As believers, we often find ourselves wrestling with faith and doubt. This tension is not uncommon, nor is it inherently sinful. Instead, it provides an opportunity to deepen our faith and grow our relationship with God. Even strong believers like Thomas and Elijah (1 Kings 19) experienced moments of doubt, yet their stories reveal how God can use these struggles to strengthen our trust in Him.
Doubt can serve as a pathway to growth. It challenges us to seek answers and pursue a more mature understanding of our faith. Take Thomas, for example, often labeled “Doubting Thomas.” In John 20:24-29, he refused to believe in Jesus’ resurrection without tangible proof. However, when confronted by the risen Christ, Thomas boldly declared, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). This confession marked a turning point in his life. Far from being paralyzed by doubt, Thomas became a devoted follower of Christ, traveling to India to share the Gospel. There, he preached, planted churches, and ultimately gave his life for the faith. His journey shows that when brought to God, doubt can transform us into people of great faith.
When we face doubts, Scripture invites us to turn to God in prayer. James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Honest prayer helps us process our questions and seek clarity from the One who knows all things. The Psalms are filled with raw, heartfelt cries that resonate with our own struggles. David’s words in Psalm 13:1, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” These words reflect his deep pain and confusion. Yet, by the psalm’s end, David declares, “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation” (vv. 5-6). This shift reminds us that God is not intimidated by our questions. He meets us in our doubts and leads us toward trust and hope.
Faith, at its core, is trusting God amid uncertainty. It does not require having all the answers but calls us to rely on the Lord’s wisdom and sovereignty. Proverbs 3:5-6 offers guidance: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Trusting God involves humility, recognizing our limited perspective, and confidence that He guides us on the right path.
Doubt is a natural part of the Christian journey, but it does not have to lead us away from God. Instead, it can draw us closer to Him as we lean on Scripture, prayer, and the support of a faith community. By the way, a healthy faith community promotes honesty about our journey with Christ. While not all our questions may be answered in this life, we can learn to trust the One who holds all answers. Surrendering our doubts to God allows Him to turn them into tools for deeper trust and greater intimacy with Him. Through this process, we can echo Thomas’s words, proclaiming with conviction, “My Lord and my God!” When all is said and done, we will grow in Christ when we are honest about our doubts but don’t let them rise about our faith in Him. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!