The Value of Doubt in Faith

Have you ever experienced doubt?

If you're hesitant to say yes, you're not alone. Even the most devout Christians experience doubt, whether they admit it or not.

At times we may experience feelings of worry or suspicion, or find ourselves hesitating, undecided, perhaps even feeling sceptical, restless, or unsure... Sometimes, we ask ‘Why does God allow suffering?’ or ‘Why did this happen to me?’

The safest place to ask questions or share our doubts should be the church. Unfortunately, in some places, the church and clergy, make it seem like doubt is something at best to be kept quiet, or at worst, viewed as sinful.

It’s common for us to feel alone or uncomfortable admitting we have doubts, especially in a community of strong believers.

But what if I told you that doubt isn’t just normal; it’s an important part of growing deeper in our faith?

When we look at the Bible, we see that doubt has always been part of people’s experiences with God. Take, for example, the words we’ve just heard from 1 John 1-2. John talks about knowing Jesus firsthand. His message helps us move from doubt to belief, assuring us that our faith is based on real experiences of God’s love and forgiveness.

In John 20:19-31, we find the story of Thomas, who is often called ‘Doubting Thomas,’ though I think that’s a bit unfair. After Jesus came back to life, Thomas had a hard time believing it without seeing Jesus with his own eyes.

These stories remind us that our faith is not blind. It’s a faith that asks questions, seeks, and knocks. It’s okay to say, “I believe; help my unbelief.”

Doubt is a natural and crucial part of growing our faith. It's like asking questions in class. This shows we're engaged and interested, and eager to understand more.

Doubt Is Not a Sin: A Biblical Perspective

In our walk with God, we sometimes hit patches of fog—moments when our faith doesn’t feel as solid as we’d like. Here, in these moments of uncertainty, we might wonder if our doubt is a sign of weak faith. But let me share something important: Doubt is not a sin, it may be a sign that we’re actually thinking!

Looking at the scriptures, there are 13 times that Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, before his ascension. 13 times!

I believe he did this to help those who still doubted. Encouraging, isn’t it? We are told the disciples worshipped him, but still some doubted.

In 1 John 1-2, we’re reminded of the solid evidence of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. John highlights the value of firsthand experience and testimony in our faith. This is crucial because it tells us faith is not just about believing without seeing; it’s about engaging with the evidence of God’s work in the world and in our lives. Even when doubts come up, we’re encouraged to remember and rely on the solid foundation of our faith—the life of Jesus that John and others witnessed firsthand.

In the story of Thomas in John 20:19-31, which I mentioned earlier. It says, that after Jesus came back to life, Thomas struggled to believe without seeing Jesus for himself. His doubt is something many of us can relate to. Who among us hasn’t wanted more proof at one time or another, even when we know and love the person involved?

Jesus’ response to Thomas is remarkable. He doesn’t belittle or criticise Thomas for his doubts. Instead, He offers Thomas exactly what he needs to believe, by showing him. Don’t forget, the other disciples had already seen and believed before Thomas had had the opportunity.

This act of understanding and compassion from Jesus highlights that doubt is not only natural but expected. It’s part of the process of deepening our understanding and relationship with God.

These moments in Scripture show that doubts don’t push us away from God’s love or from belonging. Instead, they’re opportunities for growth. They push us to seek God more strongly, to ask the hard questions, and in doing so, develop a faith that is not shallow but deeply rooted in personal experience and understanding.

In embracing our doubts, we’re not moving away from God. We’re actually looking for a closer, more real connection with Him, just as Thomas did. Doubt challenges us to look beyond the surface, to wrestle with big questions, and ultimately find a faith that can withstand life’s storms.

The Role of Doubt in Faith

Continuing with the idea I introduced earlier when we think about our faith journey, we often picture a straight road. But in reality, it’s more like a winding path with ups and downs, and yes, patches of fog where doubt creeps in.

It’s during these uncertain times that the true role of doubt in faith becomes clear. Doubt isn’t a barrier to faith; it’s a push towards growth, a call to explore deeper and understand more. Consider the words of Jesus in John 20:29, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This isn’t dismissing doubt but acknowledging the complexity of our faith journey. It recognizes the value in believing beyond what we can see and touch, while also understanding our need for evidence and reassurance, as Thomas showed us.

In 1 John 1-2, we’re reminded of the real events of Jesus’ life and work. Our faith isn’t baseless; it’s grounded in the historical reality of Jesus’ existence, his teachings, and his resurrection. The encouragement to believe despite our doubts is based on the evidence of God’s actions in the world and our lives.

Doubt pushes us to seek a deeper understanding of these truths. It encourages us to ask questions, look for evidence, and connect with our faith in a way that goes beyond just accepting what we’re told. This process doesn’t weaken our faith; it strengthens it, making it more resilient and personal. It turns our faith from something we’re told to believe into something we’ve explored and accepted as our own.

The role of doubt in faith is like refining gold. It’s the heat that removes impurities, leaving behind something beautiful, valuable, and strong. It’s not about getting rid of doubts but engaging with them in a way that leads us to a firmer, more genuine faith.

Using Doubt for Good

Facing doubt doesn’t have to pull us away from faith. Instead, it can draw us closer to understanding and trust.

In this journey, we’re not alone. We have the testimony of the apostles, the witness of saints throughout history, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit with us.

While exploring doubt and faith, I found a sermon by Pastor Ray Pritchard that I really liked. He offers a 7-step approach to working through doubts, which I’ve simplified:

Admit Your Doubt and Ask for Help

If you’re feeling unsure, it’s okay. Say it out loud or write it down: “I’m not sure about this.” That’s your starting point. Then, ask for help. Talk to God in prayer, just like chatting with a friend, and tell Him what’s on your mind. You can also reach out to someone you trust, maybe a friend or someone who’s been following God for a long time.

Accept That Faith Is a Choice, not a Feeling

Faith comes easily when everything is going well – when we feel great. But what happens when things aren’t feeling great?

Faith is more about choosing to trust God even when the feelings aren’t there. It’s like trusting a friend even when you’re unsure. You make the choice based on what you know about them, not just on your current feelings.

Choosing to believe God is who He says He is, is an act of faith.

Don’t Be Afraid to Borrow Some Faith

When you’re struggling, it’s okay to lean on someone else’s faith for a while. If you’re finding it hard to see God in your life, spend time with people who are seeing Him in theirs. Their faith can help you see things differently, like borrowing a flashlight in the dark. You’re still walking your path, but their light helps you see the way.

Act in Faith, Not Doubt

Acting on your faith, even when filled with doubts, is powerful. It’s like when you’re scared of the dark but decide to walk through the room anyway. It shows your faith is stronger than your fear. You might continue praying, serving others, or reading the Bible, even when you’re not feeling sure. These actions reinforce your choice to trust God.

Remember that Noah built the arc, even though he doubted. Abraham trusted, so did David and Nehemiah, and they all had their doubts. Act on faith, like they did.

Doubt Your Doubts, Not Your Faith

This one seems odd at first. When you face doubts, challenge them with what you know about God from the Bible and your life. It’s like fact-checking a rumour that doesn’t seem right.

Understand That Some Questions Won’t Have Answers Right Now

Accepting that some things are a mystery is part of faith. There will be questions without answers, at least in this life. It’s like seeing a puzzle with some pieces missing. Living with those gaps is part of trusting God, knowing He sees the whole picture even when we can’t.

Keep Coming Back to What You Know Is True

In moments of doubt, remind yourself of what you know for sure about God’s character or a time when you felt close to Him. These are like landmarks that help you stay on track.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Doubt and Faith

In closing, let’s embrace the truth that doubt isn’t a detour in our journey of faith but an important part of the path itself. It invites us to deepen our understanding, to strengthen our beliefs, and to come closer to God through honest questioning and seeking.

Faith Strengthened by Doubt

Doubt encourages us not to accept our beliefs without question but to actively engage with them, to explore, and to question, which ultimately strengthens our faith. Sometimes faith can be like driving to a destination without remembering the route you took. Doubt ensures we stay alert and engaged in the journey, giving us chances to discover and learn along the way. As Paul said in Thessalonians 5:21 “Test everything, hold fast to the good.”

The Role of Our Community

You’re not walking this path alone. Our community is here, a fellowship of travellers ready to support, understand, and walk with you through the valleys of doubt. By sharing our experiences, we lighten our own loads and help others feel recognized and understood in their journey. Together, we explore these questions, finding strength in our shared faith and encouragement in our collective seeking.

Commitment to Growth and Trust

Let us welcome our doubts as opportunities for growth, as signposts urging us to venture into deeper waters of faith. Doubt is not a sign of weakness but a marker of our willingness to deal with the complexities of belief, to ask difficult questions, and to grow in our understanding and trust in God.

Prayer for Courage and Wisdom

Before we pray, let’s remember something Frederick Buechner said that might bring a smile: "Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith. They keep it awake and moving."

Just imagine—our doubts are not so much stumbling blocks as they are busy little reminders that keep us on our toes, always moving, always growing.

“Dear God,

Guide us as we explore and grow in our faith with open hearts. In the spirit of Pastor Bob’s wisdom, remind us that it’s far better to be honest doubters than to be dishonest believers.

Let us feel the strength of our community, supporting each other, and sharing our questions and discoveries.

Bless us with the courage to ask questions, the joy of growing together, and the love that guides us on this journey together.

Amen.”