Dealing with doubt and questioning your faith is not only acceptable but can be a crucial part of your spiritual growth. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who experienced moments of doubt, yet God remained patient and compassionate toward them. These instances demonstrate that questioning one’s faith is a natural part of the believer’s journey, not something to fear or to be ashamed of.

In John 20:24-29 the Bible tells us about Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples. Thomas doubted the resurrection of Christ until he saw the wounds on Jesus’ body for himself. Jesus did not rebuke Thomas for his doubt but instead provided the evidence he needed, showing that Jesus welcomes our questions. Similarly, John the Baptist, despite being the one who baptized Jesus, questioned whether Jesus was truly the Messiah while he was imprisoned; Matthew 11:2-3. During times of chaos and extreme adversity, even the most faithful believer may need their faith fortified by the Lord. In both cases, Jesus responded to their doubts with understanding and reassurance, which demonstrates God’s willingness to meet us in our uncertainties.

Doubt, when approached with a genuine desire to seek truth, can lead to stronger faith. The Bible encourages believers to ask questions and seek wisdom, as seen in James 1:5, which says that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. Faith is not about having all the answers or never experiencing uncertainty; rather, it is about trusting in God’s character and promises, even when things are unclear. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” reminding us that faith often requires trust beyond what is tangible or what we can fully comprehend.

Ultimately, questioning one’s faith is part of the refining process. It leads believers to seek God more earnestly and to deepen their understanding of His will. While doubt may feel unsettling, it can serve as an opportunity for growth and transformation, making one’s faith stronger and more resilient. In the battle for your faith, be like the father in Mark 9:24 who cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”