Struggle with Doubt?

Written on 01/11/2022
Christian Dunn

Verse: Hebrew 11:1-3

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed in God’s command, so that what is seen was not make out of what was visible.

Thoughts
When the disciple Thomas heard that Jesus had risen from the dead, his immediate reaction was like that of most of us. "No way. People don't rise from the dead." He didn't believe until he had physical proof. And then Jesus says this really strange thing: "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

This is faith. Believing, being sure and certain, of something we currently do not see. It's certainly one of the harder parts of following Jesus isn't it? The fact that you can't see him? It would be so much easier (at least it seems like it would be) if we could just go visit him somewhere. 

Do you ever wrestle with doubting whether God exists? Or whether Jesus really was God? Or whether he really rose from the dead?

You are in good company. Don't let your doubt drive you away from Jesus though. Let it drive you towards him. Doubt doesn't have to be the end of faith. It can actually, like Thomas, be a huge step in the right direction. A.J. Swoboda, a theological writer I like, said "to struggle with one’s faith is often the surest sign we actually have one."1

In other words, doubt may just be evidence that your faith is growing. That you are wrestling with it. That you are asking hard questions and not giving up.

So, today if you are getting discouraged by doubt - don't give up! Don't run from Jesus! And certainly don't just throw in the towel on faith. Rather, press in. Keep thinking. Keep asking questions. Keep praying. In time Jesus will reveal himself. And eventually you will again be "sure" and "certain" of what you hope for, as your faith grows and strengthens.

Prayer
“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

 

1-Swoboda, A. J.. After Doubt (p. 14). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.