When doubt becomes part of your journey
Many people deal with doubt. Sometimes we doubt God’s goodness when troubles come our way. Other times, we struggle with doubt as we wrestle with the words of Jesus and what they mean for our lives today. For some, doubt is a huge obstacle that keeps them from moving forward in their walk with God. For others, doubt is a motivator to keep seeking, asking and searching for answers to their spiritual questions.
Overcoming doubt is part of every person’s spiritual growth. If you have ever struggled with doubt, you are in good company. Many godly people have wrestled with doubt at some point in their lives.
You’re not alone in your doubt
Eve was in the Garden of Eden, enjoying all the goodness God had provided for her, and still she began to doubt God’s promises, (Genesis 3).
Zechariah, a faithful priest and righteous man, was told by an angel that his elderly wife would bear him a son, and he doubted, (Luke 1.18-20 ESV).
John the Baptist, who was considered by Jesus to be the greatest man to ever live, struggled with doubt, (Luke 7.18-19, 28 ESV).
Peter walked on water with Jesus, but seeing the wind and the waves, he doubted and sank, (Matthew 14.31 ESV).
Even Jesus’ own disciples struggled with doubt from time to time, (Matthew 28.17 ESV), and Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, struggled so much that he was later referred to as “doubting Thomas,” (John 20.24-29 ESV).
There are other great men and women in the Bible who had doubts. People like Abraham, Moses, Isaac, Jacob, Job and David. The list could go on of people who wrestled with doubt at some point in their lives.
Doubt is not the same as unbelief
There are some misconceptions about doubt. Some think doubt and unbelief are the same thing, but they are different. Unbelief is the refusal to accept what God has said. Doubt is struggling to trust God completely in some area of your life. Some think doubt is unforgivable, but it isn’t. As I just pointed out, many godly people – both past and present – have wrestled with doubt from time to time. Some think doubt is permanent, but it isn’t. God can move you from doubt to great confidence in Him, just as He has done for many people.
What persistent doubt can cost you
Before we go any further, let me warn you that persistent doubt can have very devastating effects. Doubt can keep you from experiencing God’s power, receiving God’s promises, experiencing God’s presence, enjoying God’s blessing and embracing God’s purpose for your life. In (James 1.5-8), we’re essentially informed, “that if we persist in doubt, our prayers won’t be effective and we won’t receive all that God wants to give us.”
The remedy for doubt is rock-solid faith
Behind it all is Satan’s plan to erode our confidence in God and keep us from enjoying all that God has for us. The remedy for doubt is rock-solid faith. The more you confidently trust God, the less you doubt Him. In fact, faith is essential to your walk with God. (Hebrews 11.6 ESV) says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God.” You can’t really know God deeply, experience His power or rely on His promises unless you confidently trust Him.
How do you move from doubt to faith?
So, how do you move from persistent doubt to resolute faith? You may be like the desperate father described in (Mark 9.22-24 NIV) who brought his son to Jesus and said, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” To which Jesus replied, “‘If you can?’ Everything is possible for the one who believes.” Startled by his own doubt, the father cried out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” You may be praying that same thing, “Lord, I do believe you, but help me overcome my doubt!”
1. Verbalize your doubts
Looking back on how Jesus helped John the Baptist overcome his own doubts, we learn some great lessons… see (Luke 7.18-23 ESV). First, John verbalized his doubts. He was questioning whether Jesus was truly the messiah. His questions and doubts were only strengthened by the fact that John was in a dark and difficult place in his life. He had been thrown into prison and was struggling with discouragement. In his struggle, John verbalized his questions to his friends. often doubts rise when troubles come. Instead of holding in your doubts and struggles, verbalize them to trusted godly friends who can help you.
2. Go back to God’s Word
Second, Jesus pointed John back to God’s Word. In (Luke 7.22 ESV) Jesus tells John’s disciples “to go back and report that the blind have their sight, the lame walk, the leprous are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the good news is being proclaimed to the poor.” Here Jesus is referring to (Isaiah 61.1-2), which states “that when the Messiah comes, He will do all these things.” Jesus took John back to God’s Word. (Romans 10.17 ESV) says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
At least twice, the Word of God is called the “word of his grace,” (Acts 14.3, 20.32 ESV). That is, God uses His Word to bring grace and favor and help when we need it most, especially in seasons of doubt. Saturate your mind with God’s Word. Put your whole weight down on God’s promise. Go back to the truths that you have become convinced of and the people who told these truths to you, (2 Timothy 3.14-15 ESV).
3. Remember what God has done
Third, look at what God has done. Jesus pointed John to evidence of God’s work — people’s lives were being transformed. Look to the past and remember what God has done for you. Look around and see the handiwork of God in creation. Look at the lives of others who have trusted the Lord and seen Him work in their lives. (Psalm 77.11 NIV) says, “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”
4. Take your doubts to Jesus
Fourth, eventually John took his doubts to Jesus. only Jesus could ease his mind and clear away his doubts. Ask Jesus to give you great faith, (Romans 12.3 ESV). Ask Jesus to give you grace to overcome the doubts you are facing. (James 4.6 ESV) says, “God … gives grace to the humble.”
God can move you toward greater confidence
Even in seasons of doubt, God gives His grace to move you toward greater confidence in Him. I believe Jesus ultimately gave John the grace to endure and overcome his doubts, and I know He will do the same for you. (John 1.15-17 ESV) says, “John [the Baptist] bore witness about him, and cried out, This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”
This blog features an excerpt from one of our books, Walk With God.
