At some point, we all have experienced doubt. Many times, we refrain from discussing doubts, perhaps due to embarrassment. Perhaps we wanted to, but chose not to follow, or we followed and turned away when life seemed unjust. We may continue to follow and yet remain lost, never attaining the peace we seek. Regardless of the reason, we have all been lost at some point.
Allow me to assure you that it is not uncommon to experience such feelings. There are moments in life that we cannot comprehend. However, I believe that God has provided guidance in the Bible for what we should do, even during times of doubt.
What actions do you take when you experience doubts about your faith in God?
In the Bible, Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, gained a reputation as a doubter. He struggled to believe that Jesus had been resurrected, insisted on seeing it for himself. Jesus then appeared to him, and it was at that moment that Thomas gained the faith he required.
What if Jesus does not come to us in the same form? Does that mean we should continue to doubt until we see? No, we believe regardless. Allow me to explain why.
In John 20:29 it reads: Then Jesus told him (Thomas), “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
In Mark 9 the story is recounted where Jesus heals a boy possessed by an impure spirit. Mark 9:24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
There are instances in the Bible that depict unbelief and loss of faith, but the Bible also provides scriptures on how to overcome and restore belief.
God desires for us to have faith regardless. He wishes for us to believe without seeing; that is the essence of faith.
When you doubt, dig deep. Even deeper digging in the bible, in prayer, church, hymns, music, those with great faith, bible studies, support groups, amongst others. Just know your feeling is temporary.
Furthermore, be aware that even those who followed Jesus experienced doubt. We must place our trust in Jesus and His word.
Doubt has always existed when faith is abundant. Doubts make you more mature in your faith, and it is necessary to grow in your faith. It can be painful and difficult, but you must stand firm in the ways you dig deep. Just remember to surround yourself with others that have a strong faith in their belief.
What actions would you take if you experienced doubt in your faith?
Thirty-Seven & Rooted 
Make no mistake, I’m a believer. But sometimes, even if one has doubts, I feel like to world around us is part of His ministry calling out for us to take a look around and think about all He has done, if that makes any sense at all.
Best wishes, and looking forward to more from you!
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Absolutely! It makes perfect sense. I’ll go out on my patio often and say to myself “What a beautiful day God has created!” I’m surrounded by fields and woods. I hear and see all sorts of wildlife. I have tons of birds I feed at my feeders. I take in all what God has created. I didn’t do that until AFTER I truly knew of God’s presence. We get so sensitive in what God does show us. We miss it when we aren’t “like Him.” We miss all the beauty and creation. That’s my sight on it anyway. So yes, I totally understand what you are saying. Thanks again for supporting this discussion!
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Thanks for responding! I appreciate the part where you question, “Really? Am I supposed to believe this is all just a coincidence?” Like you, I do not believe we are placed here out of context. I also believe in what the Bible says about our creation. Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” That is enough for me to believe. It may not be enough for everyone to believe. You mention that the lists are endless, and you are right. We are perfectly placed here; no calculations are random when it comes to our existence. Sometimes, a thought like the one you provided is all you need when you know you are here for more than just a coincidence.
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It may not be the most scripture-centered solution that would please many, but I have a never-fails solution that works for me.
I take a look around and pause to think a moment. I think about the inside of us; our biology. We are incomprehensibly complicated beings, with tiny atoms and cells seamlessly working together, with each one of the billions of cells performing a necessary function.
Then I think about who we are in our daily lives. How, no matter where on earth you are, we all have that feeling in us–say, our conscience–that tells us certain things are to be avoided. For instance, it is universal that harming children is very bad. We do not naturally kill our fellow man as a matter of course.
Then I look up, and think of our ever expanding universe, and how every square inch of it, except for where we are standing, is a giant vacuum of death where nothing can survive. Yet, we are on a floating rock that, if we were 6 feet closer or farther from the sun, we would not survive here either. That if our planet’s axis weren’t what it was, we wouldn’t be here.
And so on, and so on……the lists are endless.
And THEN I pause and think, “Really???? I’m really supposed to believe this is all just a coincidence??”. If I had scientists and mathematicians calculate those odds and likelihood of our existence even being possible, they would say it’s mathematically impossible.
Yet……here we are! Through Him!
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