Doubt is a normal part of our Christian life. The way you deal with doubt will determine whether you will stay faithful or not. So, what should you do? Here’s what you need to know!
Have you ever doubted God?
Have you found yourself wondering if He sees you, hears you, or even cares about what you’re going through?
If you have, you’re not alone.
Doubt is a common part of the human experience.
Even the most faithful servants of God have wrestled with it.
Let me share a personal story.
Recently, I’ve been wrestling with doubt.
After almost two years of searching for a stable job, someone approached me with an offer.
But it wasn’t the job I had prayed for, so I declined it.
That’s when doubt started to creep in.
My mind raced: “Father, do You really see what I’m going through? Do You care? I thought You loved me and would bless me?” My reality didn’t align with God’s promises, or so I thought.
Worse yet, my doubt in God led me to doubt my beliefs.
I started questioning everything I’d built my faith on.
But here’s what I learned: doubt doesn’t have to destroy your faith. If handled correctly, it can actually deepen it.
Let me share three keys to overcoming doubt, inspired by the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:22-33.
1. Expect the Storm
Life is full of storms.
It’s not a matter of if, but when.
In Matthew 14:24, we read about the disciples’ boat being tossed by waves in the middle of the sea. Just like them, we face storms—grief, financial struggles, health crises, and more. These challenges are part of living in a world broken by sin.
But here’s the thing: denying the reality of life’s storms only sets you up for greater disappointment.
When you’re caught off guard by hardship, doubt can easily creep in. Jesus said in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Storms will come, but they don’t have to sink your faith.
Instead of letting storms surprise you, prepare your heart.
Trust that they’re a normal part of life and an opportunity for God to show His power.
2. Understand Your Doubt
When Peter began sinking, Jesus asked him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).
Notice that Jesus didn’t ask this because He didn’t know the answer. He wanted Peter to reflect on the root of his doubt.
The same goes for us.
If we’re going to overcome doubt, we need to understand it. Often, at the core of doubt is fear. Peter’s fear of the wind and waves caused him to sink.
In my own life, my doubts stemmed from fear—fear of financial instability, fear of failure, fear of the unknown.
Ask yourself: “What am I afraid of?” Once you identify your fears, you can address them. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Fear doesn’t come from God. When you confront it, you weaken doubt’s grip on your heart.
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3. Know God
After Jesus rescued Peter, the disciples worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).
Their fear turned to faith because they recognized who Jesus was.
The same is true for us: the more we know God, the more we trust Him.
But here’s the challenge.
In moments of doubt, we often forget who God is. We focus more on our problems than His power. I’ve been guilty of this—trying to fit God into my plans instead of trusting His.
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways.’”
God sees the bigger picture.
While we see only a piece of the puzzle, He sees the whole masterpiece. When doubt creeps in, spend time getting to know Him better.
Dive into His Word. Worship Him.
Remind yourself of His character—His goodness, mercy, and faithfulness.
Think of it this way: you don’t trust strangers.
Trust grows with familiarity. The more time you spend with God, the more intimately you’ll know Him, and the stronger your faith will become.
A Final Encouragement
Doubt isn’t the end of your faith journey; it can be a stepping stone to deeper trust.
When doubt knocks on your door, remember these three keys:
- Expect the storm. It’s a natural part of life.
- Understand your doubt. Identify and confront the fear behind it.
- Know God. Spend time with Him to build trust.
And here’s one more truth: God isn’t intimidated by your doubts.
He’s not angry when you question Him.
Instead, He’s ready to meet you in the middle of the storm, just like He met Peter on the water.
When Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately stretched out His hand (Matthew 14:30-31). He’ll do the same for you.
So, when you start doubting God, don’t pull away.
Draw closer.
Lay your fears at His feet.
Trust that He’s working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28).
Because even in your doubt, He’s still faithful.
Thank you. I needed this
You’re welcome, Wynne! I hope you find this helpful.