Dealing with Doubts
Devotions for Growing Christians
Dealing with Doubts
When my son was a young child, he was overwhelmed by new situations. There was anxiety and doubt, especially when he was introduced to the chaotic scenarios of big cities and sports arenas. His uncertainty was understandable. It couldn’t just be reasoned away. Ultimately, he had to have faith that his father would protect him and know what was best for him.
We’ve all had doubts about the Christian faith at one time or another. Some Christians are so loaded down with doubts that they hardly ever get a chance to "rejoice in their salvation." Is there an easy solution to the problem of doubts in the life of a Christian? Yes!
The Biblical solution for doubts is more faith. Ephesians 6:16 says that the shield of faith will "extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.” Doubts are definitely one of those flaming missiles. They’re a big part of Satan’s strategy to keep Christians off-balance, afraid, and discouraged. Increasing our faith and protective shield will keep the doubts away.
Let’s take a look at three examples from the New Testament where Jesus deals with doubts in the lives of His followers.
Thomas (John 20:19-29)
"Doubting Thomas" is an example of a Christian who had doubts because he didn't have enough tangible evidence. His attitude was “I won’t believe unless I can ‘see and touch’" (v25).
Interestingly, Thomas wasn’t with the other disciples when Jesus arrived (v24). We don't know whether it was because of fear, lack of interest, or "business," but there may be a lesson here for us. If we don’t meet with other Christians for fellowship, study, and prayer, it won't be long before we begin to have doubts. We’re not immune from doubt -- even doubts about the very fundamentals of the faith. Thomas had seen the miracles of Jesus, but still doubted His resurrection. His doubts were eventually dispelled, but it wasn’t until he was back with the other Christians.
We too, must stay in close fellowship with our fellow Christians. One of the great truths of the New Testament is embodied in the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:20, "Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." There’s nothing that will alleviate our doubts more quickly than the living presence of the Lord. No wonder we’re told not to "give up meeting together" (Hebrews 10:25). Christian "loners" are more prone to doubts than Christians who experience the Lord's presence in the midst of his people.
Although Thomas had the unique privilege of physically seeing the resurrected Christ, the Lord assures us that it’s not necessary (v29). Jesus continues to dwell in the midst of His people by His Spirit today (Ephesians 2:22).
John the Baptist (Luke 7:18-23)
John the Baptist is an example of a Christian who had doubts because he wasn’t able to figure out what God was doing. In Matthew 11, John was in prison, and he couldn't understand why the Messiah whom he had announced wasn't moving a little faster to set things straight. Why was evil Herod still on the throne? Why was ungodly Rome still in control of the land of Israel? Why was he (John) stuck in prison where he couldn't effectively preach? No wonder he sent to Jesus to ask, "Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for someone else?"
Notice that John wasn’t denying the Lord or giving up the faith. He was questioning matters he couldn't understand. The word "doubt" doesn’t imply denial. When we have intellectual questions, we should approach them in a way that won’t trip up our relationship with the Lord (v23).
The Scriptural approach to hard questions is to bring them to the Lord. Prayer acknowledges that we’re depending on the One who has all the answers. Speculating and philosophizing without prayer is essentially questioning God rather than asking God – and that’s the wrong approach. John the Baptist had questions, so he sent them directly to the Lord, and then waited for a response.
The Lord answered John by pointing him to the Scriptures. John knew the Old Testament prophecies well, so Jesus showed John that Isaiah’s prophecies about the coming Messiah were being fulfilled (see Isaiah 35:5-6). John eventually died as a martyr in prison, but God's Word was sufficient to answer John's doubts. God will often use His Word to answer our doubts, so we should pray and wait on His answer from the Word.
Peter (Matthew 14:22-33)
Peter walking on water was an example of a Christian who had doubts because the situation seemed to be impossible. The whole account is a picture of the Lord calling us to a walk of faith across the “stormy sea of life” (v29). Peter began to sink because, in the midst of the storm, he took his eyes off the Lord and focused on the turmoil around him. His faith dwindled and he began to doubt (v31). Looking at the wind and waves of crisis in this life will always bring discouragement and fear. If we let down our protective shield of faith, doubts about the Lord's protection creep in. The only cure for these doubts is to put our eyes on Jesus in complete dependence, as Peter was forced to do (v30).
We should also put ourselves in positions where we must keep your eyes on the Lord. Notice, the other disciples were safe in the boat. They weren’t able to have the same experience of faith as Peter. Although Peter experienced "sinking," he also experienced "walking on water"! It’s only when we walk by faith, rather than sight, that doubts about the Lord's ability to handle the "impossible" situations are removed.
Have you ever been in a situation where you had to cry out, "Lord, save me!" (v30)? When we see and experience the Lord's power in those situations, our doubts are removed. Maybe the Lord wants you to serve Him this summer in missions, or as a camp counselor, or an evangelistic outreach. Would you hold back because you’re afraid? Are you unwilling to leave the security of the "boat"? The outstretched hand of the living Lord is ready to take hold of each of us in every situation to increase our faith (v31).
These three accounts teach us that doubts are not uncommon, even to some of Jesus’ closest followers. As growing Christians, we shouldn’t be surprised if we occasionally find ourselves feeling like Thomas, John the Baptist, or Peter. But remember, the Lord didn’t praise them for their doubts. He quietly rebuked the doubter (Matthew 14;31; Luke 7:23; John 20:29).
God doesn’t want us to struggle with doubts. Let’s conquer our doubts using the principles and helpful accounts that are included in His Word.
- Dave Reid
(Updated 2022, Ron Reid)