Strengthen Your Faith Through Doubt with 3 Powerful Actions
Have you ever asked the question "Why?" Why did this have to happen? Why can't there be another way? Have you asked questions like this, but never received an answer? Well, join the club.
It was the summer of 2013 when I met Mike Moyles. Mike was an officer in the US Air Force and a fellow grad student at Biola. Mike has to be one of the smartest people I know. While at Biola, he was working on his fifth master’s degree and when we graduated he was working on his sixth. A brilliant person. Apart from his intelligence, something else stuck out to me about Mike.
It was over one of our lunch breaks during residency, I had to ask Mike a loaded question. I said, “Mike, I don’t mean to pry, but you have a prominent scare on your head. In fact, it’s a scar that my son Landon has. What happened?” Mike was unshaken by my bold question, because it was a story he had shared many times before. Mike disclosed that he had been battling brain cancer for 15 years. He had 3 brain surgeries, 2 reconstructive surgeries, and many rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. I was amazed. I shared about Landon’s cancer battles and their identical scars.
Following that lengthy conversation, we discussed doubt. More specifically, we discussed the topic of “why”. Why did God allow Mike to experience a seemingly endless battle with brain cancer? Why did God allow Landon, a six week infant, to experience cancer? Questions we had asked God many times, but we both experienced no audible response.
At first, we could conclude that “If I were God, I’d give you an answer.” Surely, God is not devoid of answers. But it was at the end of that conversation that we confided that even if we would have received a specific answer, we would have still argued with God. What answer would have possibly been sufficient? We would have only asked one more question and another and another. You see, it was really a struggle with doubt.
Some people think doubt is contrary to faith. That doubt is a sign of weakness. Some even suggest that doubt is the opposite of faith. I disagree. Disbelief is the opposite of faith. Doubt is the beautiful tool we use to strengthen our faith. In my pursuit of apologetics I’ve learned to appreciate doubt. Because I’ve come to believe doubt is actually beneficial to faith. You see, I believe every Christian can strengthen their faith through doubt by doing 3 faith-building actions.
Faith Building Action #1: Admit Your Doubts.
“So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.
“How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.
He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:20-24)
Jesus was building his reputation as a healer and miracle worker. He could heal the sick and the crippled. He could even cast out demons. This man had encountered the disciples and asked for their help, but they could not remove this demon from the man’s son. The father must have followed the disciples knowing they would be reunited with Jesus. This boy is brought before Jesus and immediately he is abused by this demon. The man asks for mercy and help. And then he adds, “if you can.” There is that hint of doubt. He is showing his cards. Jesus assures the man that anything is possible for those who believe. This man, says “Jesus, I do believe! Help my unbelief!” Here in verse 24 we find the first faith building action
This man is honest, humble, doubting and yet is faithful. He knows Jesus is the solution for his son’s affliction, but he has doubt. He doesn’t lie about it. He admits it. He owns his doubt, but he admits is so it can be used to strengthen his faith. And the result is that his son is healed.
Faith Building Action #2: Ask Questions.
“When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region.
John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Matthew 11:1-11)
John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus, is in prison and he experiences doubt. John knew Jesus. They were family. Both were born inside miraculous circumstances. Back in John chapter 1, John was baptizing people in the Jordan River. He had been announcing the coming of the Messiah. Then Jesus arrives at the Jordan and John declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1:29) So John identifies Jesus as the Messiah. Then John witnesses the Spirit of God coming upon Jesus. And then he makes a blatant testimony: “I myself have seen, and testified that is the Son of God” (Jn 1:34) So John not only says that Jesus is this long awaited Messiah, but he is also the son of God.
There was no question that John the Baptist knew who Jesus was: He was God in the flesh. The Messiah. Yet, we find some time later, John’s in prison and he has some doubt. He sends his disciples to Jesus to inquire “Are you the Messiah? Are you the real deal or should I keep looking?”
Jesus could have rebuked John and his doubt, but he didn’t. He could have dismissed him or shamed him. But He doesn’t. Instead he points back to the evidence. Jesus says, remember, “the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor” (Matt 11:5). Jesus provides no sarcasm or fancy answer. He simply says the proof is in the pudding. The pudding was legit.
As John’s disciples were heading back to remind and encourage John, Jesus affirms John by saying, “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). John was the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy of the one who would prepare the way for the Messiah. John’s doubt and question wasn’t the beginning of disbelief, but the strengthening of his faith. When we ask questions, we strengthen our faith.
Faith Building Action #3: Seek Proof.
“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (John 20:20-24)
Many of us fault Thomas for his doubt. We often forget Thomas was willing to go and die with Jesus when we went to raise Lazarus from the dead.
Even so, here we are. Jesus had predicted His resurrection. The disciples are saying that they have seen Jesus alive. And Thomas says, “Look, unless I see Him and touch his wounds, I’m not buying it.” In other words, no pudding, no proof. If we are honest, can you blame the guy? Jesus was a miracle worker for sure. He could heal, provide peace, even raise the dead to life. But it would be a miracle on a whole new level to be raised and healed from flogging and crucifixion. I would want to see and touch a risen Jesus too.
This is what Thomas desired. And 8 days later he would find it. Jesus returns to the disciples and to Thomas. Does Jesus begin, by saying “Where’s that doubter Thomas?” No. Does he dismiss Thomas for wanting evidence for His resurrection? No. Look at verse 27: “Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
Thomas’ doubt lead not disbelief, but the affirmation and strengthening of his faith by seeking proof. What was his response? We see it in verse 28. "Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!'” His pursuit of proof resulted not in disbelief but a conviction that Jesus was Lord and God. And this should be our response too. As we pursue truth through evidence, we should shout out Jesus is our Lord and God.
(Watch the Sermon by clicking here: If I were God..."
It was the summer of 2013 when I met Mike Moyles. Mike was an officer in the US Air Force and a fellow grad student at Biola. Mike has to be one of the smartest people I know. While at Biola, he was working on his fifth master’s degree and when we graduated he was working on his sixth. A brilliant person. Apart from his intelligence, something else stuck out to me about Mike.
It was over one of our lunch breaks during residency, I had to ask Mike a loaded question. I said, “Mike, I don’t mean to pry, but you have a prominent scare on your head. In fact, it’s a scar that my son Landon has. What happened?” Mike was unshaken by my bold question, because it was a story he had shared many times before. Mike disclosed that he had been battling brain cancer for 15 years. He had 3 brain surgeries, 2 reconstructive surgeries, and many rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. I was amazed. I shared about Landon’s cancer battles and their identical scars.
Following that lengthy conversation, we discussed doubt. More specifically, we discussed the topic of “why”. Why did God allow Mike to experience a seemingly endless battle with brain cancer? Why did God allow Landon, a six week infant, to experience cancer? Questions we had asked God many times, but we both experienced no audible response.
At first, we could conclude that “If I were God, I’d give you an answer.” Surely, God is not devoid of answers. But it was at the end of that conversation that we confided that even if we would have received a specific answer, we would have still argued with God. What answer would have possibly been sufficient? We would have only asked one more question and another and another. You see, it was really a struggle with doubt.
Some people think doubt is contrary to faith. That doubt is a sign of weakness. Some even suggest that doubt is the opposite of faith. I disagree. Disbelief is the opposite of faith. Doubt is the beautiful tool we use to strengthen our faith. In my pursuit of apologetics I’ve learned to appreciate doubt. Because I’ve come to believe doubt is actually beneficial to faith. You see, I believe every Christian can strengthen their faith through doubt by doing 3 faith-building actions.
Faith Building Action #1: Admit Your Doubts.
“So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.
“How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.
He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:20-24)
Jesus was building his reputation as a healer and miracle worker. He could heal the sick and the crippled. He could even cast out demons. This man had encountered the disciples and asked for their help, but they could not remove this demon from the man’s son. The father must have followed the disciples knowing they would be reunited with Jesus. This boy is brought before Jesus and immediately he is abused by this demon. The man asks for mercy and help. And then he adds, “if you can.” There is that hint of doubt. He is showing his cards. Jesus assures the man that anything is possible for those who believe. This man, says “Jesus, I do believe! Help my unbelief!” Here in verse 24 we find the first faith building action
This man is honest, humble, doubting and yet is faithful. He knows Jesus is the solution for his son’s affliction, but he has doubt. He doesn’t lie about it. He admits it. He owns his doubt, but he admits is so it can be used to strengthen his faith. And the result is that his son is healed.
Faith Building Action #2: Ask Questions.
“When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region.
John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Matthew 11:1-11)
John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus, is in prison and he experiences doubt. John knew Jesus. They were family. Both were born inside miraculous circumstances. Back in John chapter 1, John was baptizing people in the Jordan River. He had been announcing the coming of the Messiah. Then Jesus arrives at the Jordan and John declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1:29) So John identifies Jesus as the Messiah. Then John witnesses the Spirit of God coming upon Jesus. And then he makes a blatant testimony: “I myself have seen, and testified that is the Son of God” (Jn 1:34) So John not only says that Jesus is this long awaited Messiah, but he is also the son of God.
There was no question that John the Baptist knew who Jesus was: He was God in the flesh. The Messiah. Yet, we find some time later, John’s in prison and he has some doubt. He sends his disciples to Jesus to inquire “Are you the Messiah? Are you the real deal or should I keep looking?”
Jesus could have rebuked John and his doubt, but he didn’t. He could have dismissed him or shamed him. But He doesn’t. Instead he points back to the evidence. Jesus says, remember, “the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor” (Matt 11:5). Jesus provides no sarcasm or fancy answer. He simply says the proof is in the pudding. The pudding was legit.
As John’s disciples were heading back to remind and encourage John, Jesus affirms John by saying, “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). John was the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy of the one who would prepare the way for the Messiah. John’s doubt and question wasn’t the beginning of disbelief, but the strengthening of his faith. When we ask questions, we strengthen our faith.
Faith Building Action #3: Seek Proof.
“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (John 20:20-24)
Many of us fault Thomas for his doubt. We often forget Thomas was willing to go and die with Jesus when we went to raise Lazarus from the dead.
Even so, here we are. Jesus had predicted His resurrection. The disciples are saying that they have seen Jesus alive. And Thomas says, “Look, unless I see Him and touch his wounds, I’m not buying it.” In other words, no pudding, no proof. If we are honest, can you blame the guy? Jesus was a miracle worker for sure. He could heal, provide peace, even raise the dead to life. But it would be a miracle on a whole new level to be raised and healed from flogging and crucifixion. I would want to see and touch a risen Jesus too.
This is what Thomas desired. And 8 days later he would find it. Jesus returns to the disciples and to Thomas. Does Jesus begin, by saying “Where’s that doubter Thomas?” No. Does he dismiss Thomas for wanting evidence for His resurrection? No. Look at verse 27: “Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
Thomas’ doubt lead not disbelief, but the affirmation and strengthening of his faith by seeking proof. What was his response? We see it in verse 28. "Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!'” His pursuit of proof resulted not in disbelief but a conviction that Jesus was Lord and God. And this should be our response too. As we pursue truth through evidence, we should shout out Jesus is our Lord and God.
If you are a Christian, God promises that His grace is sufficient for
you. God promises to never leave you nor forsake you. Keep
admitting. Keep asking. And keep seeking. I promise, you won’t be disappointed,
but your faith will be strengthened.
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