When Doubt Creeps In

When Doubt Creeps In
James 1:5–6

Whether you have been a follower of Jesus for a long time or you’re a new Christian, all of us wrestle with doubts…

As believers, we cherish spiritual sunny days – when there isn’t a care in the world. A spiritual sunny day brings peace, gentle breezes, and the warmth of the sun.

Then come the times when we face spiritual storms – trials that test our faith. While we might not be enthusiastic about storms, as believers, we recognize their purpose and the need to go through them.

It’s during these moments that we often find ourselves in a different scene – one with fog. A scene where we can’t see clearly, when our surroundings are baffling, and uncertainty sets in.

This situation aptly illustrates the times when we experience doubt.

Like creeping fog, doubt often sneaks into our minds and hearts. Just as fog obstructs vision, these doubts obstruct our clarity of thought.

Fog distorts our surroundings, and similarly, doubt can cloud our understanding of God’s truth and His plans for us.

The fog slowly and subtly envelops us, and doubt, too, can gradually cause confusion and uncertainty, making it hard to see the path ahead.

Similar to how fog causes disorientation, doubt can leave us feeling spiritually lost, unsure of our beliefs and directions.

It might make us question God’s goodness, His love for us, or His faithfulness during tough times.

Like lingering mist, doubt can persist in our hearts, hampering our spiritual growth and diverting us from the solid foundation of faith in God’s Word.

In the upcoming Sundays, we’ll be focusing on learning how to navigate through the fog of doubt…

We’ll explore strategies to overcome the uncertainty that often plagues our minds and hearts. Just as skilled sailors navigate through treacherous waters, we will learn how to steer our way through the doubts that threaten to shipwreck our faith. Together, we will seek a clearer understanding of God’s unwavering promises and His unchanging character.

James 1:5–6 (NKJV)

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Imagine this: James is comparing someone who doubts to a wave on the sea. Just like a wave moves back and forth, up and down and can’t stay steady, a person who doubts keeps changing their mind and can’t decide. Let’s break down the idea of doubt:

Doubt is wavering between two positions – to be certain and uncertain, or to consider likely or unlikely.

Here are three important things to remember:

1. Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith: Some think that if you doubt, you have no faith. But that’s not true. Doubt is like questioning your faith. It doesn’t mean you don’t believe, but that you’re not very strong in your belief. Jesus didn’t scold his followers for doubting; he encouraged them to have more faith.

• Doubt is not the absence of faith; Doubt is the questioning of faith.

2. God doesn’t get upset when we doubt: Some worry that God will be mad if they question Him. But that’s not the case. People like Job and David questioned God, and He understood. God can handle our doubts and questions.

• God is big enough to handle all my doubts and questions.

3. Struggling with God doesn’t mean you lack faith: It’s okay to wrestle with what you believe. In fact, wrestling with your faith shows you truly believe in God. If you didn’t believe, you wouldn’t care enough to struggle. Struggling actually helps your faith grow.

• Doubt is an opportunity to exercise my faith.

Three men who doubted, and how Jesus dealt with them:

1.    The Father whose son was demon-possessed.

Mark 9:14–24 (NKJV)

In the Bible, in the book of Mark, there’s a story about a father whose son was really troubled. The son had an evil spirit that made him do harmful things and even made him unable to speak. The father went to Jesus’ disciples for help, but they couldn’t do anything.

Feeling helpless and worried, the father brought his son to Jesus. He said to Jesus, “If you can do anything, please have compassion on us and help us.” The father’s words show both his faith and his doubts mixed together. He believed that Jesus could help, but he wasn’t entirely sure.

Many times this is where we as believers doubt God. Yes, we believe that God exists and we believe that God can do everything and anything, but we hesitate to believe that God would do it for us. We say to ourselves, “I believe that God can do it, but I doubt that he would do it for me.”

Jesus told the father that if he believed, anything was possible. The father’s response is quite meaningful. He said, “I believe, but help me when I doubt.” This shows his honesty – he had faith, but he also had doubts. It’s like saying, “I trust you, but sometimes I’m not sure.”

Parents understand this feeling. When we see our children suffering, we might start to worry and doubt, even if we have faith. It’s easier to keep faith when we’re the ones facing challenges, but when our loved ones are hurting, doubts can creep in.

This father had been seeking help for his son for a long time. He had heard about Jesus’ miracles and hoped for a solution. But even after the disciples couldn’t help, he still had doubts. His doubt was like a mixture of questioning and faith.

Despite the doubts, Jesus didn’t scold the father. He helped his son and showed that even when doubt is present, faith still matters. The father admitted he needed help, he talked to the right person (Jesus), and he asked for help.

Doubt creeps in when we are desperate

Remember, doubt can appear when we’re desperate or worried. The important thing is to be honest about our doubts and still have faith. Just like the father in the story, we can ask for help with our doubts, and our faith can make a difference.

2. John the Baptist

Matthew 11:2–3 (NKJV)

In the book of Matthew, there’s a story about John the Baptist. He was a strong believer in Jesus and had even declared that Jesus was the Son of God. But later, John was put in jail for criticizing King Herod. While in jail, he started to have doubts.

John sent his followers to Jesus with a question: “Are you really the one we’ve been waiting for, or should we look for someone else?” This might seem strange because John had recognized Jesus as the Messiah before.

It’s important to know two things:

1. John’s Early Belief: At the beginning, John had called Jesus the Son of God and the Lamb of God who takes away sin. He knew who Jesus was. (John 1:29, John 1:34)
2. John’s Doubt: But now, in jail, John was isolated and lonely. He started wondering if Jesus truly was the promised Savior.

Jesus didn’t scold John for his doubts. Instead, He sent a message back saying, “Tell John what you see and hear: the blind see, the lame walk, the sick are healed, the deaf hear, and the poor are hearing the good news.” Jesus showed that through Him, many people’s lives were being changed for the better.

Jesus didn’t say, “I fulfill ancient prophecies” or “I can perform miracles.” He emphasized the positive impact He was having on people’s lives. (Matthew 11:4–5)

Doubt creeps in when we are isolated and lonely

This teaches us that doubt can come even to strong believers when they feel isolated and alone. Jesus’ response to John shows that He cares and provides evidence to help regain faith. It’s like saying, “Look at the good things happening because of me.”

So, doubt can happen when we feel lonely, but remembering the positive changes Jesus brings can help strengthen our faith again.

3. Thomas

John 20:26–28 (NKJV)

Let’s talk about a man named Thomas from the Bible, who we often refer to as “doubting Thomas.” But it’s important to know that Jesus didn’t give him that nickname – we did.

In the story, after Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His followers. But Thomas, one of His disciples, wasn’t there at that moment. When the others told Thomas about Jesus’ appearance, he found it hard to believe. He said, “I won’t believe it unless I see it for myself.”

To understand Thomas better, let’s remember three things about him before Jesus’ resurrection:

1. Brave Thomas: Thomas had shown great courage earlier. He was willing to go with Jesus even if it meant facing danger. But we don’t call him “Brave Thomas.” (John 11:16)
2. Honest Thinker: Thomas didn’t accept things easily. He asked questions when things were unclear. When Jesus talked about going away and returning, Thomas didn’t understand and openly asked, “How can we know the way?” He was honest and wanted to truly understand. (John 14:1–5)
3. Loyal Thomas: He was fully devoted to Jesus, ready to give up his life for Him. He was with Jesus during many important events.

On the Sunday when Jesus appeared to His disciples, Thomas wasn’t there. This might be because he was hurt. He had just lost a dear friend and felt wounded. He wasn’t a skeptic; he was a believer who was hurting.

Later, when Thomas was with the disciples and Jesus appeared again, Jesus knew about Thomas’ doubts. Instead of scolding him, Jesus offered proof. He showed His wounds and told Thomas to touch them. Jesus said, “Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas then declared, “My Lord and my God!”

Doubt creeps in when we are hurting.

Jesus didn’t put Thomas down for his doubts. He understood and provided evidence to help Thomas believe. It teaches us that doubt can come when we’re hurting, and it’s okay to ask questions. Jesus is patient and wants to help us believe.

So, remember, doubt can appear when we’re hurting, but Jesus is there to help us believe.

Every church should have a welcoming sign above its front door that says “DOUBTERS WELCOME.”

That should be the church’s main message.

• If you have doubts, don’t hesitate to come inside.
• If you have questions, you’re invited inside.
• If you’re unsure about things, come on in.
• If you’re skeptical, you’re welcome here.
• If you’re on a search for truth, this is the place to be.

Interestingly, it’s not clear if Thomas actually touched Jesus when he saw Him. It seems that merely seeing Jesus in person convinced him completely.

It’s worth considering that people who doubt the most can often end up being the ones who believe the strongest. Doubt can lead to an even deeper faith.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As I gather in Your presence, I come with a heart that is open and sincere. I thank You for the gift of life, for the opportunity to seek You, and for the ability to bring my thoughts and emotions before You in prayer.

Lord, I acknowledge that doubt is a part of our human experience. There are moments when uncertainty creeps in, clouding my understanding and causing me to question. Yet, in the midst of doubt, I can find comfort in knowing that You are a God who understands my struggles, my fears, and my questions.

I thank You for the stories of those who faced doubt in the Bible. I see how You responded with compassion and patience, providing evidence and guidance to strengthen their faith. Just as You walked alongside them, I ask that You walk with me through my doubts, helping me to navigate the fog of uncertainty.

Father, I pray for those who may be facing doubts today. Whether it’s about Your existence, Your plans, or Your goodness, I ask that You grant them clarity and peace. May they find the courage to bring their doubts before You, knowing that You welcome their questions and seek to reveal Yourself in deeper ways.

Lord, help me to remember that doubt is not the end of my faith journey. Instead, it can be a stepping stone to greater understanding and trust in You. Allow my doubts to drive me closer to Your Word, to seek answers, and to engage in meaningful conversations with fellow believers.

I pray for your Church, that we may be places where doubts are acknowledged and addressed with love and wisdom. May the church be a welcoming space for those who are struggling, offering support and guidance as they work through their uncertainties.

Lastly, Father, I thank You for the gift of faith. Even in moments of doubt, we hold onto the foundation of our belief in You. Strengthen my faith, Lord, so that doubt may not define me but refine me, molding me into a stronger, more steadfast follower of Christ.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

Discussion Questions:

1. James 1:5-6: How would you describe the analogy of doubt being compared to a wave of the sea? Can you relate to moments of uncertainty in your faith? How do these verses encourage us to approach God when we lack wisdom or have doubts?
2. Mark 9:14-24: In this story, the father’s doubt is mixed with both faith and desperation. Can you recall a time when you felt a similar mixture of doubt and belief? How do you think Jesus’ response to the father’s doubt applies to us when we’re struggling with uncertainty?
3. Matthew 11:2-3: John the Baptist, who earlier declared Jesus to be the Son of God, begins to doubt in his imprisonment. Why do you think John’s doubts emerged during this challenging time? How does Jesus’ response to John’s doubt demonstrate His understanding and compassion?
4. John 20:26-28: Thomas doubted the resurrection until he saw Jesus in person. How might Thomas’ doubts have been influenced by his experiences? What can we learn from how Jesus addressed Thomas’ doubt and provided evidence to help him believe?
5. How do the stories of the father, John the Baptist, and Thomas offer a well-rounded perspective on doubt within the context of faith? How do these stories challenge common misconceptions about doubt in relation to our relationship with God?
6. The discussion mentioned that doubt can creep in when we’re desperate, isolated, lonely, or hurting. Can you share a personal experience when doubt emerged during a difficult time? How did you handle it, and did your faith play a role in overcoming doubt?
7. The idea of having a sign that says “DOUBTERS WELCOME” at the entrance of churches is discussed. What would be the benefits of creating an environment where doubts are acknowledged and discussed openly? How might such an atmosphere help believers navigate their doubts?
8. How do the characters of Thomas and the father from Mark 9:14-24 exemplify the idea that doubt doesn’t have to be the end of faith but rather an opportunity for growth? How can doubt, when approached with honesty and a willingness to seek answers, lead to a stronger, more mature faith?
9. Reflecting on the passages, do you agree that some of the strongest believers are those who have faced and worked through significant doubts? How has your personal journey with doubt influenced your understanding of faith and your relationship with God?
10. What practical steps can we take as individuals and as a community to address and navigate doubts when they arise? How can we create a supportive environment where believers can seek guidance and answers without fear of judgment?