What Not To Say To Someone Struggling With Doubt
Beth Marshall
Is it possible to believe in God’s ability to do all things, yet wrestle with uncertainty and doubt?
We’re not the first to wonder if it’s OK to have faith and doubts at the same time. When adversity comes, maybe you can relate to the dad in Mark 9:24, who questioned Jesus’ ability to heal his son.
“I believe,” he said. “Help my unbelief!”
Sometimes doubts come when bad things happen to us. Sometimes, doubts come from what people tell us when bad things happen. If we want to overcome the doubt in our lives, we have to be able to identify the lies that keep us from moving forward.
5 Lies Christians Believe That Foster Doubt
1. Godly people never doubt.
Abraham was 99 when the Lord reminded him of a promise. He and his wife Sarah, now 90 years old, would have a baby together, and Abe would become the father of many nations. I wonder if the elderly lovebirds worried about accidentally misplacing the promised newborn?
Even though Abe reacted to God’s announcement with laughter, his doubt did not derail God’s plan. Genesis 21:5 confirms, “Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.” If God promises it, He can make it happen.
2. Your life is too shattered for God to salvage.
Whether it’s sexual sin, abuse, crushing loss or anxiety, the Lord is able to turn your mess into His message. God transformed New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst’s deeply broken past into a world-class women’s ministry when she said “yes” to Him. Listen her extraordinary story here.
3. All church people are the same.
Churches are filled with imperfect people. Sadly, hurting people sometimes pass along their pain to others, and wounds inflicted by friendly fire can cut deeply. Before you pack up your family and vacate church forever, consider a change of venue. It’s never too late to find a new church home where you can begin to heal and reconnect with people who love the Lord.
4. Doubt is a sign of weakness.
Hours before His predicted death, Jesus, the most courageous man of all time- doubted His Father’s plan.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but Yours be done“ (Luke 22:42). It’s comforting to know even God’s Son experienced doubt and wondered if there might be a backup plan for saving the world.
5. Having questions means you lack faith.
Actually, if you have everything figured out about God, truth and life, chances are nobody wants to hang out with you! When we admit we don’t have all the answers, the Lord is gracious to step in and gently work in our lives. Your humble, teachable spirit can be a magnet for people far from God.
Thankfully, there is one thing we can know with 100 percent certainty. If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” you never have to doubt or question your future again. Romans 10:9 promises you are saved.
God is real. He loves you — no matter what — and He has an incredible plan for your life. Still have doubts? Check this out.