How Should I Handle Biblical Mysteries?

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Editor's Note: Dr. Roger Barrier went to be with the Lord on February 16th, 2024. Dr. Barrier's family is honoring his legacy by continuing the ministry of Ask Roger and preachitteachit.org for years to come as they share more than two thousand still-unpublished sermons and Ask Roger articles. All articles authored by Dr. Barrier that are published and republished are done posthumously.

Dear Jeff and Roger, 
There are so many things in the Bible that I don’t understand. I’m ok with that—I feel like it’s part of the fact that my mind is finite and I’m trying to understand the infinite. But I really don’t understand why God chose to explain some things and not others. Will you help me? 
Sincerely, Annabeth

Dear Annabeth,

This is Jeff. You are not alone when it comes to wrestling with the questions of “why?” when reading the Bible. 

Maybe you come to a story that feels unfinished, a decision God made that puzzles you, or a truth that feels beyond comprehension. I’ve been there. We long for clarity and understanding, but instead, we encounter what seems to be a mystery. This can be unsettling, can’t it? After all, if God wants us to know Him, why doesn't He just tell us everything plainly?

Over all my years in ministry, I’ve discovered that God reveals enough about Himself to draw us closer, but He also leaves room for mystery so we can grow in trust and faith. The Bible itself acknowledges this tension, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:29 (NLT): “The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but our children and we are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.” 

God, in His wisdom, gives us what we need, while the rest invites us into deeper dependence and trust.

Leaning Into the Mystery

Maybe you're someone who loves answers, clarity, and a detailed plan—that's understandable! It feels unsettling not to know all the details, especially when you're trying to live faithfully. When we read a passage that leaves us perplexed, we may feel like we’re missing some vital piece to the puzzle. For example, have you ever wondered why Job never got an explanation from God for his suffering? That nagging question can leave us feeling like we don’t have enough to truly understand.

Perhaps you've faced moments in life where the mystery of the Bible collides with real situations—watching someone faithful seem to suffer with no explanation or struggling to understand God’s justice when the world feels so broken. This tension can make us question whether God really does care enough to guide us. Our culture often demands instant answers and proof, which can make us feel out of sync when we’re called to walk by faith, not sight (see 2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT).

When we recognize that the mysteries in the Bible are not obstacles but invitations, it transforms how we approach God. Instead of demanding answers, we learn to lean into the truth that God’s ways are higher than ours (see Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT). We stop trying to dissect the unexplainable and start trusting that what He reveals is sufficient for both our understanding and our obedience. This shift moves us from frustration to a peaceful dependence on Him.

Beyond Answers: Cultivating a Heart of Faith

If we allow biblical mysteries to frustrate or alienate us, we miss the chance to deepen our relationship with God. We risk falling into doubt or apathy. On the other hand, if we choose to trust God’s purpose in keeping certain things hidden, we gain a stronger trust in His character and plan. We realize that faith isn’t about having all the details—it’s about trusting the One who does.

Here are a few simple things I do when I run into a biblical mystery:

1. Ask God for Wisdom and Peace When the Answers Don't Come. I’ve had many seasons when I’ve prayed fervently about a major life decision. I wanted a clear, neon sign from God, but answers just weren’t that clear. Those times can feel frustrating. Instead of spiraling, I’ve learned to pray differently. James 1:5 (NLT) is my lifeline: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” This simple prayer shifts my heart from demanding answers to trusting Him.

2. Focus on What Has Been Revealed. When I find myself wrestling with biblical mysteries, I intentionally turn my focus back to what God has made clear in His Word. I’ll spend time meditating on foundational truths, like His promise to never leave me or forsake me (see Deuteronomy 31:6) or that His love is steadfast and unending (see Lamentations 3:22-23). These truths are our anchor in the storm of the unknown. They remind us of His character and His heart for us, which helps build a solid foundation of faith that can withstand any mystery.

3. Seek Community. We were never meant to walk this journey of faith alone. I can’t tell you how many times I've been wrestling with a doubt or a difficult question, only to bring it up to a trusted friend or in my small group. Often their perspective helps shed a whole new light on it that I had never considered. God often uses the people He’s placed in our lives—friends, family, pastors, mentors—to help us see His plan more clearly.

4. Be Patient. I'll be the first to admit it: patience is not my greatest strength. I like efficiency and clear outcomes. But my journey with God has been one long, beautiful lesson in learning to wait on His timing. Looking back now, I can see how God was working in that waiting period. Whether the mysteries become clearer on this side of eternity or not, I've learned that He always uses the time I spend seeking Him to draw me closer to His heart.

When we accept that some things will remain mysteries, a beautiful transformation occurs—we experience freedom. We’re no longer burdened by trying to understand it all. Instead, we can rest, knowing that God is unchanging, faithful, and in control. Imagine facing life with a steady confidence because you trust the One who is infinitely wise. When you encounter the unanswered, instead of spiraling into confusion or doubt, turn it into prayer and lean into Scripture. Your relationship with God deepens as faith takes precedence over the need for clarity.

Hi Annabeth, this is Brie Barrier Wetherbee. Roger Barrier is my dad, and we often discussed biblical mysteries. He was deeply convinced that God intentionally left much for us unexplained in His Word, so that we would be forced to take a leap of faith … “Faith shows the reality of things we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT). 

Dad encouraged me to chase after the mysteries of Scripture—not with fear, but with curiosity and joy. They don’t undermine what I believe; they draw me to seek to understand my Father and grow my faith. I sought my Master's degree in Theology—and I’m currently studying for my doctorate—out of a deep desire to chase biblical mystery.

So let me encourage you with this, too. Dad always said that “God never reveals the things ofthe  deep things of the Spirit to the person who drops by for a little chat.” Chasing and understanding biblical mysteries is never easy. It’s not supposed to be. However, you will be transformed when you put in the time and effort to know His Word more deeply.  

The Waiting Is Never Wasted

The mysteries of the Bible aren’t there to confuse us but to draw us closer. They remind us that God is infinite and we are finite, and we’re invited to trust Him beyond our finite understanding. The next time you encounter one of those “why?” moments, take it as an opportunity to lean in, asking God to grow your faith and reveal more of Himself to you in the process. After all, some of the most beautiful relationships deepen not by having all the answers, but by learning to trust completely.

Jesus Himself embraced the reality of living with mystery during His time on earth. One profound example of this is when He spoke of His return, saying, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” (Matthew 24:36 NLT). 

Even in His divinity, Jesus demonstrated humility and trust in the Father’s plan. This serves as a powerful reminder for us to rest in faith, knowing that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Like Jesus, we’re invited to walk in surrender, trusting that God’s timing and purposes are always perfect.

I really hope this helps you learn how to deal with biblical mysteries… allowing them to help you grow closer to our heavenly Father. In Christ, Jeff.

Dr. Roger Barrier went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 16th, 2024. He was a faithful servant of Christ with a lifetime worth of ministry and mentorship. Dr. Barrier held degrees from Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Golden Gate Seminary in Greek, religion, theology, and pastoral care. He used his immense expertise daily to guide and mentor others in their spiritual walks. He had a global impact with his book Listening to the Voice of God, which is available in both Thai and Portuguese. His newest book, written with his daughter Brianna Barrier Wetherbee, is Look Like Jesus: A Guide to Spiritual Growth. He and his wife, Dr. Julie Barrier, founded Preach It, Teach It, a pastoral teaching site that provides countless resources, including articles, sermons, podcasts, sermon starters, Bible studies, and devotionals. His family will honor Dr. Barrier’s legacy by continuing the ministry of Ask Roger and preachitteachit.org for years to come as they share more than two thousand still-unpublished sermons and Ask Roger articles. 

Jeff Love has dedicated his life to ministry for over four decades, spending the last 32 of those years as the lead pastor of Alive Church in the heart of Tucson, Arizona. With a bachelor’s degree in theology and a doctorate in ministry, Jeff brings both wisdom and compassion to every aspect of his calling. He is a certified church strategist and life planner, using these gifts to help individuals and congregations discover and embrace the transformed life God has planned for them—a journey deeply rooted in the message of Romans 12:2. More than just a pastor, Jeff is also an artist and musician, channeling his creativity to develop and freely share valuable resources with other churches and ministries. He finds profound inspiration in the beauty of God's creation, which fuels his desire to help others experience the rich and satisfying life God promises in John 10:10. During his early time in the pastorate, Jeff was also under the mentorship of Dr. Roger Barrier.

This Ask Roger article may feature insights from Roger's wife, Dr. Julie Barrier, co-founder of Preach It, Teach It, worship minister, concert artist, and adjunct professor at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, or his daughter, Brie Barrier Wetherbee, a sought-after Bible teacher and conference speaker, author, analyst, and Christian theologian.