Young or old, inexperienced or experienced, we all face doubt. It can be doubt about our capabilities or doubt about our previous performance. God’s people are not immune from something so common to us all.
Doubt can come in different forms. For example, we may doubt because we haven’t done something before. The child who is being taught to swim clutches the wall of the pool desperately because he or she doubts they can swim or stay afloat. Others may doubt because of outcomes not being what they expected.
Doubts in our faith or our service to God need to be dealt with. Allowing them to take root and grow can be spiritually fatal.
1 Kings 19:9-13. Elijah doubts the outcome of his efforts. He has faithfully stood up to false religion and proven God is the ONE TRUE GOD, but he expected more. A spiritual awakening nationally, faithfulness in those who saw through the deception of the prophets of Baal, and even people to rally alongside him instead of feeling so alone. When none of these expectations were met, he not only doubts, but that doubt brings depression. He isn’t doubting his salvation. He is doubting his effectiveness. Preachers and elders everywhere identify with Elijah. God was not displeased with what Elijah did – He put him back to work. His effort was not lacking. The hearts of other individuals is what was lacking.
Exodus 3:1-6. When Moses encounters God at the burning bush, and is given a work to do for Him, he doubts himself and his capability to carry out the work. He gives excuses as to why he wasn’t the right man for the job. Contrast this with him in the wilderness leading the people and you see that God chose the right man. Sometimes we read a passage that tells us what our work for God is, and we doubt we can do it. God does not expect perfection (especially when we are still growing!). He expects effort. Consider the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The master did not expect everyone to give stellar performance, but he did expect them all to work at it. The rejected servant was the one that doubted and did nothing.
Matthew 11:2-6. John the Baptist is imprisoned. He has already seen the baptism of Jesus, confessed who He is, and knew that he must decrease while Jesus increases. But now that he is imprisoned, and perhaps things weren’t working out as expected, he doubts and sends disciples to ask, “Are you the One?” John wasn’t losing faith but rather struggling to see God’s plan in a challenging moment. I think we can all struggle to see God’s plan amid difficult times. John wasn’t immune and neither are we. Look for the answer to doubt’s questions. God has given it in His word.
So what is the answer to the various forms of doubt we can encounter? James 1:5-8 gives guidance. Ask God. Seek His counsel. Seek His wisdom. Allow God’s answers to sweep away the doubt. Elijah’s story gives an answer as well. Do what God asks, even when we are insecure. Hiding or being idle won’t fix the doubt. So when we struggle with doubt look to God — His word and His work are the answer.