We all face them, life tumbles in, scary times come, fear creeps in, and doubts arise. We can’t seem to shake the Does God care for me? Is He at work in my life? Sometimes our confidence is shaken, really shaken! Doubts and doubting moments are inevitable. We all struggle with them.
The question becomes: How does God, deal with our doubts?
He never writes off the doubter. Perhaps it would be best if we understood that doubt is not the opposite of faith The word doubt suggests two minds or a struggle to choose between opposite options. Doubters are not always people who refuse to believe, but people who are struggling to believe. Jesus doesn’t dismiss those of us in this state.
You recall a father brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus; he pleaded, “If you can do anything, please help us.” Jesus said, “Anything is possible for those who believe!” “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.” Jesus accepted this man’s ‘doubting-faith’ and his son was healed.
We’re all familiar with Thomas. The disciples came telling him they had seen the Lord! Thomas expresses his doubt, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hand and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” Jesus doesn’t condemn. The very next weekend, He gives Thomas an opportunity to move from doubt to faith. Indeed, like Thomas, God’s desire is that we each move from doubt to full faith.
What can I learn from this? (1) God understands our times of doubt; (2) He gives us opportunities to move from doubt to faith. The question is are we willing to make the journey?
What are some things that God does to help us move from doubt to faith?
First – He provides evidence for our faith. He gives us enough evidence to support our believing and ultimate full faith. For instance – Was Jesus raised from the dead? Evidence: There was the empty tomb. The collapsed grave wrappings were left. Jesus walked and talked with them by the Sea of Galilee, cooked their breakfast, ate with them. Plus other activities that dead people, or spirits don’t do.
Secondly, God gives us time to cultivate faith. He gives us time for us to move from doubt to an obedient faith. Years after the empty tomb, Peter wrote: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3.9)
When tough times come, things don’t go as we wish; we sometimes find doubts creeping in, standing between us and God’s promise and purpose for us. Don’t panic! God is willing to work with our doubts, bringing us to full measure of saving faith. The question is, are we willing to make the journey?