Permission to DoubtSýnishorn

Doubts Don’t Disqualify You

Doubts and questions don’t mean that our relationship with God is void and over forever. For Peter, his earthly expectations and dreams about the Messiah were wrecked when Jesus was nailed to the cross—and it wasn’t until then that he began to be open to the truth of what Jesus really came to do.

Once Peter became open to God’s plan instead of only his own preconceived ideas, his faith started to grow in earnest. His doubts were acknowledged and validated. Some of his big questions started to be answered. It was Jesus Himself who grew Peter’s faith, acknowledged his doubts, and answered his questions.

Peter knew what it was like to have doubts that cause us to drift from God. And he knew what it was like to be met by the mercy of Jesus, who wants nothing more than to bring us back to Himself.

After His resurrection, Jesus met His disciples on a mountain in Galilee.

When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Matthew 28:17 NIV

Even in the presence of the resurrected Jesus, some of the disciples still doubted. But that didn’t stop Jesus from commanding them to go and make disciples—to complete His mission for them. They were called by God, despite their doubts and questions.

So when we experience doubts, we bring them to God. He’s big enough to handle every single one of them. And when our doubts feel too big to carry alone, we walk with others as we dismantle false beliefs, bad ideas, and ugly misconceptions that distort our view of Jesus.

Our doubts don’t disqualify us. Instead, they’re an opportunity for us to lean into God more and grow our relationship with Him to a new and deeper level.

Pray: God, I’m so thankful that my doubts aren’t seen by You as failures or shortcomings. Thank You that my doubts can actually bring me closer to You. I want my life—doubts and all—to pursue You and reflect Your mercy and love. Thank You for using me to fulfill Your mission. In Jesus’ name, amen.