Permission to DoubtShembull

Easier Said Than Done

The knowledge of Jesus chasing after us as we come back to Him sounds nice. But sometimes our hurts and experiences make it easier said than done. When you’ve been wounded, there can be a tension between wanting a renewed relationship with God and wondering how to start.

We all process our experiences differently. If you were hurt by someone who took advantage of their power and influence, or if you were taught false “truths” about God, you might need to step away from the place that hurt or misled you. And that’s okay.

But healing from hurt, asking hard questions, and wrestling with doubt can be messy and difficult. Don’t try to do it alone. Peter was alone when he doubted God—but he was with other disciples when He realized the man on the shore was Jesus.

Another time, when Jesus suddenly appeared at a gathering of the disciples after His resurrection, they thought He was a ghost. But then He showed them His hands and feet, where He had marks from the nails that had held Him to the cross.

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45 NIV

In Jesus’ presence together, they understood that Jesus truly was the promised Messiah, even though it looked different than their original expectations. Together, they praised Him. Together, they worshipped Him.

Regardless of where you find yourself today, continue leaning into God. Find trusted relationships where you can safely express doubt and ask questions.

You can never wrestle too much with God. And even if your time of wrestling has taken you away from Him for a season, you are welcome back into His arms right now—He is the living Truth who loves you no matter what.

Pray: God, I don’t understand why You allowed some of my experiences and hurts to happen. Please give me wisdom as I take my next step in healing, and bring people around me I can trust and who will point me to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.