When In Doubt

If we are honest, at one time or another we all have doubts about our faith, what God is doing in our lives, or God’s character. In Mark 9, a man brought his son, who had been possessed by a demon since childhood, to Jesus for healing. The father said to Jesus, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us” (verse 22). Jesus replied, “Everything is possible for the one who believes” (verse 23). The father immediately cried out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (verse 24). Jesus did not rebuke this father for his doubts. Jesus healed his son. What a beautiful picture of how Jesus cares for us in our suffering and doubts! In times of doubt and questions, we can echo this father’s simple yet powerful words: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” God won’t rebuke you for your honest cries to Him, He will pull you close and remind you of who He is. Another day, Jesus miraculously walked on water, and He invited Peter to join Him. So Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus! But when Peter saw the waves and began to sink, he cried out to Jesus to save him, and Jesus did—immediately. Peter was in the middle of the miracle of walking on water when he had doubts. And Jesus gently reminded Peter that He was with him. Peter trusted Jesus to save him in the midst of his doubt. After Jesus’s resurrection, Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them, and Thomas said that he would not believe Jesus had risen from the dead unless he saw Jesus with his own eyes. Instead of leaving Thomas drowning in a pool of doubt, Jesus appeared to him and gave him what he needed. Even though Jesus’s disciples walked with Him and saw His miracles firsthand, they still had doubts (Matthew 28:16-17). When that inevitable doubt comes knocking, what should we do? We can cry out to Jesus. He wants to reveal Himself to us. He wants to help us know Him. And as Christians, we have the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). When we are afraid, we can remember that God is with us—He is our strength and help (Isaiah 41:10). We can fix our minds on God’s truth (Philippians 4:8) and remind our hearts that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:39). • Savannah Coleman • Even when Thomas was doubting, he stayed with the other disciples. Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with when you are doubting? “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24b (NIV)

Read Verses:

Matthew 14:22-Matthew 14:36; Mark 9:14-Mark 9:29; John 20:24-John 20:29