Without a Doubt

Doubt can be defined as a feeling of uncertainty. Within our Christian faith, I believe we will all experience a season of doubt; if not many repeated times! For myself, I have just come out of such a season, where I have spent the past months wrestling with my faith.

As human beings, it’s natural for us to question things, but when doubts begin to creep in, it can certainly shake things up. I remember struggling with my faith and doubting God and the Bible. I felt so distant in my faith, that at the time I didn’t feel my relationship with God was still there. As the cycle of questions turning into doubts, generating more questions grew, I began to feel like ‘I wasn’t a Christian anymore.’ I am sure someone will be reading this and will understand completely. There are times in life where you have or will on occasions be in a familiar place. It’s hard to remember that when we are going through times of doubt that we are not alone here. We often feel like we are the only ones whose faith is almost at the point of ‘giving up’, or the only one questioning, ‘Is God really there?’. In the Bible, we are shown that just like us, people doubted God in just the same way.

“Then 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.”

1 John 20:27

I really do feel sorry for Thomas, as he earned a nickname that must be hard to shake. You think of doubting and Thomas immediately springs to mind. Poor guy! However, his story is an encouraging one to us as it shows that when Thomas was able to admit his doubts, Jesus was able to address them. Thomas refused to believe that Jesus had resurrected, so Jesus provided the opportunity for not only Thomas to see Him but to touch Him for himself and face those doubts head-on. When we confess our fears and doubts, God will provide us with opportunities that address them head-on, just like He did for Thomas.

Thomas was not the only disciple to face doubts with his faith. In Matthew 14, we see Peter stepping out in faith to join Jesus during a storm, initially full of confidence but as soon as he takes his eyes off Jesus, and instead focuses on the storm, he begins to sink.

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”. Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14: 30-31

Peter’s doubt here is very much a reflection of his faith. When we take our eyes off Jesus during the storms of our lives, we’ll inevitably go down. Our faith will be tested through trials, which are hard to endure, but God exposes us to such things in order to strengthen these areas of our faith. We should therefore be grateful for this and be hopeful and comforted, even when we are at our lowest. Doubting our faith is not a bad thing. In fact, it can lead to spiritual growth and maturity. Whatever the cause of your doubts, remember that God does not doubt you. Without a doubt, God loves you and cares for you, regardless of the state of your faith.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

Jeremiah 31:3

God uses others as tools of support when we are doubting. From personal experience, God brought someone into my life who helped me get back on track with my faith, for which I am truly thankful! We need to be open to the advice and support of others, as well as be there to encourage those we know are struggling with their faith. God also uses other means to help quieten our doubts: through scriptures, songs, in creation or reminding us of times when He’s been there before. Without a doubt, God will be with you always, nurturing and rebuilding your faith.

And when we do move past our doubts, our relationship is made stronger from it, as we are reminded again of who God is and who we are in Christ. Without a doubt, even if your faith stumbles, you will remain in God’s family. He has chosen you and will not leave you. Be encouraged and remember that doubting is good! You may not believe it now but trust me; you’ll feel closer to God than ever before. Without a doubt you are a much loved Child of God.

God Bless! 🙂