Understand the Doubt

Anonymous asked: I've been very strong in my faith, and I never thought it would ever waver, but my thoughts were wrong. I stopped reading my Bible and I stopped praying every day. I don't know why, it just happened. I love God, and He changed so much in me. My life is still the same but He has given me so much hope, and He has been my strength. But lately, I've been having doubts. I don't know why because there's so much evidence of Him in my life. Please pray for me? It would mean so much to me.

Most Christian teens face something in their lives that causes them to doubt their faith. Whether it is listening to people of other faiths describe their beliefs or facing a tragedy, there are times when doubts arise. Questioning your faith is something everyone experiences, and if you can overcome that doubt your faith can come out stronger than before you even asked the questions. Yet, how do you overcome that doubt?

Understand the Doubt

First of all, remember that doubt is normal. Everyone has it from time to time. Yet, make sure you ask yourself where the doubt is coming from. Some people say that doubt comes from Satan. Maybe it does, but that simplifies the doubt to a point where it is easy to just let it fester. Get into the nitty gritty of why you are questioning your faith. Is it because something bad happened? Is it because someone else of a different faith believes so strongly, and you don’t think you are as passionate? Is it because God just seems so far away? Truly examine why you are doubting so you can face those circumstances head on.

Pray About It

So, once you understand why you doubt your faith, you can begin to do something about it. The easiest way to deal with it is to pray about it. Spend some time alone with God talking it out. Let Him know what you are facing and ask him to strengthen your faith. Even if it is hard to believe He is listening, because sometimes He feels so far away when we have doubts, He is there.

Ask for a Sign, but Don’t Expect One

Sometimes, and not always, it can help to ask God to give you a sign he exists. Yet, be prepared that He may not do it. Gideon asked for a sign in Judges 6, and he got it. However, signs are sometimes more subtle and we miss them. Also, sometimes God just wants our unconditional faith. It may just be helpful to look at the everyday signs that God is with us. They can be called “everyday miracles,” like a helping hand or the sun shining in the sky. Sometimes we don’t have to ask for signs, because they surround us everywhere.

Talk to Someone About It

This action can be very difficult for many Christian teens, because they fear the judgement of those around them. We may not want to talk to other believers, because we fear they will think less of us for our doubts. On the other hand, we don’t want to talk to non-believers, because we fear we will only cause them to doubt more. However, most youth leaders and parents have had their own doubts from time to time and may be more understanding than you think. They can talk to you about your doubts, point you in directions that may help ease them, and even help you continue to grow in your faith as you overcome those doubts.

Do Your Research

If talking is not your thing, then you may look into doing some research in order to quell the questions running through your mind. The Bible is a great place to start. Look up scripture about things you question. If you still have doubts, look at books, podcasts, articles, and lectures that address what you need to know. While none of those things may answer your questions definitively, they can help guide you toward your own answers. In the end, faith is still a matter of believing in something you cannot see. So, sometimes it is just a matter of overcoming the doubt by realizing you may not see what you think you want to see, but that you just have to have faith that one day God will show you.

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