Are You Doubting God?

George Campbell Morgan had already enjoyed some success as a preacher by the time he was 19 years old. But then he was attacked by doubts about the Bible. The writings of various scientists and agnostics disturbed him (e.g., Charles Darwin, John Tyndall, Thomas Huxley, and Herbert Spencer). As he read their books and listened to debates, Morgan became more and more perplexed. What did he do?

He cancelled all preaching engagements, put all the books in a cupboard and locked the door, and went to the bookstore and bought a new Bible. He said to himself, "I am no longer sure that this is what my father claims it to be--the Word of God. But of this I am sure. If it be the Word of God, and if I come to it with an unprejudiced and open mind, it will bring assurance to my soul of itself."

The result? "That Bible found me!" said Morgan. The new assurance in 1883 gave him the motivation for his preaching and teaching ministry. He devoted himself to the study and preaching of God's Word.  -Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching & Preachers, Moody, 1984, p. 211.

We don’t like the feeling of doubt, or questioning our beliefs do we? Some have stopped going to church because of the doubts they have. Some feel like they don’t fit in with those that seem to have it all together in their faith journey.

As a Christ-follower, you may doubt God in circumstances such as a spiritual defeat or sin, sickness, suffering, injustice, opposition, economic problems, family problems, etc. Maybe you doubt that God has really forgiven you. Or, you wonder whether the Bible really is the Word of God.

Perhaps you have questions about how God created the world, or even how He’ll end it. Maybe you've said to yourself, “I think I’m a Christian, but sometimes I’m not sure.” Possibly, life is so busy that there’s just not time to reflect on your faith, so doubts creep in.

Here's some reassuring news: God is okay with your doubt; and asking Him the tough questions! The bible is full of those that experienced even the miracles of God, but later doubted. All of us will experience some doubt, but you are in good company, for sure.

Jesus’ own disciple, Thomas, doubted He had risen (John 20:25-27). Jesus was okay with ‘doubting Thomas.’ He provided the answer so he could believe and will do the same for us as well. This was all Thomas needed, for in the next verse he says, “My Lord and My God.” (John 20: 28).

John the Baptist had said Jesus is the Messiah (Look, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world). Later, he is in prison for serving God and he has some doubts. So, he sends a couple of his disciples to Jesus. They ask, "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?" (Matthew 11:3-5).

Wow! What a tough question after all that John had witnessed. Does Jesus get angry and say that followers of mine are to never question, so you can’t be a follower of mine? Jesus answers: Go back and report what you see and that will ease his doubts. Jesus even turned to the crowd and told them that John the Baptist was the greatest man who ever lived.

These doubts did not affect Jesus thoughts about him. He was not condemned for doubting. Doubt and faith can co-exist. We can make the choice to believe and ask God to help us with our unbelief. Look, doubt can't hurt you, but unresolved doubt can. To work your way from uncertainty to certainty is no sin – if you’re doubt is honest, and you’re willing to believe.

What I'm saying is that doubt that leads to questions, that lead to answers and evidence, can be good for us. But, we must decide at that point to believe. We have to do something about our doubts. So, what can you do to resolve your doubts?

Here a few suggestions. You can: go to where people of faith gather; talk to a person of faith, and learn from them; put faith-building materials into your mind (Romans 10:17; John 20:31). Just keep in mind that faith can’t be proven with scientific precision. If it could, it wouldn't be faith would it?

What doubts are you wrestling with right now? Do you still have questions about whether to make Jesus your Lord and Savior? For Christ-followers what is holding you back from a sold-out life? Are you doubting that God is going to come through for you? Are you struggling with knowing that God is leading you in the right direction?

Having doubts is different from questioning God's sovereignty and attacking His character. In short, an honest question is not a sin, but a bitter, untrusting, or rebellious heart is. God isn't intimidated by questions. God invites us to enjoy close fellowship with Him. When we “question God,” it should be from a humble spirit and open mind.

“Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable. How many hours are in a mile? Is yellow square or round? Probably half the questions we ask - half our great theological and metaphysical problems - are like that.”  -C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

The issue here is not whether we should question God, but in what manner—and for what reason—we question Him. To question God is not in itself wrong. Insincere questions, or questions from a hypocritical heart, are a different matter.

In closing, we can question God, but we shouldn't expect an answer unless we are genuinely interested in His answer. God knows our hearts, and knows whether we are genuinely seeking Him to enlighten us.

And, although God doesn't always answer our questions in the way we want, a sincere question from a passionate heart is welcomed by God. Our heart attitude is what determines whether it is right or wrong to question God.

Scripture: James 1:6; Matthew 21:21; Jude 1:22; Mark 11:23; Luke 24:38; Mark 9:24; Proverbs 3:5

Prayer: Dear Father, when happiness leaves my soul and I'm left with only a void, I say your name and my heart again fills with joy! Amen

May God bless your day!

Kandace