Faith Formation Framework Series 2: Faith Internalized Through Spiritual Practices and LearningSample

Wrestling with Questions

Focus

Mindfulness: Picture Jesus sitting with a young person as they wrestle with their questions. How does he show them love?

Listen

Scripture: Mark 9:24 (NIV)
"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

Reflection:
Faith that lasts is faith that has room for questions. Doubt is not the enemy of faith; silence is. Young people are navigating complex realities—justice, purpose, suffering, identity—and they need adults who do not fear their questions. Jesus met people in their doubts with compassion, not shame. When we honor young people’s questions, we give space for the Spirit to become rooted in their hearts. God is big enough to hold their questions, and we are invited to sit beside them as companions, not as judges, trusting the Spirit to do sacred work in their souls.

Apply

How can you create safe spaces for a young person to share their honest questions?

Respond

God, you are not afraid of our questions. Help me to be patient, tender, and present as young people wrestle with their faith. May my trust in you create room for their discovery.