Disillusioned: What To Do When We Doubt

By Abi Ruelo

I would like to think that doubt is normal. If you do not doubt, you might be perfect already. Bu if we allow doubt to bring us far away from Christ and make it as an excuse to sin, that is a different story. If we have doubt, let us give God the opportunity to answer them.

Matthew 11:2-6 says, “John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.””

John the Baptist knew that Jesus was “THE ONE.” He was still in the stomach of Elizabeth when he “jumped” when Mary came to visit because he knew that Jesus was coming. He was the one who was sent to prepare the way for Him. Why did he have to send disciples to Jesus to ask Him if He was really the Messiah or if they needed to wait for someone else?

But what did Jesus say? He told them to tell John the happenings outside of his prison cell. Finally, Jesus said “blessed are those who don’t stumble because of me.” What can we learn from these?

Doubt is an invitation. It is not a disqualification. Not because we doubt means we do not believe. If there is a question in our mind, the proper thing to do is to ask. Honest doubt does not push God away. It draws us closer to Him when we ask for answers because God also meets us in our questions and not only in our declarations. Jesus did not rebuke John. He responded with honor and evidence. He might have even been excited to answer John because he was in prison. And I’m sure John was appeased upon hearing Jesus’ answer.

God’s ways are not our ways. That’s why sometimes, we doubt all the more. Sometimes His answers are better than what we were asking for and sometimes, it’s not what we expect.  We have to remember that His ways are not our ways. His ways are higher and His mercy is deeper than we ever imagined. Our faith grows if we allow God to work in ways that He wants.

God honors the faithful even in times of doubt. Your Christianity does not get erased when you doubt. God love also does not diminish. God sees the whole story. When He sees us, He does not count our doubts. He knows our faith.

So what should we do when we doubt?

We should bring our doubts to Jesus and not run away from Him. Matthew 14:31 says, “Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”” When we are honest with Him, we will be closer to Him because we actually make an effort to ask and appease our doubt. You can read your bible, ask your pastor or even research. If you make an effort to really know, don’t you think God will actually answer? When we are uncertain we have to trust that God will also bring us out of that uncertainty. Our doubt will actually bring us closer to Jesus because we seek Him ore during the times that we don’t know. Pray to understand even when you don’t see.

Look for evidence of God’s work in unexpected places. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” Look for all the good things God is doing in you and around you. Focus on the good and not always on the wrong and the bad. Most of the time, we do not notice the little things God is doing because we think we did it in our own power and strength. Remember that apart from Him, we can do nothing.

We should affirm others who are wrestling with doubt. Hebrews 3:13 says, “You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.” Sometimes, we are so good in giving advice to others even if we cannot follow our own advice. We say all the right words to other people but we can’t practice it ourselves. And it’s humbling because in the middle of your helping others, you also speak to yourself. You are assured of God’s love and work.

Kenneth Hagin said, “It is unscriptural to pray if you don’t believe you’ll get an answer.” Why will you pray for something if you are not sure that you will get an answer? Mark 11:24 “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” John 14:13-14“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

If you are doubting, hold onto Jesus. He is the only one who can fill you up and complete you. He is the only one who can give you everything you need and make you feel good all over. He can complete you and He loves you so much even if you second guess Him or even of you don’t believe Him too.

So believe.

Because His goodness is everlasting. His faithfulness is new every morning.