Have Questions? Here Are 5 Truths to Keep in Mind

By Sakie Takahashi

I had a lot of questions when I joined the Church, but I’ve learned what to do to find answers.

In Japan, I grew up learning about things that didn’t make sense to me. So, before I joined the Church, I had questions about the universe and the purpose of life.

When I started taking lessons from missionaries, I felt overwhelmed by questions. I explained that I had searched for answers from so many different sources but never felt settled on what I’d found. They taught me that I could always rely on the Lord to lead me to truth.

Since then, I have always been able to seek answers from Him and follow the Spirit to continue deepening my testimony.

Here are five truths I’ve learned about having questions along the way:

1. It’s OK to Have Questions

Questions can seem daunting, but Heavenly Father wants us to ask questions in faith so we can increase our faith in Jesus Christ. We can look at the examples of prophets who asked righteous questions like Nephi (see 1 Nephi 17–18), the brother of Jared (see Ether 2–3), and especially Joseph Smith, whose simple question led to the Restoration of the gospel (see Joseph Smith—History 1:5–13).

2. God Knows Everything

When I was reading 2 Nephi for the first time, I realized that even Nephi had questions. But he put his trust in the Lord instead of “the arm of flesh” (2 Nephi 4:34). So, when I had questions, I trusted the Lord too. I prayed sincerely, searched the scriptures, and studied the words of the prophets to draw near to Him and trust His timing before anything else.

The world’s answers may seem easy to find, but God is the real source of truth and knowledge. And we have constant access to Him to guide us to truth—what an amazing blessing that is!

As President Russell M. Nelson taught, “We can pray to our Heavenly Father and receive guidance and direction, be warned about dangers and distractions, and be enabled to accomplish things we simply could not do on our own.”¹

3. We Need Daily Experiences with the Lord

I have been tempted at times to move away from Heavenly Father when I’ve listened to the voices of the world, especially those on social media. The adversary is doing all he can to lead us away from truth. And often he presents us with half-truths and ideas that seem harmless and enticing.

But President Nelson also teaches that “the antidote to Satan’s scheme is clear: we need daily experiences worshipping the Lord and studying His gospel. … Give Him a fair share of your time. As you do, notice what happens to your positive spiritual momentum.”²

Making time for Him each day will help us discern between the voice of the adversary and the Lord’s voice.

4. Keeping Covenants Invites God’s Power

It can be tempting to allow our questions to override our faith and hope in Jesus Christ. The world can even make the idea of breaking our covenants look appealing. But I testify that by following the words of prophets and keeping my covenants, I have been able to gain an eternal perspective that has helped me feel more peace and joy than ever before, even without all the answers. I know that, like President Nelson taught, “ordinances and covenants give us access to godly power,”³ and I have felt that power to find and believe truth through keeping my covenants.

5. We Can Choose to Believe

When you’re faced with unanswered questions, think about what you do know. Remember Heavenly Father is with you even if you cannot find answers right away.

I know how it feels to have unanswered questions and to face temptations from the world. But we have the significant and encouraging gift of the Holy Ghost. Following the Spirit doesn’t always mean we’ll find answers immediately, but it does mean that we can always be guided to truth. As I seek Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, I feel joy and strength from the Spirit each day to keep moving forward with faith. I remember that despite our struggles, we always have the power to “choose to believe.”⁴

I am so grateful for my knowledge of the gospel and for questions that allow me to nurture and grow my testimony of Jesus Christ.