What should I do if I doubt my faith?
Introduction
Every sincere believer, from the prophets of the Old Testament to the Apostles in the New, has faced moments of doubt. Even John the Baptist, while imprisoned, sent messengers to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" (Matthew 11:3).
Doubt is not the opposite of faith; unbelief is. Doubt is often an honest, internal tension between what you believe and what you struggle to understand. Handled correctly, doubt can be a powerful engine for deeper faith and intellectual growth.
Main: Three Steps for Turning Doubt into Deeper Faith
The response to doubt should be active, honest, and oriented toward seeking truth from the right sources.
1. The Intellectual Response: Engage Your Questions Honestly
Do not ignore your doubts; instead, commit to rigorously seeking answers using the mind God gave you.
Identify the Source: First, distinguish between genuine intellectual questions (e.g., "How can a loving God allow suffering?") and emotional triggers (e.g., "I doubt because I am angry at God for a tragedy"). Name the doubt clearly.
Seek Answers in Apologetics: The Bible commands us to be ready to defend our faith: “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Engage with Christian apologetics—the reasoned defense of the faith. Read books, listen to solid teaching, and study the historical and logical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Study the Scriptures: Go back to the foundation. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, he countered the Devil with Scripture. Your foundational certainty must be in the authority and truth of the Bible.
2. The Spiritual Response: Confess and Continue
Doubt often tempts people to withdraw from spiritual disciplines, but this only feeds the uncertainty. You must continue to act on the faith you still possess.
Pray with Honesty: Do not hide your struggle from God. Bring your questions to Him with the honesty of the man who cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). Confess your struggle, acknowledge the lack of certainty, and ask for wisdom (James 1:5).
Commit to Disciplines: Continue to read Scripture, attend church, and pray, even when you don't feel like it. Faith is often sustained not by feeling, but by faithful habits. These practices keep your heart and mind oriented toward the truth, preventing the doubt from hardening into unbelief.
Focus on the Core: Remind yourself of the most essential, certain historical truth: Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again. When the peripheral questions become too loud, anchor yourself back to the non-negotiable certainty of the Gospel.
3. The Communal Response: Seek Godly Counsel
Doubt thrives in isolation. You need the wisdom and perspective of other mature believers.
Talk to a Mentor: Find a mature Christian, pastor, or leader whom you trust and confess your doubts to them. They have likely faced similar struggles and can provide perspective and direction without judgment.
Avoid Toxic Counsel: Be careful not to seek counsel from those who are cynical, bitter, or who already reject the Christian faith. Their "advice" will likely be aimed at tearing down your foundation, not building it up. Seek only those who are committed to the Lordship of Christ and are seeking truth.
Conclusion
Doubt, when treated as a call to inquiry rather than a call to exit, can be a necessary part of refining your faith. It moves your belief from merely accepting your parents' or pastor's faith to making it truly your own.
Be honest with God, diligent in your study, and committed to the journey, knowing that God is not afraid of your questions, and He will meet you in the uncertainty.
