Overcoming Doubt

“In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

Luke 24: 22 to 24, NIV

Cleopas, deep in despair and disbelief that Jesus had been crucified and died, now begins to discuss the recent events with the risen Jesus. The women who were going to put the spices on the dead body ran back to tell the disciples that Jesus had risen. Mary had actually spoken to Jesus. But according to the disciples, this was simply nonsense.

Cleopas went on to say that some of the disciples went to the tomb in response to what they had heard from the women. I don’t know about you, but if I had heard such a dramatic story, I think I would have run to the tomb. Probably everyone who could walk would have gone there to see the empty tomb for themselves.

Jesus’ body was not there. He had risen from the dead. This is the crux of the matter. This is the heart of the faith: Jesus was alive.

However, just a few hours later, in the evening, while the disciples were together behind a locked door, Jesus appeared to them. The disciples were fearful of what the religious leaders might do to them, so the first words out of Jesus’ mouth were, “Peace be with you!” Such perfect timing!

This was a reassuring message from a man, the Son of Man, who had defeated death. But that reassurance was not given to Thomas, who was absent. Instead, like the disciples when Mary and the other women excitedly declared that Jesus was alive, Thomas poured cold water on their fledgling faith. “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Thomas dismissed the whole notion of Jesus being alive as complete nonsense.

Jesus, the gracious Son of God, allowed Thomas to have his period of doubt. But the period was short, as Jesus was on a mission to prepare the disciples for the task ahead. A week later, at the same time and same place, the disciples were together, but this time with Thomas. Jesus again entered the locked room. This time, Thomas’ doubts were discarded when he saw his Saviour and Lord.

When Jesus was walking on earth, feeding the masses, healing the sick, and raising the dead, the disciples were amazed. Even when the teaching grew tough, Peter could say, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” But now, seeing Jesus crucified and laid in the tomb, doubts arose. It is entirely natural to have doubts. Yet those doubts were cast aside when the disciples came face to face with their risen Saviour.

What does all this mean for us today? We have doubts, don’t we? Why is our loved one not healed? Why are we going through such tough times? Why did I lose my job? Why did I lose my house? Why can’t I feed my family? There are many reasons doubts can arise, but God wants us to overcome them. He came face to face with Thomas and pointed to his hands and his feet. That direct connection resolved the matter.

Overcoming doubt begins by bringing your honest questions directly to God. Rather than viewing doubt as the opposite of faith, treat it as a stepping stone. You can navigate this by leaning into prayer, immersing yourself in Scripture, and drawing on a supportive church community.

Be Honest in Prayer: Confess your doubts to God without shame. As the father in the Bible cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24), honest communication is the best starting point.

Study the Word: Feed your faith by reading the Gospels to focus on Jesus’ life, teachings, and resurrection. Ground yourself in scriptural promises rather than in fleeting emotions.

Explore Christian Apologetics: Often, intellectual doubts can be eased by studying theology or reading defences of the faith. Consider exploring resources or books by respected thinkers that address reason and faith.

Focus on the Good: Take time to reflect on answered prayers, evidence of God’s work in your life, and the testimonies of other believers.

Engage with a Community: Don’t isolate yourself. Share your struggles with trusted friends, mentors, or a local church. You can draw strength from their faith when yours feels weak. Let me repeat myself here: Stay engaged with your church.

Remember that experiencing doubt is completely normal and does not mean your faith is dead; it simply means it is being challenged and has the potential to grow stronger. Remember, John the Baptist doubted. So if giants of the faith doubted, then it is completely understandable if we doubt.