Permission to Doubt

Read

Jude 1:22 “Be merciful to those who doubt.”

Mark 9:21-24 “And Jesus asked his father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ And he said, ‘From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can? All things are possible for one who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’”

John 20:27 “He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’”

Think

Have you ever caught yourself wrestling with doubts? If so, you’re not alone. We all face doubts from time to time. Some might be small and seem unimportant, while others might shake us to the core. But here’s something reassuring: having doubts doesn’t mean your faith is weak. It’s quite the opposite. Many people in the Bible who had doubts ended up with stronger faith and played considerable roles in God’s plans.

Take Abraham, for example. He’s known as the “Father of Faith,” but even he had his moments of doubt. Despite those doubts, God kept his promises to Abraham, gave him a son, and made him the father of nations. Then there’s Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, who couldn’t believe Jesus had risen from the dead until he saw him with his own eyes. Once he did, his doubt turned into deep worship.

It’s helpful to remember that the Bible is where God talks to us most clearly. It doesn’t shy away from stories of doubt. In fact, it’s open about it. On one hand, you have the Pharisees, who thought they had all the answers and tried to trap Jesus with tricky questions. On the other hand, there were believers who faced their doubts, asked tough questions, and grew stronger in their faith.

God doesn’t turn away from us when we question; he invites us to seek understanding through his Word. He wants us to ask hard questions, and to seek him. So, if you’re feeling doubtful, don’t hide from it. Lean into those feelings. Doubt your doubts and feed your faith. Doubts can actually draw you closer to God as you seek him more earnestly. They’re not the end of your faith journey but a part of the process that clears away the clutter of false beliefs and bad ideas. This lets you see Jesus more clearly. Think of it as an opportunity to deepen your faith and get to know God on a more personal level.

Apply

Take a moment to do a personal inventory: Do you see doubt as evidence of weakness or an opportunity for growth? Are you sitting in your doubts or allowing them to propel you forward? Seek after God and pursue him. Research your questions in his Word and you will find him faithful.

Pray

Lord, I admit I have had doubts and questions along my faith journey. Help me to put my questions into a pursuit of you, Jesus. Allow me not to be led away by my feelings but to draw closer to you when I am struggling. Thank you for your Word, which is a light for my path. Give me strength to follow it. Use my challenges as a refiner’s fire and let it deepen my trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.