I recently met with a Christian who has been experiencing doubts about God and the Bible. My friend was worried that the doubts he had in his heart somehow disqualified him from being a true follower of Christ. So let me ask you: how do you deal with doubt as a Christian?
If I am really honest I have to admit that there times I experience doubts and have unanswered questions as a Christian. Yes, I know what you thinking; how can a pastor (a youth director) say something so crazy? The truth is even though I have accepted Christ as my savior, preach and teach in the church almost every Sabbath, have had the privilege of leading people to Christ and the opportunity of studying theology at a good Christian college there are still times when questions, fears, doubts and uncertainty find their way into my heart.
In John 6:67-69 we read: From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. As you might recall, many of Jesus disciples had just deserted Him. Jesus then turns to His closest disciples and asks them, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” which seems to suggest that Jesus was checking to see if they too had doubts about who He was and what He came to do.
One thing that helps me most during times like this is the fact that we are not alone in our experiences. For instance, in Psalm 13:1-3, David and man after Gods own heart cries out to God, “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.” Likewise John the Baptist – who the Bible describes as the greatest of all men born of a women (Matt 11:11) – from prison sent his own disciples to Jesus with one question, “Are you the one who was to come or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3).
What I am trying to say is if these great heroes of the faith expressed questions and doubt, it should be no surprise to us that we, too, from time to time may struggle with similar questions and experiences. I am learning as I walk with Jesus is not to be afraid of the questions, but rather to acknowledge them, embrace them, and then take them to the best source I’ve ever known for answers, Jesus himself.
The point is God is for us. He does not condemn us for our sincere questions. I believe questions are a natural part of life and of our faith journey. In fact, He invites us to come to Him so we can reason together (Isaiah 1:18). Not only do we need to provide a safe environment for people to express their doubts (reason together), but we need to also help them find answers.
Are you willing to accept His invitation? Are you willing to be that safe environment for somebody who is experiencing doubt?