“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” —Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Sometimes we need to go through the foyer of doubt to get into the sanctuary of certainty.
A French proverb says, “He who knows nothing doubts nothing.” Another says, “Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.” I am confident that if we were honest, we could all admit to having struggled at times with doubt.
It is not unusual for even the most spiritual people to have doubt and uncertainty:
- Moses was ready to quit on one occasion! Listening to the complaints of Israel, he said, “I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If you treat me like this, please kill me now!” (Numbers 11:14–15 NKJV).
- Elijah also was ready to quit, after Carmel, hearing of Jezebel’s threats. He became discouraged, uncertain, and doubtful, to the point that “he prayed that he might die” (1 Kings 19:4 NKJV).
- Even the great apostle Paul was discouraged: “We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8 NKJV).
So if you’re struggling with discouragement and doubt, you are not the first. Even John the Baptist had his momentary doubt about if Jesus really was the Messiah. He sent word to Christ, essentially saying, “Are You the one, or should we look for another?” (See Matthew 11:3.)
But here’s the key: John brought his doubts to Jesus. It’s okay to tell God how you really feel. Share your heart honestly with Him. He will be there for you, as He was with John, Moses, Elijah, and Paul.
Believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts!
