But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect -1 Peter 3:15

I think sometimes, especially Christians, think that we need to know all the answers. That as our faith is questioned or challenged, we need to be able to eloquently defend positions we aren’t sure we understand completely either. Sometimes we perceive attack and proceed to defend because of an honest question we can’t answer from an unbeliever, and turn them away in the process. Or, we’re afraid of rejection, or even doing more harm than good, so we stay silent. Looking around the world today, I see the unfortunate manifestations of our uncertain silence.

I have a lot of respect for Christian leaders who acknowledge their lack. Lack of knowledge. Lack of understanding. Lack of human perfection. Sometimes, even lack of faith in a season, situation, or struggle. When authentic and sincere, it makes me feel a little less alone and a bit more connected.

I think we’ve all heard, and if we’re honest wondered: what about all those people who haven’t heard the gospel? For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. He didn’t come to condemn, but to save us from all unrighteousness.(John 3:16-17) Quite literally our hero; the condition obvious: belief.

All unrighteousness (John 3:17). Christ is all and in all (Col 3:11). No condemnation in Jesus (Rom 8:1). But how does someone receive the salvation offered only through Christ if they never even heard the message? Seems they didn’t, don’t, stand a chance. If you’re empathic, that probably doesn’t land well in your spirit. Christ’s compassion in you is stirred; you sense dissonance most certainly. I’d imagine too it’s because we live in a world of what’s “fair”, and this doesn’t feel fair. What about all the wars fought in the name of religion? What about the one who turns from the church due to disgusting abuse? They equate (fairly from a human perspective) all Christians to Christ, unsafe and untrustworthy, due to bad behavior in the church body. As believers we know we’re imperfect and are quick to defend with God’s grace, but let’s be honest regarding the damage done to souls over the course of millennia. True harm has been done by wolves in sheep’s clothing. You and me both, hurting someone or having been hurt by a “Christian” heart along the way.

Then I remember. His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 58:8-9). His thoughts aren’t our thoughts. He promises we can take heart because He’s overcome the world (John 16:33). Christ died for all; since no one can know the heart of a person except God, and He’s promised He IS love, we can trust Him with the hearts of those we love. We can trust Him with humanity. He is faithful, trustworthy, patient, merciful, and grace-filled in our questions and confusion.

Know today that it’s our confusion, not His. He is not a God of confusion (1 Cor 14:33). Know today it is GOOD to care about and for the eternity of your neighbor. Our literal number one calling as we walk the earth is to go and make disciples, glorifying God (Mat 28:19). Guys, it’s not because He needs disciples. It’s because He cares about every single person in every single nation. It’s for OUR good. For the good of our neighbors. Stand in it, it’s enough.

It’s okay if you don’t know sometimes. And it’s okay to say so. I encourage you: lean into what you DO know today. We know Our Father cares for us deeply (1 Pet 5:7). We know that Christ is all and is in all. We know we are His daughters, His sons. We know He is only good, only light. We know Christ gave what we could not, in obedience to His Father and in love for us, His brothers and sisters. We know it was horrible. And we know He’d do it all over again for even just one soul. My soul. Your soul. That soul…I’ll bet you know the one He’s causing you to care for…

We are His beloved. Sometimes we don’t know. He does. And He loves us like crazy. Next time someone asks you something and you don’t know the answer, you can still be prepared to give an account.

“Why do you still serve this ‘god’, this ‘Jesus’ when: *insert whichever atrocity here*?”

My answer: Honestly, I get overwhelmed and confused about how much evil I see everywhere. Makes me sick too. But my God, my Jesus, they love me like crazy. Jesus suffered horribly and didn’t deserve it. I meant so much to Him that He’d rather die the worst death I could imagine, in my place. He’s asked for nothing in return, literally nothing, except my belief. My heart. And He’s filled me with His Holy Spirit so that I know in my heart of hearts, my soul, that I am loved. Even when I can’t feel it, I’m worthy. I can’t begin to answer all of your questions, I don’t honestly know the answers, and I’m not always comfortable with them either. But I CAN tell you that Jesus has made all the difference in my life. There isn’t enough time to tell you all the ways He’s provided for me, made Himself present to me, in my best seasons and when I wasn’t doing so well. He’s my faithful, dearest, most trustworthy friend, and I’m eternally grateful He chose me.

Friend, in case you didn’t know it…He chose you too. I hope you know that. And if you don’t, please stay close. Give Him a chance to show you how much you’re loved. Ask Him. And then look.

He always, always shows up.