Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction about something. It often arises when we question the truth, validity, or reliability of our beliefs, ideas, or situations. Doubt should be seen as a natural part of human cognition, prompting us to seek more information, reassess our decisions, and challenge our assumptions. Three types of doubt occur:

  • Self-doubt: Uncertainty about our abilities, decisions, or worth.
  • Religious doubt: Questions or uncertainties regarding our religious beliefs or the doctrines we believe.
  • Scientific doubt: Skepticism about the validity of scientific theories or evidence we are given until further proof is provided.

We should ask whether doubt exists for a purpose. History tells us that the answer is yes. Doubt can lead to greater understanding and growth when approached constructively. But it can also be a source of anxiety and hesitation if not addressed. Doubt is as natural and integral to life as breathing. It can sometimes serve as a mental checkpoint, urging us to reassess our decisions, question the status quo, and seek more information before moving forward. It can help refine our thoughts and decisions by encouraging deeper reflection and exploration. Most often, however, doubt can be a catalyst for growth. It can push us out of our comfort zones and prompt us to confront our fears and uncertainties. By challenging our beliefs and assumptions, doubt can lead to new insights, perspectives, and solutions that we might not have considered otherwise. Yes, doubt can be a humbling reminder that we don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. Embracing doubt and learning to navigate it can lead to greater self-awareness and resilience. It is part of everyone’s faith journey.

One primary source of doubt in our world is God’s timing, often called “divine timing.” God’s timing operates on a scale and in a manner that is vastly different from human timing. Here are a few key differences:

  • Eternal Perspective: God is infinite and operates outside the constraints of human time. From a divine perspective, the past, present, and future are all part of an eternal now. On the other hand, humans experience time linearly, with a clear distinction between past, present, and future.
  • Perfect Timing: God’s timing is perfect and purposeful. What might seem like delays or setbacks are often part of a larger, divine plan. For instance, Ecclesiastes 3:1 is written, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
  • Patience and Trust: God’s timing often requires patience and trust. Waiting on God’s timing can be challenging; Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
  • Beyond Human Understanding: God’s ways and timing are beyond human comprehension. In Isaiah 55:8-9, it is stated, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
  • Fulfillment of Promises: Our Bible clearly shows that God fulfills His promises in His time, which can span generations. For example, the promise of a Savior took centuries to be fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ.
  • Redemptive Purpose: God’s timing always has a redemptive purpose. Events at specific times will be orchestrated for His plan’s ultimate good and fulfillment (Romans 8:28).

While humanity struggles with impatience and the desire for immediate results, understanding and trusting God’s timing can lead to a more profound sense of peace and faith. Doubt can lead to a deeper and more mature faith. We often emerge with a stronger, more resilient faith when confronted and working through our doubts. For example, the story of the Apostle Thomas (John 20:24-29) illustrates that experiencing doubt and finding reassurance can solidify belief. After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen until he saw and touched Jesus’ wounds himself. This story shows that even close followers of Jesus experienced doubt, but also that Jesus was willing to meet them where they were and provide the proof they needed.

Doubt can remind us of our limitations and the need to rely on God. In Proverbs 3:5- 6 , we are encouraged to trust the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our understanding. Doubt can also be a humbling experience that leads to greater dependence on God. The Bible often uses the metaphor of refining precious metals to describe the process of spiritual growth. Just as gold is refined through fire, faith can be refined through trials and doubts. 1 Peter 1:6-7 tells us that trials test the genuineness of faith, which is more precious than gold. Our response to doubt should be to seek answers and truth more diligently. The Bereans, mentioned in Acts 17:11, are commended for their willingness to examine the Scriptures daily to see if what they were taught was true.

The good news is that God is patient with those who doubt. For example, in the story of Gideon (Judges 6), Gideon doubts his ability to lead Israel and asks for signs from God. Rather than condemning him, God provides the signs and reassures Gideon. Stories like these portray doubt as a natural part of the human experience, and the Bible encourages us to confront and work through our doubts; remember, life’s journey is all about spiritual growth, mastering humility, and gaining a deeper relationship with God.

A “faith journey” in biblical terms is essentially the personal and spiritual process of growing in one’s relationship with God. It’s a metaphorical path we take as we deepen our faith, understanding, and trust in God. The Bible outlines several key elements of this journey:

  • Calling: Many faith journeys begin with a sense of being called by God. This can be a moment of realization or a series of experiences that lead us to seek a deeper connection with God (e.g., Abraham’s call in Genesis 12:1-3).
  • Trust and Obedience: A significant part of a faith journey involves learning to trust and obey God, even in complex or confusing circumstances. Stories like Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 14) illustrate this.
  • Struggles and Doubts: Our journey is never without challenges. Doubt, fear, and struggle are natural parts of the process. The Psalms, for example, are filled with expressions of doubt and struggle, yet they often resolve in renewed faith and trust (e.g., Psalm 22).
  • Growth and Transformation: We are expected to grow in our spiritual maturity through the journey. This involves developing virtues such as patience, humility, and love and deepening our understanding of God’s will (Romans 12:2).
  • Community: The faith journey is often shared with others. Fellowship with other believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25).
  • Perseverance: The Bible encourages us to persevere in our faith despite trials and tribulations, with the promise of ultimate reward and eternal life (James 1:2-4).

As we conclude our study on doubt and faith, let us remember that doubt is not a sign of weakness but rather a natural part of the human experience and a crucial aspect of our faith journey. Throughout the Bible, we see that even the most faithful individuals grappled with doubt, from Thomas questioning Jesus’ resurrection to Peter sinking into the waves (Matthew 14:29-31). Doubt catalyzes growth, pushing us to seek more profound understanding and stronger connections with God. In these moments of uncertainty,  we are reminded of our limitations and the need for divine guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Doubts can lead to a more profound faith as we wrestle with our questions and seek God’s truth. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who examined the Scriptures daily to verify what they were taught, we can use our doubts to explore and solidify our beliefs. God understands our doubts and meets us with patience and compassion. As we saw in the story of Gideon, God’s reassurance in times of doubt can strengthen our faith and confidence in His plan. In 1 Peter 1:6-7 , we are reminded that our faith, tested by trials and doubts, is more precious than gold. This refinement process leads us to a purer, more resilient faith that can withstand life’s challenges.

Your resolution for 2025 should be to embrace doubt as a regular part of your faith walk, using it as a tool for growth, humility, and a deeper relationship with God. Then, let’s support one another in our doubts, encouraging each other to seek truth and trust in God’s perfect timing and purpose. Doubts do not distance us from God but draw us closer to His divine wisdom and love.

Contemplations

  • How has doubt influenced your personal faith journey?
    • Ideas to Explore: What are your stories of doubt, and how did they impact your faith? What events or circumstances led to these doubts? Has doubt ever strengthened or weakened your faith? Have doubts ever led you to deeper understanding or renewed belief? Consider the role of community, mentors, and prayer in navigating doubts. How have others helped you through periods of doubt?
  • What biblical characters’ experiences with doubt resonate with you, and why?
    • Ideas to Explore: When you consider people Thomas, Peter, Gideon, or Moses who faced doubt, how were their experiences like your struggles? What lessons can be drawn from their stories? How did God respond to their doubts?
  • In what ways can doubt be a catalyst for spiritual growth and transformation?
    • Ideas to Explore: What does spiritual growth mean to you? How can doubt serve as a starting point for this growth? How has doubt encouraged you to seek deeper understanding or engage more with your faith? Can you think of practical ways to turn doubt into an opportunity for growth?