Recently, on a flight to Japan, my husband was writing out his testimony to share with his Life Group there in Okinawa. His seatmate asked what he was working on, and Karl’s answer piqued his interest. This 21-year-old Japanese student had never heard anything about Jesus before, but he asked Karl to tell him more. Because the student was still learning English, Karl had to use simple vocabulary. And, since they both had plenty of time to spare during the ten-hour flight across the Pacific, Karl was able to tell the story of God and His people starting at the very beginning. 

Karl said sharing these life-altering truths in such plain language with someone who had never heard them before reminded him of teaching our children about God. It got me thinking how passing my knowledge of God onto my kids has been so challenging to my own faith. Discipling toddlers has allowed me to approach the Bible with fresh eyes and has also continually provided me with fresh questions I need to answer.  

Sometimes these questions come from my kids, but oftentimes, verbally explaining what I believe creates lots of questions in my own mind. I’ve often found myself telling a Bible story or explaining a core doctrine, like the Trinity, and thinking, “Why did it have to happen that way?” or, “Wait, how does that actually work?” and even, “Do I really believe this?” 

At first these questions were unsettling, but I’ve come to embrace and appreciate them! They’ve driven me into deeper study and deeper prayer. None of my questions have ever intimidated God. My confusion and even my doubts don’t threaten Him. And He has been so faithful to continue to reveal His truth to me as I have sought Him. My confidence in Him has only been strengthened by indulging these questions. I am more assured of His existence, His power, and His goodness than ever before. 

I encourage you to challenge your understanding of the Trinity by explaining it to someone else. That person could be a child or an adult, a Christian or an unbeliever, a close friend or a total stranger. This isn’t a pass-fail test to see whether or not you “get it.” It’s a starting point to see what unanswered questions you may have and not even be aware of. Questions are wonderful. They are fodder for spiritual growth! I pray you won’t be discouraged by what you don’t yet understand, but rather encouraged to grow in your knowledge, your understanding, and your worship of God.