Faith And Doubt Together
Both, in the same person.
On holding belief and uncertainty at once.
The big idea
You do not have to resolve every doubt to follow Jesus today.
Opening scripture
“At once the boy's father cried out in tears: I believe — help me with my unbelief.”
What does “Faith And Doubt Together” walk through?
Both At Once
Mark 9:24 · KJV
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
In plain English
At once the boy's father cried out in tears: I believe — help me with my unbelief.
One Sentence, Two Truths
I believe and help my unbelief live in the same breath, and Jesus does not ask him to pick. Most honest faith sounds like this.
Do Not Fear
Isaiah 41:10 · KJV
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
In plain English
God is with you, so you don’t have to be ruled by fear. He promises strength, help, and steady support.
“Certainty is not required for obedience. Only willingness is.”
Peace Not As The World Gives
John 14:27 · KJV
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
In plain English
Jesus offers a deeper peace than circumstances can give. You can face fear without being controlled by it.
Walk With The Question
You can hold an unresolved question and still pray, still show up, still love people. Waiting for certainty first is how people stop entirely.
Pray
Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief. Amen.
Write it down
What can you do today even with your questions unresolved?
Both is allowed
Bring the belief and the doubt. He takes both.
Which passages does this journey use?
3 passages, drawn from Mark 9:24, Isaiah 41:10, John 14:27. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 6 minutes for the whole thing, or 7 short sittings.
- Mark 9:24
- Isaiah 41:10
- John 14:27
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Hard Questions
All Hard Questions →Is Any Of This True?
Taking the question seriously.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
The oldest question, honestly.
When Christians Hurt You
Separating Jesus from the people who misrepresent him.
Believing Without Feeling
When faith is a decision, not a mood.
Deconstruction And Rebuilding
Taking it apart without losing it.
When God Feels Far
Silence is not absence.