Doubt and faith...

Here are some thoughts from by Ed Gungor courtesy Relevant Magazine:

"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9:24 TNIV

For many people of faith, the idea of experiencing doubt at all makes them very nervous. They view the questions that rise in their minds as evidence of a lack of faith, which surely disqualifies them from being authentic believers. So they shove their doubts into their subconscious in Pollyanna-ish fashion. But what if it's not true? What if honest doubt is actually the essence of faith? What if real faith has doubt in the mix, as a coin has two sides? That would mean struggling with doubt is not a lack of faith; it would actually be faith!

I think it is healthy to be uncertain every now and then. Frederick Buechner wrote, "Every morning you should wake up in your bed and ask yourself: 'Can I believe it all again today?' ... At least five times out of 10, the answer should be 'No' because the 'No' is as important as the 'Yes,' maybe more so."

We should not be ashamed if we are drawn like magnets to the uncertainties and questions inherent in faith. Faith is not supposed to come naturally. Faith is the venture of human consideration and divine illumination. Only in a world where faith is difficult can faith exist.


The question we have to deal with is what we make of doubt. Is it a bad thing to have those questions? Is it a bad thing to look at the ceiling and wonder if there's anyone there hearing your prayers? Or is there a benefit to us from our doubt? I wouldn't say doubt is always a good thing, but when it causes us to reexamine what we believe afresh, it can be a good thing. I mean, some doubt and it causes them to jump off the ship (ie: Christopher Hitchens, the famous atheist) while others doubt and it leads them to believe (ie: C.S. Lewis, the famous writer/theologian). How can we tell which way it'll go? We can't! The only thing we can do is to walk with those who are doubting and let them look at their doubts and examine the foundations of who they are. Thomas (who got stuck with the label, "Doubting") is a perfect example: God gave him exactly what he needed to believe (in his case, putting his hands on Jesus' wounds and seeing Him as the resurrected Lord!). The awesome part is, God will give you exactly what you need to believe. Are you actively looking to see it or like Bruce, in Bruce Almighty, are you ignoring the million signs God's dropping your way?

Think about what you believe and never be afraid to ask a tough question. God's not scared of your questions, He's ready to show you exactly what you need. Are you going to take it?

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