Reading: Doubts Arising from Life’s Struggles

Doubts Arising from Life’s Struggles

Faith in the Midst of Hardship

Doubt often arises not from intellectual objections but from personal experiences. Pain, uncertainty, and trials can shake even the strongest faith. While some doubts come from abstract theological questions, many arise from the realities of life: the loss of a loved one, unanswered prayers, deep disappointments, or prolonged suffering.

The Bible reminds us that we are not alone in these struggles. Many of the most faithful individuals in Scripture—Job, David, Elijah, and even Jesus Himself—experienced deep sorrow and wrestled with God’s purposes. The key is not to ignore doubt but to bring it before God, trusting that He is present even when life feels chaotic.

4. Doubt Caused by Suffering

One of the most common doubts arises from suffering. When we experience deep loss, injustice, or pain, we may ask, “Why would a loving God allow this?” This question is as old as humanity itself, and many in Scripture have asked it.

Where Does This Doubt Come From?

• Personal Loss – The death of a loved one, a broken relationship, or a personal tragedy can make God feel distant.
• Injustice – Seeing evil seemingly triumph over good can cause believers to question God's justice.
• Chronic Pain or Illness – Experiencing long-term suffering can make God’s promises feel out of reach.

Biblical Encouragement:

• Isaiah 53:3-5 – Jesus Himself was a “man of suffering” who bore our pain.
• God does not ignore our suffering—He entered into it. Jesus' life on earth was filled with hardship, betrayal, and pain. He understands suffering personally.
• Romans 5:3-4 – “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Timothy Keller’s Insight (from The Reason for God)

Keller points out that Christianity does not offer a theoretical explanation for suffering but a deeply personal one.
"The Christian view of suffering is that, fundamentally, it is not about an explanation but a Person. Jesus himself suffered, not that we might not suffer, but that when we suffer, we might become like him." (Keller, 2008, p. 30)

Because Jesus suffered, we know that God understands our pain. More than that, the cross proves that suffering is not meaningless—it can be used by God to refine us, draw us closer to Him, and prepare us for eternity.

Practical Steps to Overcome This Doubt:

• Look at Jesus – Remember that our Savior suffered. His suffering was not wasted, and neither is ours.
• Find meaning in hardship – Ask God to show you how He is shaping you through your suffering.
• Surround yourself with believers – Being in a strong faith community can help sustain you in difficult seasons.

5. Doubt in God's Plan or Purpose

Many Christians wonder, “What is God’s plan for my life?” When doors close, when prayers seem unanswered, or when life does not unfold as expected, doubt can creep in. Is God really in control?

Where Does This Doubt Come From?

• Unanswered Prayers – When we seek God’s guidance but receive no clear answers, doubt can grow.
• Unexpected Life Events – A job loss, a broken dream, or a change in direction can make us question God’s plan.
• Feelings of Inadequacy – Believers may wonder if they are missing their calling or if they are even useful to God.

Biblical Encouragement:

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
• God’s plan unfolds over time. We may not see the full picture, but He is guiding us.
• Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Keller’s Insight (from The Reason for God)

Keller reminds us that just because we don’t understand God’s plan does not mean there is no plan.
"If we have a God great and transcendent enough to be mad at because he hasn’t stopped evil and suffering, then we also have a God great and transcendent enough to have reasons for allowing it that we can’t understand." (Keller, 2008, p. 25)

Even when life is uncertain, we can trust that God is sovereign and working for our good.

Practical Steps to Overcome This Doubt:

• Seek God through prayer – Even if He seems silent, keep praying and seeking His wisdom.
• Trust God’s track record – Look back on times He has been faithful in your past.
• Move forward in faith – Sometimes, we must take steps without fully understanding the outcome.

6. Doubt in the Reliability of Scripture

Some Christians struggle with whether the Bible is trustworthy or relevant today. Cultural shifts, historical criticism, and personal skepticism can lead people to doubt whether the Bible is truly God’s Word.

Where Does This Doubt Come From?

• Cultural Pressures – The Bible’s teachings are often at odds with modern values.
• Historical Questions – Some wonder if the Bible has been altered over time.
• Personal Skepticism – Some struggle to believe Scripture is more than just an ancient book.

Biblical Encouragement:

• 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”
• The Bible has stood the test of time, with historical, prophetic, and spiritual confirmation of its truth.
• Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Keller’s Insight (from The Reason for God)

Keller argues that many who doubt the Bible have never actually read it with an open heart:
"If you don’t trust the Bible enough to let it challenge and correct your thinking, how could you ever have a personal relationship with God? If you pick and choose what you want to believe and reject the rest, you won’t have a God who can contradict you. You’ll have a God of your own making." (Keller, 2008, p. 113)

He emphasizes that the Bible must be taken as a whole. If we trust Jesus, we must also trust the Scriptures He affirmed.