Talking about a season of doubt can be challenging for Christians. In this situation, I speak from experience. I hold no degree in theology or biblical studies, but I have prayed and studied the topic of doubting faith lately because of the hole I’ve been fighting my way out of. So, this is my personal experience regarding what helps doubting Christians. Or, what helped me when I doubted my faith.
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My Own Doubts About God
My own story of doubt starts with Facebook. As a Christian, I have always thought of myself to have unshakable faith. Since getting saved at the age of 9, I’ve always just believed. No matter what was going on in my life, I knew there was a God that loved me. Several months ago I felt so on fire for God. It was a feeling I so desperately want to feel again – it was that fantastic. I found myself in a Christian women’s Facebook group and I was seeing so many women full of the love of Christ. One of the women started a Bible Study on Galatians. After purchasing the book and diving in with about 20 other women online, I was even more attached to God.
Then, I started noticing things. Arguments about denomination and beliefs. Thoughts on LGBT and yoga and alcohol. I kept thinking: were reading the same Bible and seeing things so differently…how do I know I’m the one that’s right? That question stemmed from denomination issues to believing in God altogether. I believe in God and I’m so sure. He doesn’t believe in God and he’s so sure. What makes me the one who’s right? What made Paul the one who was right? And on another note, if God hates homosexuality so much, what are intersex people supposed to do? I mean, God doesn’t make mistakes, but here are people naturally born with male DNA and female body parts! What gives, God?
The questions and doubts just flowed. And although I still read my Bible every day as part of my kids’ bedtime routine and prayed with them, I couldn’t feel Him. That fire I had felt was extinguished. I was lost.
What Should I Do When I Start Doubting My Faith?
First and foremost, always remember that we cannot hide anything from God. He is all-knowing! When you start to doubt your faith in Him, take it straight to God. Pray and talk to Him about what you’re going through. Philippians 4:6 says:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Pray, and pray hard.
Talk to God.
When I first started experiencing my own doubts, I failed to do this. While I still prayed over my children before bed, I didn’t talk to God about what I was feeling. Several weeks into my season of doubt, I finally started talking to Him about those questions that wouldn’t leave me alone. I now know that if I’d have cast my cares on Him, my season of doubt would have likely been much shorter.
Read the Word.
You should also dive deep into The Word when you’re feeling doubts creep in. Answers are there. God will reveal the answers to you with prayer and study.
Talk to a Christian Mentor.
Leave behind doubts with a trustworthy and faith-filled mentor to help guide you. If you’re like me, you might feel embarrassed to say that you’re doubting something so fundamentally part of who you are. In fact, I haven’t really told anyone the extent of my season of doubt. How much easier would my journey have been had I turned to someone strong in the faith to help me walk through it?
If you don’t have someone to talk to about what you’re going through, your pastor is a great resource. Many pastors can refer you to members of the congregation that would be willing to help you, as well. Reach out and start building your network! Other people who talk to God can pray for you, too.
Can a Christian Doubt God and Still Have Faith?
Hebrews 11:1 tells us this:
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Remember, I am no theologian, so this is the way I see it: faith ebbs and flows. Like the tide, there are just sometimes it recedes a bit. Other times, it gets so high your feet are made firm in the sand.
Even Christians experience doubts and questions. That doesn’t mean they don’t have faith. It simply means that the tide is receding and it’s time to dig into scripture and time with God. Sometimes, receding faith is an attack that must be fought against.
Don’t Be Afraid of Doubting Faith
It happens. Talk about it! Others will realize it’s okay to feel what they are feeling too. With more Christians banding together to share in their hardships, more people will be praying and gathering together in His name. Remember, Matthew 18:20 says this:
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Even when we gather with questions and doubts, He will be present. Lean into your questions and God will answer them. Don’t bury them and hope you never think about them again. God has the answers. Listen.
What Now?
If you are in a season of doubt right now, know that you are not alone. After 21 years of salvation, I experienced the worst season of doubt I’d ever known. And yet, here I am telling you that I made it through. Sermons in my church gave me exactly what I needed when I hadn’t even asked for it. Songs seemed as though lyrics were speaking directly to me. The voice of God was there when I wasn’t even looking for it. He actively seeks the lost, He finds them, and He helps us to get back on the path He designed for us.
I still have questions but I am actively searching for answers. I know that God will give me the answers in time. In HIS time. In the meantime, I just have to recognize that I am doubting faith and take action. A stronger faith can result from the battle.