Doubt is a mental state in which the mind remains suspended between two or more opposing theories or concepts, unable to be certain of any of them. Doubt is indecision between belief and disbelief. It may involve uncertainty, distrust, or lack of conviction on certain facts, actions, motives, or decisions. Doubt can cause missed opportunities.
Every one of us, including Jesus’ disciples have experienced doubt at some time in our lives. One of the most notable Biblical figures was John the Baptist, who Jesus called the greatest man to have ever lived, and even he doubted (Luke 7:28). We can learn from their experiences and how they overcame their doubt.
Have you ever called someone a “doubting Thomas” or maybe you were the one called by this name? Did you know that the first person to be called “doubting Thomas” was actually named Thomas and was one of Jesus’ disciples? The Bible doesn’t say where or when Thomas was called to be a disciple, but it does tell us that Thomas doubted and needed sufficient proof to be convinced of Jesus’ resurrection before he would believe. Thomas had strong unbelief. He wanted to see Jesus in person after His resurrection, and he wanted to touch the nail print, in Jesus’ hands and put his own hand into the side of Him (John 20:25). John 20: 27 tells us that Jesus had Thomas touch His hands and side and said to him, “Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
What can we learn from this example? Unbelief is a choice just like faith is a choice. You can choose to believe God’s Word and promises or not to believe. Jesus taught Thomas, as well as the other disciples who were present, that believing would be even better for those who would never see Jesus with their physical eyes. This applies to you and me. In John 20:29, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” You have the ability for an even greater blessing by using your spiritual eyes of faith which is based on God’s Word. John wrote in John 20:31 that Jesus did other things (miracles, etc.) so they could be written down for us to believe in Jesus Christ and experience life in Him.
John the Baptist also experienced doubt, even though he was the cousin of Jesus. They were about six months apart in age and most likely grew up together. As Jesus approached the water where John was baptizing others, John called Jesus “The Lamb of God” and saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove and remained on Him. John knew Jesus was the Son of God; however, when he was thrown into prison, it appeared that he experienced doubt. John sent his disciples to Jesus to ask Him if He really was the One they had been waiting for—the Messiah (Matthew 11:3).
Jesus’ response to John’s question might have seemed harsh and uncaring, but I believe He was pointing John back to the Scriptures. John was very familiar and knowledgeable of the Scriptures. In one hour, Jesus had fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 35:3-6 where the disciples witnessed the blind seeing, the lame walking, lepers cleansed, the deaf hearing, and the dead raised up (Matthew 11:5). This was more than enough proof to reassure John that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, and it was the scriptures he already knew that removed his doubt.
Let these two examples of doubt be an encouragement to you to find the answers to your questions and challenges in the Word of God—your only action is to believe!
If you are feeling fearful, struggling with sickness, pain, anxiety, depression, and/or are in doubt, go back to the Word of God. Find God’s truth about your situation and then meditate on those scriptures. Let Jesus reveal Himself to you through His Word.
Don’t doubt, only believe!
~Donna Jones