Finding Faith in the Face of Doubt

The New King James Version Chapter 20

19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Chapter 20 The text recounts the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene visits the tomb and discovers that the stone has been rolled away. She informs Peter and another disciple, who rush to the tomb. They find the linen cloths but do not initially understand the significance of the empty tomb. Mary remains, weeping, and encounters two angels who ask her why she is crying. She then sees Jesus but does not recognize Him until He calls her by name. Jesus instructs her to inform the disciples of His resurrection.

Resurrection appearances

The Empty Tomb, To Mary Magdalene, To the other women, The Road to Emmaus, To Peter, To 10 disciples in the Upper Room, To the 11 disciples in the Upper Room, To 7 disciples fishing, to 11 disciples on the mountain, to more than 500, to James, To His disciples, To Paul

The New King James Version Chapter 20

19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

Later that evening, Jesus appears to the assembled disciples.

That evening … the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors. They were in hiding because they were afraid of what the Jews might do to them. They had walked with Jesus, seen Jesus perform miracles, given training and understanding on the power of God and how it could be used. But yet, they were locked away in this room hiding. The incident, situation, crisis that had arisen in their lives, the Crucifixion of Jesus, had caused them to doubt and question everything, and as a result, fear set in.

How often in life do we allow situations to overwhelm us? Just like now in the midst of this transition, none of us are quite sure what might happen. Some have chosen to run and hide, others have given in to gossip and rumors, some have taken the road of hurt and loneliness and others have chosen to stand and pray. In no way am I condemning any of this. This emotional nature has been the way of humanity clear back to Adam and Eve.

That’s where the disciples are in this story. Hurting, broken, confused, bitter, angry, every spectrum of the lower side of the emotional chart, they have hit it. Why? Oh, we will get there.

Suddenly!!!

The term "suddenly" in the Bible describes the unexpected, swift, and powerful arrival of God's intervention, often appearing in moments of crisis, judgment, or miraculous deliverance. This suddenness emphasizes God's divine power and precise timing, where His actions occur the instant He chooses, regardless of human expectation.

Peace be with you!!!

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 2

peace The Greek word used here, eirēnē, is similar in meaning to the Hebrew word shalom (which means “peace,” “wholeness,” or “completeness”); it carries connotations of well-being, harmony, and security

As Jesus offer that peace to them, He showed them the wounds in His hands and in His side. When they realized that it was really Jesus, they were filled with joy.

20:21 He said, Peace be with you. Why? Because they were terrified of the Jews. That’s why they had locked the doors (20:19). Yet Jesus gave them his peace. Notice that their situation hadn’t changed. The Jewish leaders would still oppose them in the days ahead (see Acts 4:1–24; 5:17–42). But Jesus can speak peace into trouble. Though your circumstances are unstable, he can provide the internal stability your heart needs.

As the Father has sent me, I also send you. The Father had sent the Son on a kingdom mission to atone for the sins of the world so that all who believe would receive eternal life. Now the Son was sending his disciples on a kingdom mission to proclaim that message and make other disciples throughout the world (see Matt 28:16–20).

20:22–23 Jesus breathed on his disciples and said, Receive the Holy Spirit (20:22). Most interpreters recognize this as an anticipatory act. The Holy Spirit would come to dwell within the apostles on the day of Pentecost (see Acts 2:1–21), enabling them to accomplish the mission on which Jesus was sending them. Here, then, Jesus was visibly and physically preparing them for what was spiritually to come. They would be granted kingdom authority, so he told them, If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained (20:23). The Holy Spirit would enable them to authoritatively declare that God had indeed forgiven the sins of any who believe in Jesus.

The Subtle Voice of Doubt

Doubt is woven into the fabric of human nature.

doubt

a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.

feel uncertain about.

2.

fear; be afraid.

I believe that most everyone has a certainty about what doubt is.

It is possible to have questions (or doubts) about persons, propositions, or objects.

It prevents us from reaching hasty conclusions or making commitments to unreliable and untrustworthy sources. A suspension of judgment until sufficient inquiry is made and adequate evidence is presented is judged to be admirable. In this light, doubt is not an enemy of faith. This seems to be the attitude of the Bereans in Acts 17:11.

The New King James Version Chapter 17

11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Questioning or doubting motivates us to search further and deeper in an understanding of faith.

With only rare exceptions, however, doubt in Scripture is seen as a negative attitude or action because it is directed toward God by man (or evil spiritual agents). The word connotes the idea of weakness in faith or unbelief.

A lot of times we look at doubt as a trust issue.

When we use the expression “take my word for it,” we are asking another person or group to trust that what we are saying is true. More specifically, we are asking this person or group to trust us. The strength of the relationship is as central as the truth being shared. Consider how many things we take on the word of another. Grandparents share events which took place in family history decades before we were born. Historians teach of wars that shaped the course of human history as if they had been there themselves. Friends and family tell us of places to which we have never been. Although we have never experienced these events and places firsthand, we believe the words of those we trust.

We are deeply influenced by the voices around us.

Let’s look at a simple but powerful example:

In a well-known experiment, a group of children were shown a cup of vanilla yogurt that had been colored pink. One by one, they were asked, “What flavor is this?”

But here’s the twist: most of the children were secretly part of the experiment and intentionally gave the wrong answer: “It’s strawberry!” When it was time for the one real participant to respond, many of them—despite tasting vanilla—agreed with the crowd and said “strawberry.”

Why? Because it’s often easier to go along with others than to stand firm in what we know.

And here's the truth: adults are no different. We may be older, but we’re just as vulnerable to pressure. As believers, we are vulnerable to doubting God’s authority, His Word, and even His presence—especially when the world around us confidently claims something different.

With only rare exceptions, however, doubt in Scripture is seen as a negative attitude or action because it is directed toward God by man (or evil spiritual agents). The word connotes the idea of weakness in faith or unbelief.

If one accepts a typological understanding of Isaiah 14, doubt actually began in heaven in the heart of Lucifer. Here the object of doubt (and rejection) was the sovereignty and majesty of God (vv. 13–14). On earth doubt was conceived and given birth in the garden when the serpent cast doubt on God’s character and goodness (Gen. 3:1–5). Tragically Eve and Adam bought into his deceptive plan and plunged humankind into the fall (vv. 6–19). In both instances doubt is clearly an aspect of sin; it is directed toward God and is characterized by rebellion and disobedience.

In the Gospels the word “doubt” consistently carries with it a negative aspect, and the object of doubt again is always the Lord in some sense. Peter doubted Christ’s ability to keep him from drowning (Matt. 14:31). Here doubt is small or weak faith. Peter became doubtful as to the Lord’s reliability and power to sustain him. The Pharisees doubted Christ’s messiahship and asked for another sign (Matt. 12:38–42). If we have faith in God and do not doubt, we can move mountains and receive our request through prayer (Matt. 21:21; Mark 11:23). Here doubt is the antithesis of faith. In John 14:1 Jesus encourages the disciples to not have a troubled (doubting?) heart with regards to the future, but to believe in him, to trust him for their future needs. Some of the disciples, including Thomas, doubted the reality of the resurrected Lord (Luke 24:38; John 20:27). Here doubt is not outright denial or unbelief, but an attitude or feeling of uncertainty. Thomas is not severely rebuked, but nether is his skepticism commended. “Stop doubting and believe” is the word of the Lord to his disciple.

Abraham, as a positive example, is said not to have wavered” through unbelief [doubt] regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith” (Rom. 4:20). Doubt here is equivalent to unbelief.

James 1:6–8 tells us a doubting man is an unstable or divided man who lacks sufficient faith to lay hold of the promises of God. The doubting one sins against the Lord because he has questioned the character, goodness, and faithfulness of God. Unlike the God who does not change (v. 17), the doubting person is “like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (v. 6). Such an individual “should not think he will receive anything from the Lord” (v. 7).

But God is not shaken by our doubts. He invites us to bring them to Him—and to rediscover that truth doesn’t change just because the crowd disagrees. The questions arise:

• Why do we doubt God?

• How to remain steadfast in the world full of doubts and denies?

2. Why Do We Doubt

Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty that doesn’t always mean the loss of faith. Yet it can become one of the subtlest enemies of our relationship with God. Why? Because doubt has the quiet ability to grow—from a vague thought into a towering fortress of disbelief, and eventually into a city of spiritual confusion, like a modern-day Babylon.

Our God is a perfect mind—He has the full picture of ruling and balancing this world. Yet the human mind is incapable of grasping that full picture, and thus often sets God’s personality in doubt.

In Isaiah 55:8–9, God Himself tells us:

"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."

Isaiah 55:8–9

This verse reminds us that God’s wisdom is infinitely greater than ours, even when life doesn’t make sense.

Often, difficult circumstances deepen this tension. Doubts arise not from rebellion, but from a sincere heart trying to make sense of pain, pressure, or silence. As human beings, it’s natural for us to wrestle with uncertainty.

Some of the most common reasons we find ourselves doubting God include:

• We crave clarity, yet God calls us to walk by faith.

• We fear disappointment and try to protect our hearts.

• We’re easily influenced by voices that are louder than truth.

• We lean more on our own understanding than on God’s promises.

But here’s the good news: God is not threatened by our questions. He doesn’t turn away from us in our doubt—He invites us to bring it to Him. And when we do, He gently leads us back to the place of trust.

3. Doubt Drives Discovery

Jn 20:24–31

20:24–25 One of the disciples, Thomas, had not been present on that evening (20:24). When they told him about what happened, he refused to believe unless he could put his finger into the mark of the nails and put his hand into Jesus’s side (20:25). This is why, in church history, he earned the nickname “Doubting Thomas.” But this isn’t a fair appraisal of his character. Previously, Thomas was prepared to go into hostile territory and die with Jesus (see 11:7–8, 16). So it’s clear that a believer can be spiritually strong one moment and spiritually deflated the next.

Here, Thomas famously doubts Jesus' resurrection until he sees Him for himself. Perhaps you can draw attention to how Jesus meets Thomas's doubt with compassion, inviting him to touch His wounds. This passage can suggest that faith isn't the absence of doubt but encompasses moving towards belief through sincere seeking and encounter with Christ. Encourage the congregation to bring their doubts to Jesus, confident that He provides personal assurance and understanding.

4. Hold on to the Promises

The truth is that moral perfection is unachievable for humans but something we always should strive for. The key to remaining steadfast lies not in avoiding doubt, but in how we respond to it. Here are four powerful steps to help us stay anchored in God’s truth:

• Bring Your Doubts to God

Doubt isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an invitation to deepen our relationship with God. God is not afraid of our questions. In fact, He invites us to come to Him honestly with our doubts and fears.

"Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you."

1 Peter 5:7

When we bring our doubts to God, we are reminded of His great love for us. In His presence, we find peace, and He gently leads us back to trust. Don’t hide your doubts from God—bring them to Him, and let His peace replace your uncertainty.

• Respond with Scripture

The first and most crucial step in combating doubt is responding with the Word of God. When doubts arise, we don’t have to rely on our own understanding; we can rest on the unshakable promises of Scripture.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Psalm 119:105

God’s Word illuminates the path ahead and guides us in moments of uncertainty. When we face doubts, Scripture becomes our anchor, reminding us of God's truth, faithfulness, and power.

• Study the Bible Regularly

Doubts often come when we have gaps in knowledge and seek for answers, do it by deepening knowledge of Scripture. When we study God’s Word, we not only strengthen our understanding of His promises but also build a foundation that helps us withstand the challenges of doubt.

"The one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

James 1:25

Studying the Bible provides us with a deep reservoir of truth to draw from in times of confusion. The more we fill our hearts with Scripture, the stronger our faith will become when we face moments of uncertainty.

The New King James Version Chapter 2

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

• Develop a Community to Support You

We were never meant to walk through doubts alone. God created the Church as a community of believers to encourage, pray for, and strengthen one another in faith. Surrounding yourself with a community that supports and challenges you can help you navigate your doubts and build confidence in God’s truth.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Proverbs 27:17

Having fellow believers to pray with, study Scripture alongside, and share struggles with makes all the difference in overcoming doubt. Don’t isolate yourself in moments of uncertainty—lean into your faith family. Their encouragement will help you remain steadfast in God’s promises.

5. Stand Firm in the Face of Doubt

Doubt is a natural part of the human experience, and we all face moments of uncertainty, just as we saw in the experiment where the children were influenced by the voices around them. But the truth is, God is not shaken by our doubts. He invites us to bring them to Him, knowing that in His presence, our trust can be restored. By responding with Scripture, bringing our doubts to God, studying His Word, and building a supportive community, we can remain steadfast in our faith.

God’s wisdom is far greater than ours, and He is always with us, guiding us through every season of doubt. With God, all things are possible, and as we trust in His promises, we can stand strong, knowing He will never fail to lead us toward victory and peace.

God does not give us overcoming life; He gives us life as we overcome.

Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.

Helen Keller