Doubting Jesus can feel like failure, but the Bible shows it’s a chance to grow closer to Him. Today, we’ll explore how Jesus responds to our doubts.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Doubting
What Does The Bible Say About Doubting Jesus
Matthew 11:2-3
When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
This verse shows that even an esteemed figure like John the Baptist had moments of doubt. It is natural for believers to question and seek confirmation of their faith.
We can take comfort from this verse, knowing that doubt is not a sign of weakness but an opportunity for growth. By seeking answers and encountering Jesus with our questions, we strengthen our relationship with Him.
Mark 9:24
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
This verse reflects the tension between belief and unbelief that can exist within us. The father’s plea for help demonstrates the vulnerability and honesty of doubt.
In our moments of doubt, we can echo the father’s prayer, acknowledging our struggle and asking for God’s assistance. It is through His grace and guidance that our unbelief can be overcome.
John 20:24-25
Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
In this passage, Thomas expresses his doubt and demands tangible proof of Jesus’ resurrection. His skepticism teaches us that doubt can arise even in the presence of compelling testimonies.
Jesus’ subsequent appearance to Thomas and his response of belief serve as a reminder that Jesus understands our doubts and meets us where we are. It is through encountering Him personally that our doubts can be transformed into unwavering faith.
James 1:6
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
This verse emphasizes the importance of faith and trust when approaching God in prayer. Doubt can hinder our ability to receive from God when we approach Him with uncertainty.
Developing unwavering trust in God prompts a deepening of our faith and allows us to experience His abundant provision. It is through a steadfast belief that we can experience the fullness of God’s promises.
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
This verse reassures us that genuine seeking will lead to finding God. Our doubts can drive us to actively pursue God, and He promises to reveal Himself when we wholeheartedly seek Him.
When wrestling with doubt, we can take solace in the fact that God is not elusive. By seeking Him diligently, we will discover His faithfulness, love, and the answers we need.
Psalm 42:11
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
In times of doubt, it is not uncommon to feel downcast and distressed. This verse encourages us to redirect our focus towards God and place our hope in Him.
By choosing to praise God in the midst of our doubts, we can experience His comforting presence and find renewed strength. God alone has the power to dispel our doubts and bring restoration to our souls.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
When doubt creeps in, we are reminded in this verse to place our trust in God above our own understanding. It is through surrendering our doubts to Him that we can find clarity and direction.
By relying on God’s wisdom and guidance, we allow Him to straighten our paths and lead us on the journey of faith. Our doubts can become opportunities to deepen our trust in His provision and faithfulness.
Psalm 77:7-9
Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?
This passage captures the raw and honest doubts expressed by the psalmist. In times of doubt, we may question God’s faithfulness and wonder if His promises still hold true.
However, the psalmist’s contemplation leads to a shift in perspective as he remembers God’s past faithfulness. Our doubts can lead us to reflect on God’s character and the countless times He has proven Himself faithful in our lives.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Doubt often brings fear and discouragement, but this verse reminds us that we are not alone in our doubts. God promises His presence, strength, and support to sustain us.
When doubts assail us, we can rest in the assurance that God is our unfailing source of strength. With Him by our side, we can face our doubts with confidence.
Jude 1:22
Be merciful to those who doubt;
This verse teaches us to respond with compassion and mercy towards those experiencing doubt. Instead of judgment or condemnation, we are encouraged to extend grace and understanding.
Recognizing that doubt can be a part of every believer’s journey, we can offer support, guidance, and a safe space for individuals to share their questions and seek truth.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
In moments of doubt, we may feel weak and uncertain. Yet, this verse reminds us that our reliance on God extends beyond our limitations. He is our eternal source of strength and sustenance.
Trusting in God’s unfailing nature, we can find comfort and security, knowing that He remains constant even when our faith wavers.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
This verse provides a profound definition of faith, emphasizing that it requires a confident trust in the unseen. Doubts may challenge our perception, but faith calls us to hold onto the assurance of God’s promises.
While doubts may arise, they do not diminish the reality of God’s faithfulness. In embracing faith, we can find reassurance and firm conviction in the promises of God.
2 Timothy 2:13
if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
When doubts threaten to erode our faith, this verse reminds us of God’s unwavering faithfulness. His character remains constant, regardless of our wavering faith.
Even in the midst of doubt, we can find solace in the knowledge that God’s love and faithfulness endure. He is ever-true to His promises, drawing us back to a place of unwavering belief.
Matthew 14:31
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
This verse recounts the instance when Peter doubted while walking on water. Jesus’ response exposes the detrimental effect of doubt on our faith and reminds us of the importance of maintaining trust in Him.
While doubt may be a natural response, we are challenged to fix our gaze on Jesus and avoid allowing doubt to consume us. In moments of doubt, we can find assurance by keeping our eyes steadfastly on the Lord.
Habakkuk 2:3
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
This verse reminds us that God’s plans and promises have a specific timing that may not align with our expectations. Even in times of doubt, we are encouraged to wait patiently, knowing that God’s word will ultimately come to fruition.
Our doubts can teach us the value of patience and trusting in God’s perfect timing. While the fulfillment of His promises may not be immediate, we can find hope in the certainty of His faithfulness.
Psalm 27:13-14
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
When faced with doubt, this verse encourages us to cultivate a steadfast confidence that we will witness God’s goodness. It reminds us to be patient, strong, and courageous in trusting God’s faithfulness.
By fixing our gaze on God’s promises instead of our present doubts, we can find renewed strength to endure and wait for His perfect plans to unfold.
Lamentations 3:25-26
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
Amidst doubt, this verse directs our attention to the goodness of the Lord and the importance of placing our hope in Him. It encourages us to seek Him and wait patiently for His deliverance.
When doubt threatens to shake our faith, we can find solace in the knowledge that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. In the quiet moments of waiting, He works to strengthen our faith and reveal Himself to us.
John 6:68-69
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
In the face of doubts, Peter’s response in this verse highlights the recognition that Jesus alone holds the answers to life’s deepest questions. It underscores the importance of putting our trust in Christ, the source of eternal life.
While doubts may arise, we are called to anchor our faith in Jesus, who provides both the assurance and the knowledge we need to sustain our belief.
Psalm 13:1-2
How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
When doubts overwhelm us, this psalm gives voice to the raw and honest questions we may have. It acknowledges the reality of our struggles and the feeling of God’s perceived absence.
In times of doubt, we can find solace in expressing our emotions to God, knowing that He hears our cries. As we pour out our hearts to Him, we open ourselves to His comforting presence and the restoration of our faith.
Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
This verse reminds us of God’s character as a provider, protector, and source of all blessings. It reassures us that He desires to bestow favor and goodness upon those who faithfully walk in His ways.
During moments of doubt, we can find comfort in the knowledge that our doubts do not diminish God’s desire to bless and care for us. Our faithfulness will not go unrewarded, for God is faithful in His promises.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
When confronted with doubt, this verse encourages us to put our trust and confidence in the Lord. It paints a vivid picture of the blessings that come from steadfastly relying on Him.
Just as a well-nourished tree remains green and bears fruit in all seasons, our faith can thrive even amidst periods of doubt. By anchoring ourselves in God’s unchanging nature, we can find security, peace, and productivity.
Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
In times of doubt, we are called to be strong and courageous, knowing that our hope is in the Lord. This verse serves as a reminder that our strength comes from Him.
Doubt does not have the final say, for we have a firm foundation in God’s promises. By placing our hope in Him, we can navigate doubt with confidence, knowing that He is the source of our strength and the anchor for our souls.