things to remember when talking with others about the Gospel:
1. Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
2. 1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
3. Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
4. Romans 11:33-34
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
5. Psalm 147:5
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
6. Job 11:7-9
Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?
7. Ecclesiastes 8:17
Then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it.
8. Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
9. Job 37:5
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.
10. Proverbs 4:7
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
These Bible verses remind us that as humans, we may not always have all the answers. Trusting in the wisdom and knowledge of God is essential, as His ways are higher than our ways. Seeking understanding and wisdom through Him can lead us on the right path.
Knowledge Without Understanding Scripture
“I Don’t Know” Is Safe To Say
Most of us think that if we mention something like this in a conversation, then it sounds like we are fake and don’t know anything. Maybe we fear that we’ll lose an opportunity by not having the answer? Whatever reason we think it is inexcusable to say something like this, next time you find yourself at this part of the conversation…try it.
For example, when you find yourself in this moment, say “I don’t know, but I will look that up and get back with you.” That is incredibly legit to tell someone. It’s not like you have the entire Bible memorized (if you do, that’s awesome…congrats). If they are expecting you to have it all memorized, that’s another conversation for another day involving major silliness on their part.
Be Authentic, Don’t Impress
On the other end, there is no need to talk to someone who has all the answers. Not only is that prideful, therefore sinful, but that turns people off faster than probably screaming in their faces (both are bad options). The more “real” you can be with someone, the better. No one is impressed with an amazing amount of theology if you’re not loving it.
Instead, as you share the gospel and how God has made a difference in your life, let them know you don’t have all the answers and that you’re cool with that. You might be surprised by the response to your conversation. I’ve noticed people are actually more attracted to that statement when you’re being authentic. There’s just something about having a real conversation with a real person who genuinely has an interest in just loving you.
Let Scripture Be The Authority
At the end of the day, we can rely on the Bible to do the talking and have all the answers. Not only is it breathed out by God and perfect, but it can be used in all areas of life and equips the saints for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
For that reason, we must take the Word of God seriously. We need to read and study it daily, pray through it, and treat it as the authority in our lives. If we are talking more than the Bible, that’s a problem.
Top Bible Verses for Trusting God
Ultimately, when you became a follower of Christ, did you know everything? Did you learn everything within the next year? How about 5 years after that? What about now? You can see where I am going with this. We will never know everything and have all the answers.
The quicker we can be confident in not having all the answers, the quicker we will be giving God all the glory. Let’s read the Bible, pray to our Father, and rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us in our conversations with others as we share the Gospel and build up the Church.
There are times in life when stress and fear can test our trust in God. We all face moments when we don’t know what will happen next and we realize we must place our faith in God to answer our prayers. However, trusting in God isn’t always easy and often we seek a reminder of God’s love and grace. Fortunately, we can rely on heartening Bible verses for trusting God even when it seems impossible. Here are 20 Bible verses for trusting God that we hope will inspire you!
A Prayer to Trust God
O Lord my God, do not be far from me. My God, have regard to help me. I have many thoughts and great fears afflicting my soul. How will I pass through unhurt?
This is my hope, my one only consolation, to flee to you in every tribulation, to trust in you, to call on you from my inmost heart, and to wait patiently for your consolation.
Bible Verse About Not Understanding God’s Ways
As a loving reminder, we have assembled our favorite Bible verses for trusting God for you to read whenever you need such encouragement. May this collection of scripture help you to trust in God and make it through whatever trials beset you. Be encouraged and inspired in your faith knowing that you have a trustworthy God who wants the best for you!
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Psalm 37:4-6
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Matthew 6:25
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Psalm 9:10
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Encouraging Scriptures to Trust God
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Psalm 112:7
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Mark 5:36
But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Luke 10:27
And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”