What is the proper way to think about doubt as a person trying to grow closer to God? A quick survey  of scripture shows two things: empowerment to be honest about the doubts you experience, and a God who pursues us in the midst of our doubts.

Let's study together.

Read

Mark 9:14-29

‍19 He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” 20 So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father.

“From childhood,” he said. 22 “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

23 Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.”

24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”

Some key statements and questions put forward that are important for us to talk about…‍

Examine

"He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you?..(Read also: Acts 17:11)

• Jesus grew weary of the disciples lack of faith. What does the passage in Acts say we should do to build faith?

• Would you say you have an eagerness to examine the Bible daily?

• What does this invitation to "examine" his word reveal about God's heart towards doubt?

"If you can? Everything is possible for the one who believes.”

• How do you respond to Jesus' words in this section? Do you believe that everything is possible for the one who believes?

• What do you think Jesus is trying to remind them of?

“I do believe; help my unbelief!”‍

• The dad of the possessed boy held his doubt in the right place: after belief, not before.

• Are your doubts in the proper place? Do they come from a foundation of belief or a foundation of disbelief?

Apply

"Why won't he fix me?" Pastor Brian retold a story where a man wading into his doubts grew weary of his struggles. What is the "fixing" that you wish Jesus would do in you?

"Not all doubts are created equal. Moments of unbelief does not mean disbelief. " Does this statement free you? Does doubt feel shameful or unwelcome sometimes?

‍"Where have I seen enough to believe?" Some doubt calls for a divine warning. Are you letting your doubts deny things you know to be true? What things do you know to be true?

Act

Jesus pursues intimacy with his doubters. Say this out loud: I am being pursued by Jesus even in the middle of my doubt.

Our certainty is found in his identity. Say this out loud: In uncertain times I am certain that I belong to Jesus.

Does Jesus really love me? Say this out loud: Jesus loves me. Not the less doubtful me, the current questioning me.

Amen.