When Doubt Comes

At some point, doubt will come. A prayer seems unanswered. A hard question has no easy answer. Your feelings do not match what you believe.

Doubt does not mean your faith is fake. It often means your faith is being tested so it can grow.

A father once brought his suffering son to Jesus and asked for help, if Jesus could. Jesus pushed back on that if. Everything is possible for the one who believes. The father's answer is one of the most honest prayers in the Bible: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24).

Jesus did not send him away. He healed his son.

Notice what the father did with his doubt. He brought it to Jesus. He did not pretend. He did not walk away. He was honest about both his faith and his struggle.

You can do the same. Bring your questions to God in prayer. Bring them to Scripture. Bring them to a mature believer you trust. Questions brought into the light usually lead to deeper faith. Questions hidden in the dark tend to grow.

And remember this. Your faith does not hold you. Jesus holds you. Paul was confident that God, who began a good work in His people, will carry it on to completion.

Reflect

What question or doubt have you been afraid to say out loud? Who could you bring it to this week?

Pray

Jesus, I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief. I bring You my questions honestly. Thank You that You are holding on to me even when my grip feels weak. Finish the good work You started in me. Amen.

Today's Scripture (NIV)

Get each day by email

One five-minute reading each morning for 35 days, starting with Day 1. Free.

Start the plan