For when you aren’t sure anymore

Doubt.  We have all dealt with it at one time or another.  Suddenly, the things you were so sure about don’t seem so sure anymore.  You’re left with questions and you’re left feeling confused.  I have found this to be a huge area of struggle for people where it concerns their faith in Jesus.  Especially, for individuals in their mid to late twenties.  For the first time, they have begun asking themselves the hard questions concerning faith in God and they don’t know what to do with it.  In a post-modern society that doesn’t believe in absolute truth, the doubt factor is even more of an issue.

If this is where you’re at today reading this blog, I want to encourage you.  I’m sure you have heard it said that faith is believing in what we can’t see and trusting God with the unknowns.  This is true.  None of us are ever going to have all the answers.

What I want to say to you today is that God isn’t intimidated by your questions.  He’s not offended by your doubts.  Don’t ever use your doubts as an excuse to stop trying, an excuse to stop seeking Him out.  Keep looking for answers and as you do invite God to help you in your journey.  Even if you’re not sure if He’s listening (which I’m going to tell you He is) ask Him to reveal Himself to you.  God who are you?  What can I know about you?  Show me the truth.  Present yourself to Him with a heart that’s soft, open and ready to learn.

I want to speak to anyone who is in the place of doubt and near the point of giving up their faith, because they have been hurt by someone in the church.  I want to speak to those of you who put your trust in individuals who let you down and wounded you, causing you to wonder if anyone in the church is truly geniune and authentic.  As a Christian, I want to stand in the gap and say I’m sorry.  I’m sorry for all the times you’ve been broken and let down.  We all miss the mark.  We all make mistakes.  We act carelessly and in the process we hurt people along the way.

I want to assure you that there is a Father in Heaven that loves you with a love that is everlasting.  He has never abandoned you or forgotten about you.  Although His children sometimes are a poor reflection of His love, I assure you that His love is perfect.  His heart is for you and His desire is to reveal Himself to you.  Jesus has made a way for you to know Him.  Don’t make the mistake of basing your opinion of God on your experiences with faulty people.  Search out the scriptures for yourself.  Make your pursuit of God and truth personal.  Invite God in to help you through the process.

I guess what it all boils down to is even in the place of doubt never stop asking questions and seeking the truth.  Never throw in the towel.  As it says in Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”