On our spiritual journey, doubt isn’t the absence of faith but a questioning of it. Rather than being destructive, it can be an essential part of our path to spiritual growth and maturity. However, if doubt leads us away from God, it risks turning into sin.
It’s important to recognize that doubt is different from unbelief, and we can take steps to overcome it.
Doubt vs. Unbelief: Understanding the Difference
Doubt involves questioning what you believe, a struggle faced by believers who say, “I need more proof to believe.” It comes from an honest, troubled mind and a heart seeking light in darkness.
Unbelief, on the other hand, is a willful refusal to believe, despite evidence. Unbelievers are content with darkness, often saying, “I won’t believe, regardless of the evidence.”
Jesus extends His hand to doubters, helping them seek the truth. However, He has little tolerance for unbelief—a stubborn refusal to accept God’s love and truth.
Even strong men of faith like Abraham, Zachariah, Philip, Peter, and Thomas experienced doubt. Their uncertainty often arose when their expectations didn’t align with their experiences. Yet, they didn’t let it consume them; they learned to overcome it, strengthening their faith.
Overcoming Doubt: Five Steps
If you’re struggling with doubt, you’re not alone. Doubt is common, and scriptures offer guidance on handling it. Here are five strategies:
- Stay Connected: Don’t isolate yourself from fellow believers. Isolation can increase doubt, as seen when Thomas missed a meeting with the other disciples, leading to more doubt (John 20:24-25).
- Remember God’s Works: During doubt, we often focus on what’s not happening rather than recalling what God has done. Reminding ourselves of God’s past deeds can reignite our faith and dispel doubt.
- Recall Jesus’ Love: Just as Jesus showed Thomas the scars from sin, and Thomas’s doubts vanished (John 20:27), remember His love for us. His wounds heal our doubts and bring hope.
- Call Upon Jesus: When Peter doubted on the sea, he called upon Jesus and was saved (Matthew 14:30). John the Baptist asked Jesus for help when doubting (Matthew 11:2-4). Similarly, we should call upon Jesus during doubt. He doesn’t mind our doubts as long as we seek answers in Him.
- Speak God’s Word Against The Devil: In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were tempted by doubt but failed to rebuke the devil (Genesis 3:1-6). Jesus, when tempted in the wilderness, used God’s Word against the devil (Matthew 4:1-11). We should follow His example and use God’s Word to combat doubt.
Faith that isn’t tested can’t be trusted.
By discerning the difference between doubt and unbelief and using these practical strategies, you can navigate through doubt and strengthen your faith in God.
