Dealing With Doubt: Why it’s okay to have questions.
We’ve all heard the phrase "Doubting Thomas." Usually, when someone calls you that, it isn't a compliment. It’s a label we use for someone who isn't "spiritual" enough or lacks the faith to just "believe." It stems from the famous story in John 20 where Thomas refused to believe Jesus had risen unless he saw the nail marks and felt the scars for himself.
But if I’m honest, I think Thomas gets a bad rap.
Giving Thomas a Break
If you look at the rest of the Gospel accounts, Thomas wasn't a weak link; he was one of the most committed disciples in the group.
In John 11, when the other disciples were afraid to go to Judea, it was Thomas who said, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." * In John 14, he was the one asking the hard questions about where Jesus was going because he desperately wanted to be with Him.
Thomas wasn't a traitor; he was a man whose faith had been rocked by the trauma of the crucifixion. He had seen his friend die, and his heart was broken.
Doubt vs. Unbelief
Many of us feel that having skepticism is an act of spiritual treason. But as Oswald Chambers once said: “Doubt is not always a sign that a man is wrong; it may be a sign that he is thinking.”
There is a massive difference between Doubt and Unbelief:
Doubt is honesty: It says, "I can't believe yet." It is an open heart looking for the truth.
Unbelief is stubbornness: It says, "I won't believe." It is a closed heart that rejects evidence because it doesn't want to change.
God loves skeptics. He isn't intimidated by your questions. An honest skeptic, when presented with the truth, will change—just like Thomas did.
How to Overcome the Fog
If the pressures of life, disappointment, or heartbreak have left you in a season of doubt, how do you find your way back to confidence?
Seek the Presence of Jesus: Jesus didn't scold Thomas from a distance. He showed up in the room. His presence dispels doubt, and His peace brings confidence.
Anchor Yourself in the Word: When feelings fluctuate, the facts of who God is remain the same.
Find Your Community: Notice that Jesus appeared when the disciples were together. Isolation breeds doubt; community builds faith.
A Message for the Next Generation
At Bringing Hope Ministries, we are passionate about raising up leaders who are men and women of integrity—and that includes being honest about our struggles.
If you are struggling with doubt today, I want to encourage you: You aren't a failure. You are a thinker. And just like He did for Thomas, Jesus is ready to meet you exactly where you are.
— Garry Fess