Have you ever stood at the edge of the ocean, looking out at the endless waves, feeling incredibly small? Or faced circumstances in life that left you wondering which way is up? Doubts in our spiritual journey can feel just like that ocean and those disorienting questions—overwhelmed and out of our depth. But doubts aren’t something to fear or hide. They can lead us closer to understanding who God truly is.
The Apostle Paul knew something about doubts and questions. Before becoming a follower of Jesus, Paul was confident—confident in his religion, his righteousness, even confident enough to persecute Christians. But on the road to Damascus, Paul’s certainty was shattered. He encountered Jesus, and suddenly, his past answers seemed empty compared to knowing Christ personally. Who he was before meeting the real Jesus made everything that came before that seem worthless.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes, “Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7). He goes on to call everything else “garbage” compared to the joy of knowing Jesus (and between you and me, the term, garbage, is treating the original Greek lightly).
Paul isn’t just being dramatic. He’s reminding us that sometimes what we think we know, our comfortable certainties, are precisely what keep us from truly knowing Jesus.
Does that sound familiar?
Like Paul, we often cling to simple answers because they feel safe. Jesus love me this I know, because my mommy/daddy/pastor/Sunday School teacher, said so. At some point, most of us get the opportunity to graduate from the second-hand faith that was imparted to us, and lay claim to the faith that is uniquely ours.
If we are lucky, we get to go through some doubts and hopefully re-emerge on the other side confident. But those easy questions are tempting. Second-hand faith that we never questions is attractive, and the answers that it provides are like comfort food- predictable and simple. We settle into religious routines, familiar hymns, and comfortable theology—but when life gets hard, when tragedy hits, or when our prayers feel unanswered, doubt creeps in. Doubts can make us feel alone, like outsiders looking through a window at a faith we’re unsure we belong to.
Yet, Jesus never turned away anyone who asked tough questions. Remember Thomas? He openly doubted, saying, “Unless I see… I will not believe.” But Jesus didn’t scold him. Instead, He gently invited Thomas to come closer and see for himself (John 20:27). Jesus turns doubts into opportunities, inviting us to draw near and experience the reality of His love.
Maybe you’re feeling that invitation today. Maybe your faith feels shaky, your prayers uncertain, your questions louder than your convictions. You are not alone. Paul admitted, “Not that I have already obtained all this… but I press on” (Philippians 3:12). Faith is not a destination; it’s a journey, often filled with questions and doubts, always accompanied by Jesus.
So, what should we do when doubts come? First, be honest. Bring your doubts directly to God (and your faith community). Don’t hide your questions—He knows them already. Prayer isn’t about impressing God eloquently; it’s about genuine conversation, a heart talking openly with a Father who listens.
Try this simple step today: Find a quiet moment and honestly share your doubts with God. Trust Him enough to speak your uncertainties. God welcomes your honesty.
Second, open your Bible—not just to reinforce your beliefs but to discover God’s character anew. Paul’s journey, Thomas’s honest doubt, even Jesus’s prayers in the garden—scripture is full of real people wrestling deeply with faith. God’s Word comforts, challenges, and ultimately invites us deeper.
Will you take that step? Start with Philippians 3 today. Slowly read Paul’s words, allowing yourself to relate to his honest struggle. Let these verses remind you that doubts don’t exclude you from God’s grace—they draw you toward it.
Lastly, talk openly with a trusted friend, mentor, or small group about your struggles. Doubt grows strongest in isolation. But when you bring it into the open, you find support, community, and authentic faith.
Consider joining a group. Our church offers small groups specifically designed for asking questions. You’ll meet others who are on similar journeys, ready to support and encourage you.
The beauty of faith isn’t in having all the answers but in knowing the One who walks with us through our questions. Your doubts don’t disqualify you; rather, they set you up for a deeper understanding of God’s grace. Just like Paul and Thomas discovered, doubt is not the end—it’s the beginning of a richer faith.
Welcome home. Jesus has been waiting for you. Your questions are a door opening straight to His heart.
Come on in.
Pastor Mark
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