Encouragement for When We DoubtSýnishorn

Can Christians Doubt?

In Matthew 11, we find a remarkable story of faith and doubt centered around John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, the voice crying out in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Messiah. His life was marked by a deep commitment to God’s purpose. John’s faith was the bedrock upon which he stood, even when facing tremendous challenges.

But can genuine believers like John have moments of doubt? Absolutely. Even the most faithful can grapple with powerful questions and unexpected doubt.

For some, doubt surfaces in the area of salvation. Have you ever questioned the authenticity of your salvation, wondering if you truly belong to Christ? Such doubts can cause discomfort, but they are not uncommon. They can serve as a refining process, strengthening our faith.

Do you ever doubt God’s love and favor toward you? It’s not that you doubt God’s character; instead, you question your standing in His love. Sometimes, it feels like God is distant, and we doubt His closeness.

Provision is another area where doubt often rears its head. Despite God’s promises to meet our needs, we sometimes worry about our financial situation, forgetting that He is our ultimate Provider.

And then, there’s doubt about God’s wisdom. We may struggle to understand the purpose behind certain circumstances, mistakenly thinking that our plans are better than God’s.

Doubt is never pleasing to God. It doesn’t glorify Him and it hinders our relationship with Him. James 1:6 tells us that doubting is like being tossed by the wind, resulting in an unstable life. Romans 14:23 emphasizes that whatever is not from faith is sin.

However, the good news is that God understands our doubts. He has compassion on us, knowing our weaknesses and frailties, our humanity. This is comforting. He is willing to strengthen our faith and help us overcome doubt. Just as a father has compassion for his children, the Lord has compassion for those who fear Him.

He knows our frame; He remembers that we are but dust (Psalm 103:13–14).

Today, I want to encourage believers who, like John the Baptist, are wrestling with doubts. Our faith may waver, but God remains steadfast. In the upcoming devotionals, we will delve deeper into John’s experience and discover valuable insights to help us overcome doubt and strengthen our faith. God’s grace is always sufficient to carry us through.