Reading: Common Doubts

Common Doubts

Understanding and Overcoming Core Struggles

Doubt is a natural part of the Christian journey. Many believers throughout Scripture struggled with doubt, yet God remained faithful to them. Doubt does not mean we lack faith—it means we are wrestling with deeper truths and seeking a stronger foundation.

Some of the most faithful people in the Bible had moments of doubt. John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus and witnessed the Spirit descending like a dove, later asked, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”(Matthew 11:3). Even the disciple Thomas refused to believe in the resurrection until he could see and touch Jesus' wounds (John 20:24-29). These examples remind us that faith does not mean the absence of doubt but rather trusting God through our questions and uncertainties.

In his book The Reason for God, Timothy Keller argues that doubt is not the opposite of faith but an essential part of developing a deeper belief. He writes,
"A faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it. People who blithely go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic." (Keller, 2008, p. xvi)

Rather than being something to fear, doubt can actually strengthen faith when we seek truth and bring our uncertainties before God.

1. Doubt in God's Existence

One of the most common struggles in faith is the question of whether God truly exists. This doubt often arises during times of silence, suffering, or when prayers seem unanswered. Intellectual arguments against God's existence, personal struggles, and a lack of tangible experiences with God can leave believers feeling uncertain.

Where Does This Doubt Come From?

• The problem of evil: If God is real, why is there so much suffering?
• Science and faith: Can we believe in both God and modern scientific discoveries?
• Personal struggles: Why does God feel distant or silent when I need Him most?

Biblical Encouragement:

• Romans 1:20 – "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
• Creation itself points to a Creator. The order and complexity of the universe, the depth of human experience, and the transformative power of faith all testify to God's reality.

Keller’s Insight:
In The Reason for God, Keller points out that our belief in moral absolutes, love, beauty, and meaning suggests that there must be something beyond naturalism. He writes,
"If there is no God, then our desire for meaning, our love of beauty, and our longing for justice are purely accidental byproducts of blind evolution. But why would we trust our own thinking and reasoning if that were true?" (Keller, 2008, p. 135)

Keller argues that our innate sense of justice and morality provides evidence for God’s existence, rather than against it.

Practical Steps to Overcome This Doubt:

• Look at the evidence: Study apologetics, historical testimonies, and personal transformation stories.
• Spend time in nature: Many people feel closest to God when they observe His creation.
• Ask God to reveal Himself: Faith is relational, and God meets us where we are.

2. Doubt in God's Goodness

If God is truly good, why do we experience suffering, hardship, and injustice? This question is deeply personal and has been asked throughout history. Even King David, a man after God's own heart, cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1).

Where Does This Doubt Come From?

• Personal pain: Why did God allow this tragedy in my life?
• Injustice in the world: Why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer?
• Unanswered prayers: If God is good, why didn’t He heal, protect, or intervene?

Biblical Encouragement:

• Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him."
• God's goodness is not always immediately visible. Like a tapestry being woven, we may only see the knots and loose threads, but God sees the full picture.

Keller’s Insight:
Keller addresses the problem of suffering by pointing out that Christianity offers the most profound answer: God Himself entered into suffering through Jesus Christ. He writes,
"Christianity does not so much offer explanations for why God allows suffering as it does give us the resources to face it. If we embrace the Christian doctrine that Jesus suffered voluntarily for us, we will have a powerful resource for dealing with suffering ourselves." (Keller, 2008, p. 30)

In other words, rather than removing suffering, Christianity gives meaning to suffering.

Practical Steps to Overcome This Doubt:

• Reflect on past hardships: How has God brought good out of difficult situations before?
• Read testimonies: Many believers have seen God's goodness unfold over time.
• Surrender control: Trusting in God's goodness means believing He is at work even when we cannot see it.

3. Doubt in One’s Salvation

Many believers struggle with the assurance of salvation, asking, "Am I truly saved?" or "Did I do something to lose my salvation?" These fears can arise from past mistakes, spiritual dryness, or a misunderstanding of God's grace.

Where Does This Doubt Come From?

• Guilt and shame: Can God really forgive me for everything I’ve done?
• Lack of spiritual growth: If I still struggle with sin, am I really saved?
• Emotional uncertainty: I don’t always feel close to God—does that mean I’m not saved?

Biblical Encouragement:

• John 10:28 – "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
• Salvation is based on God's promise, not our emotions. Our feelings may change, but God's Word remains constant.

Keller’s Insight:
Keller reminds us that salvation is not based on our performance but on God's grace. He writes,
"It is not the strength of your faith but the object of your faith that actually saves you. Strong faith in a weak branch is fatally inferior to weak faith in a strong branch." (Keller, 2008, p. 232)

This means that even when our faith feels weak, if it is placed in Christ, it is secure.

Practical Steps to Overcome This Doubt:

• Meditate on God's promises: Scripture assures us of our salvation through Christ.
• Look at your growth: Even if you struggle, are you becoming more Christlike over time?
• Talk to a mentor or pastor: Sometimes, we need reassurance from those who are mature in faith.

Final Encouragement

Doubt is not the enemy of faith—rather, it can be the pathway to deeper faith. As Jesus told Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

Timothy Keller’s The Reason for God offers a compelling case for why Christianity can withstand doubt and skepticism. Rather than ignoring or dismissing doubts, we should bring them before God and trust that He will lead us to greater understanding.