Have you ever felt guilty for questioning your faith? Do you worry that having doubts means you're not a "good" Christian? What if I told you that doubt isn't the enemy of faith, but actually a crucial element of it? Today, let's explore how embracing our questions can lead to a stronger, more vibrant faith.
Doubt: An Element of Faith
Many of us have been taught that questioning our faith is unacceptable, that it's somehow questioning God Himself. But what if doubt is actually an essential part of faith? Theologian Paul Tillich puts it this way: "Doubt isn't the opposite of faith. It's an element of faith."
Let's look at Matthew 28:16-17, which describes the disciples' reaction to seeing the resurrected Jesus:
"Then the 11 disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him. But some of them doubted."
The Greek word used here for "doubted" is "distazo," which doesn't mean complete unbelief, but rather a hesitation or wavering. It's that moment when we need to process what we're seeing or experiencing.
Doubt and Faith: Two Sides of the Same Coin
To believe in Jesus is to believe in something that seems unbelievable. It's natural, even inevitable, that we'll have moments of questioning. But having doubts doesn't disqualify us from faith. In fact, it can be the very thing that deepens our faith.
Consider the story in Mark 9:14-29, where a father brings his sick son to Jesus for healing. When Jesus tells him that anything is possible for one who believes, the father's response is beautifully honest:
"I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief" (Mark 9:24)
This man held both faith and doubt in tension, and Jesus honored his request. This teaches us that we don't need to have perfect faith before approaching God. He meets us in our uncertainty.
The Purpose of Doubt
While doubt can be helpful, it's important to remember that it shouldn't be our final destination. Doubt is a means to an end, not the end itself. It should lead us to ask questions, seek answers, and ultimately move us forward in our faith journey.
Doubt should never be our destination. Doubt is a means to an end. Doubt should lead you to a question that gives you an answer. And the answer may not leave you without any more questions. It might leave you with more questions. But at least you've gone somewhere."
Three Stages of Faith
D.L. Moody, a 19th-century preacher, described three stages of faith that can help us understand our journey:
1. Struggling Faith: Like treading water in the ocean, seeing hope on the horizon but struggling to reach it.
2. Clinging Faith: Holding onto the boat, but at risk of being knocked off by the waves.
3. Abiding Faith: Securely in the boat, anchored in God's grace regardless of life's storms.
Our doubts can actually help us move from one stage to the next, deepening our faith along the way.
Putting It Into Practice
So, how can we embrace our doubts in a way that strengthens our faith? Here are some practical steps:
1. Acknowledge your questions: Don't suppress your doubts. Write them down and face them honestly.
2. Investigate: Research your questions. Seek out reliable resources and perspectives.
3. Engage in spiritual practices: Regular Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance can help anchor your faith during times of questioning.
4. Join a community: Surround yourself with other believers who can support you and discuss your questions openly.
5. Remember it's a journey: Faith is about becoming, not arriving. Each doubt overcome can lead to deeper understanding and trust.
As we navigate our faith journeys, let's remember that doubt isn't the enemy. When we bring our questions to God and engage with them honestly, they can become the very fuel that propels us toward a stronger, more resilient faith.
Faith and doubt are two sides of the same coin. They go together. To have faith is to welcome doubt.
So, what questions have you been afraid to ask? It's time to bring them into the light and let them lead you to a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.