Doubts?

Would you believe that some with great faith have doubts? Would you believe that some struggle to the point that they ask can I be Christian if I have doubts. I believe we can answer both with a resounding, of course! You know this is a tough subject for me and who among us doesn’t have doubts. That being said, we should deal with our doubts and not let them fester. We must recognize that it is ok to ask tough questions. We must also recognize that there is a difference between doubt and unbelief.

I read somewhere that doubts are ok, doubts are saying something is hard to believe, but unbelief says something totally different, unbelief says I won’t believe. I also read somewhere that doubt is looking for light while unbelief is being content in darkness. To me that is the key; with our doubts we can never become content in the darkness; we must strive to find the answers.

There is a great passage in the bible that shows someone with great faith having doubts during a trying time. From Matthew 11 we see:

1After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. 2When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" 4Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[b]are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." 7As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written: " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'[c] 11I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15He who has ears, let him hear.

This is an amazing and encouraging passage; it is amazing that even John the Baptist had doubts and such an encouraging example of what to do with our doubts. John the Baptist, the one who pointed the way now imprisoned facing certain death begins to have doubts and these doubts could be intellectual or emotional or both. He pointed the way for a savior, a king and now finds himself in peril; who wouldn’t have doubts and then notice what he does. He asks the tough question. Can you imagine asking Christ; “are you the One?” And then; oh my, how does Christ respond? Does he ignore, does he shy away from the tough question, does he belittle? No, he embraces the doubter, He answers the tough question, he points to the evidence. You know that is a beautiful thing about our Lord, he embraces the doubters; John the Baptist, Thomas, the man who cried out; "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

You know there are more important lessons from this passage. Have you noticed that it seems like there are CSI shows on every night of the week now? And the premise of these shows is that there are factual, scientific forensic links to every question. That with the proper investigation things can be proven beyond a doubt. Well is that how life really works? I think it is great to look for the answers; to search for answers, but there are a couple things to note in that search.

First, we must challenge ourselves to find proper sources for the answers. In other words, where do we turn for our answers? Where did John the Baptist turn for his answer? John the Baptist was facing a life shaking doubt and where did he turn for his answer? To Christ! Can you go to other sources? Can you turn to sources like the discovery channel or the media? Certainly, but as a seeker of truth shouldn’t you also turn to Christ; to God’s word for the answers? Shouldn’t we ask the tough questions directly through prayer and seek answers in the written Word? For questions of faith there are many other good sources and a few that come to mind are Lee Strobel’s; The Case for Faith and The Case for Christ and F. F. Bruce’s book; The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?

Second, we must really check our hearts in our search and be really, really sure that we want an answer. Have you ever seen someone so biased that they ask questions, but are so hardened there is really no search, no desire for truth. Perhaps they are content in the dark. Unlike CSI, with questions of faith our answers may not come in solid, scientific, forensic evidence, but they will come with enough evidence to believe. Hebrews 11 reminds us that “1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” With hearts open there will always be enough evidence to make informed decisions.

You know the Bible also has some advice about how to find answers for our doubts. During my times of doubt (and yes they are numerous) I try to remind myself to look at Jeremiah 29:13; “13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” I ask myself am I truly seeking and am I truly seeking with all my heart?

Is it normal to have doubts? Absolutely! A wise person once told me to take comfort in my questions and doubts that unbelief would have no questions or doubts. Take heart my friends. We have a great God. A God that is loving, merciful and faithful. He is not afraid of our doubts, our tough questions. But, we must truly seek the answer, we must prepare our hearts for the answer and we must turn to the proper source for the answer. Turn to Christ my friends!

Grace and Peace!