There’s a verse in Hebrews that says “to have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1 GNT). But what does it mean if we don’t always feel that certainty?
We often look at doubt as a bad thing when it comes to faith in God. But the reality is there will always be challenges that cause us to question—and yes, even doubt—God's goodness, power, and presence in our lives. Doubt is normal, common, and can even be productive if we process it in healthy ways.
How to Overcome Doubt
Doubt isn’t something to get over—it's something to explore. Taking the time to understand and challenge your doubts helps your faith become stronger over time. Here are some things you can do the next time you’re struggling with doubt:
1. Acknowledge Your Doubts
Say your house has a leaky roof. If you ignore the issue, it won’t go away. It’s only when you call a contractor that it can actually be patched up and repaired.
Doubt works the same way. When we ignore it, nothing happens. It always lingers. But when we acknowledge doubt and bring it to God, inviting him to help us, we’ll begin to see growth and understanding.
This isn’t a one-time action either. Matthew 7:7 tells us to “keep on asking” and “keep on knocking” when we’re looking for answers. God doesn’t get annoyed when we keep coming back to him—he actually wants us to!
2. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness in the Past
When doubt shows up, it’s easy to forget how far God has already brought you. But remembering how he’s been faithful before can help you trust him again. Maybe it was a job that came through just in time, a relationship that healed, or peace in the middle of something really hard. Looking back helps you move forward.
In Lamentations, the writer is in a place of deep pain—but even there, he says, “Great is [God’s] faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:23).
Start by writing down 3 times you’ve seen God show up in your life. When doubt creeps in, go back and reread that list. Add to it over time and remind yourself of all the ways God’s been faithful.
3. Study Scripture to Strengthen Your Faith
When you’re wrestling with doubt, you need something solid to hold on to. That’s what Scripture is—it reminds us what’s true, even when we don’t feel it.
Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” Spending time in the Bible helps you hear that good news again and again.
You don’t have to study for hours. Start with one Bible verse that speaks to your current doubts. Keep it somewhere you’ll see it often—your mirror, your dashboard, or even as a wallpaper on your phone.
4. Pray for Help and Understanding
You don’t have to fix your doubt before you talk to God about it. In fact, prayer might be the very thing that helps shift it.
In Mark 9, a father asks Jesus to heal his son, saying, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). That kind of honesty is a prayer God welcomes. He’s not looking for perfect words—just a willing heart.
5. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community
Doubt can make you feel isolated. But being around others who are following Jesus reminds you you’re not alone.
You don’t need people who have it all figured out—you need people who are willing to walk with you. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 puts it plainly: “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.”
Faith grows in community. Text someone you trust and ask to grab coffee or talk this week. Or find a Group where you can connect with people who are in a similar place as you.
6. Focus on the Character of God, Not Your Circumstances
Our circumstances change all the time. One day things are great—then suddenly, they’re not. But through all the ups and downs of life, God stays the same.
Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” That kind of consistency gives us something to hold on to when everything else feels uncertain.
Instead of asking, “Why is this happening?”, try asking, “What do I know is true about God?” Make a list of 3 things that are always true about God, like his love, his patience, and his wisdom. Keep it where you can revisit it often, and write more things down as you discover them.
7. Take Action and Step Out in Faith
Sometimes, the only way through doubt is forward. You might not feel ready, but sometimes the only remedy to doubt is taking a step of faith.
Like Peter in Matthew 14, you might take a shaky step out of the boat. Maybe you’ll stumble—but Jesus is right there to catch you. Do one small thing that demonstrates you've chosen to trust Jesus in the midst of your doubt. That might be showing up to church, reading Scripture, praying, or helping someone else.
Doubt Doesn’t Disqualify Your Faith
Doubt doesn’t mean you don’t have enough faith—it’s often the key to deeper, stronger faith.
When you’re willing to face your doubts instead of ignoring them, you create space for a deeper, more honest relationship with God. He isn’t asking you to have it all figured out. He’s just asking you to keep showing up one step at a time.
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