Doubt, Faith, and The Journey of Belief
I remember visiting a church for the first time and hearing the preacher declare that God always answers prayers. Intrigued, I went home that night and prayed a simple prayer: "God, if you're real, turn the lights on." When nothing happened, it planted a seed of doubt in my young mind.
Later, when my grandmother was battling cancer, I prayed fervently for her healing. When she passed away, it further reinforced my doubts about God's existence and goodness. These experiences are not uncommon.
Many of us have similar stories that have shaped our faith journey.
In a world that often seems chaotic and confusing, many of us find ourselves grappling with doubt. Whether it's questioning the existence of God, wrestling with life's hardships, or simply trying to make sense of our beliefs, doubt is an inevitable part of the human experience.
But what if I told you that doubt, when approached correctly, could actually strengthen your faith? And I think it’s not about if you doubt it is about when you doubt.
Let's start with a confession: I doubt too. When I tell my youth this, they chuckle and say are you even allowed to doubt Will… you are a pastor?
But here's the thing: the Bible itself is not afraid of doubt. In fact, it often showcases doubt in raw and honest ways. Take Psalm 13, for example. The psalmist cries out:
"How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?"
This passage echoes the sentiments many of us feel in moments of despair. It addresses two classic arguments against God's existence: the hiddenness of God and the problem of pain and suffering. Yet, remarkably, these doubts are expressed within scripture itself, showing us that God is not afraid of our questions and uncertainties.
So how do we navigate doubt in a healthy way? Here are six thoughts:
1. Recognize that doubt is part of life: As we grow and experience the complexities of the world, our thinking naturally evolves. This can lead to questioning previously held beliefs. It's important to create space for this process rather than suppressing it.
2. Learn to doubt well: Not all doubt is beneficial. We need a framework for how to deconstruct and reconstruct our beliefs. The goal is not to tear everything down, but to build a stronger foundation of faith.
3. Understand the levels of belief: There are three circles of belief - core beliefs (essential to Christianity), secondary beliefs (where Christians may disagree), and opinions. Recognizing these levels can help us navigate disagreements and focus on what's truly important.
4. Create space for wrestling with doubt: The Apostle Paul encourages us to "test everything" and "hold on to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This involves asking questions, seeking understanding, and not being afraid to dig deeper into our faith.
5. Remember that you are the church: When doubt arises from hurt caused by other believers, it's easy to become accusatory towards "the church." But we must remember that we, as believers, are the church. Instead of distancing ourselves, we're called to be part of the solution.
6. Know that God is present in your doubts: Unlike the confused and often judgmental world around us, God is there for you in your moments of uncertainty. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us that God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
The beauty of faith is that it allows room for both certainty and mystery. We don't have to have all the answers to trust in God. In fact, our doubts can lead us to a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.
Consider the words of theologian Marian Holmes Harstenhorn: "Where doubt is rooted in faith, it becomes a source of honesty, humility, and joy." This perspective invites us to see doubt not as the enemy of faith, but as a potential catalyst for growth.
As we navigate our doubts, it's crucial to have a solid foundation. Jesus, in His famous Sermon on the Mount, taught with an authority that amazed His listeners. He offers us a firm ground on which to stand, even as we wrestle with life's big questions.
So, what do we do with our doubts?
1. Become curious: Ask "why" not in defiance, but in a genuine desire to understand.
2. Ground your curiosity in scripture: Always measure your thoughts against God's word.
3. Engage with community: Share your doubts with trusted believers who can offer support and insight.
4. Remember God's character: Even when you can't feel His presence, trust in His goodness and love.
5. In the end, doubt is not the opposite of faith – it's often a pathway to deeper faith. By bringing our questions, fears, and uncertainties to God, we open ourselves to a more authentic and transformative relationship with Him.
As you reflect on your own journey of faith and doubt, remember that you're not alone. God is big enough to handle your questions, patient enough to walk with you through uncertainty, and loving enough to meet you exactly where you are.
So, don't be afraid to doubt. Instead, learn to doubt well. Let your questions drive you deeper into the arms of a God who loves you unconditionally and is always ready to meet you in your moments of uncertainty. For in the end, a faith that has wrestled with doubt often emerges stronger, more resilient, and more authentic than ever before.
William is a husband, Youth Pastor, and most importantly, a follower of the way of Jesus. He is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and serves at Ebenezer as the Pastor of Youth. William is also a writer and a speaker, but he is most passionate about gathering people together to share about Jesus.
Later, when my grandmother was battling cancer, I prayed fervently for her healing. When she passed away, it further reinforced my doubts about God's existence and goodness. These experiences are not uncommon.
Many of us have similar stories that have shaped our faith journey.
In a world that often seems chaotic and confusing, many of us find ourselves grappling with doubt. Whether it's questioning the existence of God, wrestling with life's hardships, or simply trying to make sense of our beliefs, doubt is an inevitable part of the human experience.
But what if I told you that doubt, when approached correctly, could actually strengthen your faith? And I think it’s not about if you doubt it is about when you doubt.
Let's start with a confession: I doubt too. When I tell my youth this, they chuckle and say are you even allowed to doubt Will… you are a pastor?
But here's the thing: the Bible itself is not afraid of doubt. In fact, it often showcases doubt in raw and honest ways. Take Psalm 13, for example. The psalmist cries out:
"How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?"
This passage echoes the sentiments many of us feel in moments of despair. It addresses two classic arguments against God's existence: the hiddenness of God and the problem of pain and suffering. Yet, remarkably, these doubts are expressed within scripture itself, showing us that God is not afraid of our questions and uncertainties.
So how do we navigate doubt in a healthy way? Here are six thoughts:
1. Recognize that doubt is part of life: As we grow and experience the complexities of the world, our thinking naturally evolves. This can lead to questioning previously held beliefs. It's important to create space for this process rather than suppressing it.
2. Learn to doubt well: Not all doubt is beneficial. We need a framework for how to deconstruct and reconstruct our beliefs. The goal is not to tear everything down, but to build a stronger foundation of faith.
3. Understand the levels of belief: There are three circles of belief - core beliefs (essential to Christianity), secondary beliefs (where Christians may disagree), and opinions. Recognizing these levels can help us navigate disagreements and focus on what's truly important.
4. Create space for wrestling with doubt: The Apostle Paul encourages us to "test everything" and "hold on to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This involves asking questions, seeking understanding, and not being afraid to dig deeper into our faith.
5. Remember that you are the church: When doubt arises from hurt caused by other believers, it's easy to become accusatory towards "the church." But we must remember that we, as believers, are the church. Instead of distancing ourselves, we're called to be part of the solution.
6. Know that God is present in your doubts: Unlike the confused and often judgmental world around us, God is there for you in your moments of uncertainty. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us that God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
The beauty of faith is that it allows room for both certainty and mystery. We don't have to have all the answers to trust in God. In fact, our doubts can lead us to a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.
Consider the words of theologian Marian Holmes Harstenhorn: "Where doubt is rooted in faith, it becomes a source of honesty, humility, and joy." This perspective invites us to see doubt not as the enemy of faith, but as a potential catalyst for growth.
As we navigate our doubts, it's crucial to have a solid foundation. Jesus, in His famous Sermon on the Mount, taught with an authority that amazed His listeners. He offers us a firm ground on which to stand, even as we wrestle with life's big questions.
So, what do we do with our doubts?
1. Become curious: Ask "why" not in defiance, but in a genuine desire to understand.
2. Ground your curiosity in scripture: Always measure your thoughts against God's word.
3. Engage with community: Share your doubts with trusted believers who can offer support and insight.
4. Remember God's character: Even when you can't feel His presence, trust in His goodness and love.
5. In the end, doubt is not the opposite of faith – it's often a pathway to deeper faith. By bringing our questions, fears, and uncertainties to God, we open ourselves to a more authentic and transformative relationship with Him.
As you reflect on your own journey of faith and doubt, remember that you're not alone. God is big enough to handle your questions, patient enough to walk with you through uncertainty, and loving enough to meet you exactly where you are.
So, don't be afraid to doubt. Instead, learn to doubt well. Let your questions drive you deeper into the arms of a God who loves you unconditionally and is always ready to meet you in your moments of uncertainty. For in the end, a faith that has wrestled with doubt often emerges stronger, more resilient, and more authentic than ever before.
William is a husband, Youth Pastor, and most importantly, a follower of the way of Jesus. He is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and serves at Ebenezer as the Pastor of Youth. William is also a writer and a speaker, but he is most passionate about gathering people together to share about Jesus.
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