The Gift of Doubt

"Elijah was a human being, even as we are…"
James 5:17a (NIV)

Since 1944, Americans have been asked every year, "Do you believe in God?" In the 1950s and 1960s, 98% said yes. By 2022, that number dropped to 81%. Last year it was Just 74%—a record low.

I’d like to ask a different question. How many of us have ever doubted God? Not just His existence, but His goodness? His wisdom? His compassion? The answer is probably 100%.

You know those moments. "God, where are You?" "Do You really care?" "Are You hearing my prayer?" If you're honest enough to admit your doubt, you're in great company. 

Some of the greatest heroes in the Bible have doubted God. Adam and Eve doubted Him, and our world remains in a mess because of it. There's an entire book about a man named Job who doubted God and wasn't afraid to let Him know it.

You've been there. You participated in church, lived a clean life, and read your Bible. You did everything you could to be what God wants you to be and do what God wants you to do. But the economy crashed and you lost your 401K. Technology advanced and you lost your job. You tried to be the best spouse you could, but through no fault of your own, the marriage ended.

Gary Parker, in his book The Gift of Doubt, says that when faith encounters doubt and makes it blink, your faith grows tougher. He goes on to say, "If faith never encounters doubt, if truth never struggles with error, if good never battles evil, how can faith know its own power?"

What doubt are you wrestling with in your heart right now? Whatever it is, don't reach for guilt, reach for God. Even when you don’t understand how God is working, trust Him anyway. Write down one thing He's already done for you. Let His past faithfulness fuel your present trust.

If you'll trust and obey, God will clear the way.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that doubt doesn't disqualify me from Your love. Thank You that even Your greatest servants wrestled with uncertainty. When I can't see Your hand, help me trust Your heart. Strengthen my faith through these struggles. In Jesus' Name, Amen.