Doubting God

Many Christians have had times when they've doubted God or Christianity. It can happen when something bad happens or a prayer isn't answered, or something along those lines. Then the questions start: “Is God really there?” “Can I actually trust You?” Why did You let this happen?”

What do we do in these scenarios? Is it wrong to question God?

It depends if you're willing to let Him answer you. He wants us to search out the truth; in fact, He invited us to to. “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, it will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10, NASB.)

Jesus promises that whoever looks for truth will find it. Notice He uses the word “seek” though. This doesn't mean we'll figure things out in one day; searching for answers can take a long time. But if we stick to it and hunt, we will discover what is true.

Some action steps may be:

~ Investigating apologetics and seeing what they say. There are many podcasts, books, and people dedicated to providing answers to tough questions people have about their faith. One I highly recommend is Lee Strobel, whose books helped me greatly when I was doubting Christianity.

~ Talk to others about your doubts. This one can be difficult, but well worth it. Other Christians have gone through what you're going through now and may be able to provide counsel for you.

~ Dig into the Bible and pray. Let God speak to you Himself. You might find yourself being drawn to him despite yourself.

As you go on this journey, you must be willing to let go of old opinions and thoughts. There's a chance what you believed before is wrong. Allow wrong thoughts to go away and let the truth take its place. It's possible uses doubt to show us something about Him or to encounter Him in a new way. If you are doubting, don't be afraid to ask questions. Seek and allow God to give you the answers.