The Benefit of Doubt: How Confronting Your Deepest Questions Can Lead to a Richer Faithનમૂનો

Am I a Bad Christian?

Let me tell you about one Sunday morning in 2017. I was standing on the front row of our church service, singing a worship song, minutes away from going up to preach. I realized in that moment that I felt nothing. By nothing, I mean …

• I didn’t feel God’s presence.
• I didn’t feel like preaching.
• I didn’t feel like I had any faith.

Panic erupted in me, as I thought, What if all this isn’t real? What if it’s all just been emotions? Some say religion is just a crutch; what if they’re right?

I wondered if the people near me could hear my heart pounding, because I was sure it was louder than the music.

I started shaking and began to cry. That’s when I noticed the exit sign.

I thought, Maybe I could just leave? Just walk right out of church.

The reality is that, for quite a while now, a lot of people have had those same feelings, those same questions, and have been heading for the exit, walking out of church. And they’ve not returned.

Why are people leaving?

I think most don’t have a problem with Jesus. He’s hard not to like. Instead, they have questions but feel like they can’t ask them, so they’ve found no answers.

Yet, there are answers. Many people just don’t feel safe asking. They want to, but they’re embarrassed, ashamed, or insecure, thinking, What if I’m the only one? What will people think of me? They’re afraid, and church may not seem like the safest place to express their doubts.

Some of those who have mustered up their courage and finally asked their questions have, too often, been met with bumper sticker theology that dogmatically states, “The Bible says it. I believe it. That settles it.”

Many are left wondering if there are any answers at all. And then, just like I did, they noticed the exit. Perhaps it’s left you wondering. Maybe that’s exactly why you started this Bible Plan.

So, before we go any further, I need to tell you this powerful truth: Doubts don’t make you a bad Christian. They make you human.

How do I know? Just look at Jesus’ closest followers.

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus gave them their divine assignment. Starting in Matthew 28:18, He tells them to go into all the world and tell people everywhere the good news of what’s happened so everyone might know and follow Him.

But just before Jesus gives that great commission, there’s a verse we can easily miss. It’s a crucial three-word phrase. Matthew 28:17 says, “When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”

Ever noticed that before? Some worshiped, but … some doubted.

We read that “some doubted,” but in verse 18 Jesus gives all of them the mission of going out into the world to share the gospel and make disciples. Even the doubters.

Why?

Because doubts don’t make you a bad Christian. They make you human.

Doubts are a part of faith and, as we’re going to see over the next few days, they can actually invite us into a deeper faith.

Learn more about Pastor Craig Groeschel’s book The Benefit of Doubt.