What do you do with the holes in your faith (and we all have them)? Read these passages with us during Lent: Mark 8, Mark 9, John 7. See what Jesus says about doubts.
When You Doubt
Nobody has perfect faith. We all have doubts sometimes.
Our doubts can come when:
- We’re faced with a difficult decision and we’re not getting a clear answer from God.
- Or when we are in a season of suffering and we don’t feel God’s “comfort that only He can give.”
- Or when the doctrine we used to believe just doesn’t make sense anymore.
When Jesus walked among men in the flesh, they had doubts, too. He was turning their world upside down. Everything they once knew was being flipped inside out.
How did Jesus handle their doubts? How does He handle our doubts?
Mark 8 – See, Hear, Remember Jesus
Jesus multiplied food again. He was concerned about those who had come a long way to hear Him. He didn’t want them to go home hungry. So He blessed what they had, turning it into more than enough for everyone to be satisfied.
But the miracle wasn’t enough for some. It didn’t satisfy their hunger for signs.
The Pharisees wanted more (Mark 8:11). Another sign. Another sign.
It was enough to make Jesus “sigh deeply in His spirit” (Mark 8:12). He didn’t give them a sign.
Later, the disciples were arguing among themselves about their own lack of bread.
Jesus overheard and was discouraged by their lack of understanding. He said, “Don’t you see the point of all this? Don’t you get it at all?” (Mark 8:17)
He then reminded them they had eyes to see. They had ears to hear. Why weren’t they remembering?
He wanted them to see Him. To hear Him. To remember what He had done.
Mark 9 – Take Doubts to Jesus
This chapter reveals Jesus in a new form, transfigured in a burst of light right before the eyes of Peter, James, and John (Mark 9:2).
They didn’t know what to say. And as we are prone to do when we’re left speechless, Peter blurted out something anyway. Anything. The wrong thing.
“Why don’t we build three shelters? One for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah?” (Mark 9:5)
God redirected him directly to Jesus.
Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” (Mark 9:7)
Look only to Jesus.
Later, a man from the crowd brought his writhing son to Jesus. “Your disciples can’t heal him. If you can, help us.”
Jesus noted the doubt. “If I can?” (Mark 9:23)
The man acknowledged his own doubts. “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Jesus had mercy. He healed the boy. Surely the father’s unbelief shrunk measurably.
Later the disciples went with Jesus through Galilee. He told them He was be killed and would rise again in three days.
But they couldn’t grasp it (Mark 9:32). Instead of asking Jesus their questions, they kept their doubts underground.
John 7 – Reboot Your Thoughts
When Jesus went privately to Judea for the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews couldn’t find Him. Their pride and fear kept them from speaking publicly about Him. Yet around the middle of the Feast when Jesus did choose to appear and teach, the Jews were even more confused.
“How does he know so much when he has never studied?” (John 7:15)
Jesus answered that His teachings were from God. He told them to use their heads to believe correctly, to make “right judgments.” (John 7:24)
Later when Jesus taught more—“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37—they became divided on who He really was.
Some believed He had to be the Messiah. But others kept doubting, believing their own interpretations of scripture instead of the one right in front of their eyes.
Their old beliefs wouldn’t budge, despite new evidence mounting in front of them: “No prophet comes from Galilee.” (John 7:52)
And with that, they went home, missing out on the amazing Son of God in their midst.
Do This When Doubting
We can doubt, too. Can Jesus really live up to the hype? Is it okay to admit doubt and ask questions? Is there ever a time to change our minds about what we believe?
What can we do when we doubt?
- See. Hear. Remember Jesus. Yes, Jesus has and does live up to the hype.
- Ask questions. Jesus already knows our doubts anyway. Keep searching.
- Upgrade our beliefs. When we’re wrong, let’s not be afraid to admit it. Believe better thoughts.
Nobody starts out with mature faith. It’s a growing process for all of us. And when we doubt, we need to look directly at Jesus again and again. Watch Him. Talk to Him. Believe Him.
Doubts aren’t always signaling weakness. Sometimes they’re forecasting growth.
When in doubt, focus on Jesus.
Are you reading along with us for Lent? Do you ever struggle with doubts? Are you slow or quick to change your mind? Please share in the comments.
Thank you Lisa for these words today. I feel like I have read several posts today that talk about erasing our doubts by looking to Jesus. The words about our doubts not signaling weakness but that you’re ready to grow, really grabbed me today. I also like the idea of upgrading our beliefs. I am going to sit with that awhile.
I’ve sensed that theme, too, Mary: focus on Jesus. Always a central truth that we can trust. I’m sitting with this myself. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Lisa! Doubts are a major enemy for us all because the enemy has used them effectively to derail or stall God’s kids ever since the Garden of Eden. Always appreciate a great post to review and remind me of what you have shared here.
You’re exactly right, Pam. The enemy loves when we allow our doubts to make us run away from God instead of running TO God with them. I’m glad we don’t have to fall for that trick!
I love the thought of our doubts being a forecast of growth, not a sign a weakness. Also all these Scripture examples. Jesus is so patient with us, isn’t He? It’s often my cry, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Thank you for this encouragement to “See. Hear. Remember Jesus!” Love and hugs to you, Lisa!
Yes, Jesus is definitely more patient with us than we could ever be with ourselves. I’m grateful for that because I need it! :) I think of times in my own life when I started doubting something (whether a choice, a belief, etc). They often prompted more reflection and changed attitudes (and sometimes actions) about a situation. Thanks, Trudy!
Lisa, what great thoughts about doubt. I’ve had seasons where I’ve struggled with doubt. I’m so thankful we can bring our doubts to Jesus without fear of condemnation. The fact that He wants us to talk with Him about our doubts is a sweet gift. This spoke to me:
“when we doubt, we need to look directly at Jesus again and again. Watch Him. Talk to Him. Believe Him.”
Thanks for the exhortation to bring it all to Jesus!
I’ve had seasons like that, too, Jeanne. Who better to go to than Jesus with our doubts? When growing up, my dad would encourage us kids to question things instead of taking everything at face value. Sometimes that got me in trouble. :) But overall I think it taught me that it’s okay to take a second look when in doubt. I’m grateful that Jesus is a safe place to do that!
Lisa, I always enjoy your writing. I was parked next to you at a linkup today although I cannot remember which one!!! Glad I visited.
Thanks for visiting, Susan. These three gospel chapters are part of our Lent reading and it was interesting to me to see how many ways they are connected, including the one about doubts.
Yes, I do struggle with doubts sometimes. I’m the one in the crowd that doesn’t like to make decisions and then when I do I am always wondering if I made the right one. ~sigh~ Thank you, Lisa, for the reminder to see, hear and remember Jesus.
Dianna,
You made me think of my friend and me when it’s time to decide where to eat dinner together. We have the hardest time with that choice. Sometimes the little decisions can seem as hard as the large ones. :) We can have doubts throughout a range of decisions over our lifetime, but thankfully we know Jesus has proven a lifetime of faithfulness to us even when our decisions aren’t the best.
Hi Lisa,
So good to read your words over here! Doubts are hard to overcome but I’m so glad God has the words we need to fill our minds and hearts with when we struggle with questions and difficult circumstances!
Me, too, Valerie! I’m thankful God has given us such a repertoire of decision-making examples to follow (or NOT to follow, if they’re bad ones, ha). He never leaves us alone.
I’m reminded of John the Baptist, who at the beginning of Jesus’s ministry said, “Behold the Lamb of God,” but later in prison sent word to Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come?” Such an important point to keep our eyes on Jesus through any doubt or question. We may not get exactly the answer we wanted, but, like Job, we’ll see Him more clearly and be drawn more closely.
Great example, Barbara. I’ve often wondered how John couldn’t have known after all he had seen and heard. But it just goes to show that even John had that human nature to let doubts sneak in. Jesus was patient with him; I’m glad He’s also patient with us in our doubts.
You have given me something to think about today – Am I slow or quick to change my mind? I am not sure but I am going to ponder it. Doubts sure can hold me back or cause me to procrastinate. Thank you for your wisdom.
Doubts do the same to me, Maree. They can stop me dead in my tracks. And sometimes that’s a good thing. :) But sometimes I need to push through them and stay the course. Definitely something to pray about!
Lisa, this post spoke to me as it was in line with my own thoughts as I wrote today. It also brought to mind my one word for the year – Focus. Focus on Jesus. Nothing else. No one else. Jesus alone will dispel our doubt.
We’re definitely on the same page, Joanne. Focus on Jesus. He longs to center us again and again when we get out of balance if we’ll just look to Him.
Good stuff, Lisa. I think we all need to be encouraged to remember and seek our Savior. Our doubt never changes His sovereignty.
Love that statement, Floyd: Our doubt never changes His sovereignty. Amen, brother! There’s comfort in that truth.
So good, Lisa. I’m grateful God remains the same, even when I’m floundering. He always shows Himself faithful! Stopping by from #SittingAmongFriends :)
Yes, God’s faithfulness is the one thing that we can stand on forever and ever! I’m so grateful too, Laura.
Such wisdom in this statement: “Doubts aren’t always signaling weakness. Sometimes they’re forecasting growth.” Thank you for this inspiration for my daily meditation time, Lisa!
Thanks, Sarah. This is something I ponder, too. It’s nice to think our doubts have some positive use! :) Have a blessed Sunday.
Thought you did an excellent job with the issue of doubt. Thank you for digging in to examine the root or cause of doubt, what to do when we feel it, and how we can be encouraged when we are facing doubt because of your reminder to take it to Jesus. Our doubts are nothing new to Him and we can feel safe by all the examples you gave in Scripture for examples of that. The safest response is always to take our weaknesses/ confusion to Him. Well done!
Yes, I’m so grateful we can feel safe bringing our doubts to Jesus! At some time or another, we all have doubts and it’s better to handle them than to run from them. Thanks for your encouraging words, Gretchen.