We’re living in a time where many are coming to faith in Jesus Christ, and we celebrate that. But at the same time, some who once followed Him are stepping away. I’ve pastored long enough to walk with people through deep pain, hard questions, and real spiritual doubts. What breaks my heart is not that they doubted, but that instead of pressing in and pursuing Jesus, some chose to walk away.

We’re starting a series called “Doubt.” This is complex, and I want to challenge us to be open-minded and honest. Sometimes we get things wrong as Christ followers. With God’s help and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can live our faith better. Peter is our example. In the storm, he had the courage to step out of the boat and walk toward Jesus. When he saw the wind, became afraid, and began to sink. Jesus reached out and asked, “Why did you doubt?” Not to shame him, but to invite him into deeper faith.

Real faith is not the absence of doubt; it pushes through it. Doubt is often a catalyst for growth. People doubt because of unanswered questions, pain and suffering, personal disappointment, or wounds suffered in the church. When someone struggles, it’s not time to panic or judge. It’s time to process, to show grace, and to walk with them. If we mishandle doubt, we may unintentionally push people away.

A sincere examination of beliefs (which we’ll call deconstruction) can help us let go of what is untrue and hold on to what is true. Jesus did this when He said, “You have heard it said, but I say to you.” (Mt 5:43-44) He pointed out commonly held beliefs and pointed people back to God’s truth. Our beliefs must be built on Scripture, not merely tradition, culture, or what we’ve always been told.

There was a time I realized not everything I had been taught lined up with Scripture. I didn’t allow my doubt and confusion to lead me to abandon my faith; I began to set aside the untruths that were clouding my understanding of God and started learning truth by reading the Bible and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach me. Your doubts do not delete your faith. Peter doubted and even denied Jesus, yet Jesus forgave him, restored him, and used him powerfully. You are saved by grace, changed by faith in Jesus. Doubt can be an invitation to pursue God more deeply, to release what isn’t true, and to hold tightly to what is true in Him.

Scriptures— Matthew 14:28-31 (NRSVUE), 5:43-44 (NIV), 16:23 (NCV), 16:24-25 (NIV); Psalm 119:105 (NRSVUE)

Verses— But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Mt 14:30-31) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Ps 119:105)

Questions— “Why do you doubt?” Does this question seem more like an accusation or an invitation? How would you describe the difference between doubt that leads someone away from faith and doubt that becomes a catalyst for deeper faith? How might we, as Christ followers, unintentionally push people away when they express doubts? What would it look like to respond with grace instead?            

Prayer— Dear Lord, thank You for allowing me to freely raise my questions and doubts. When the storms come and my faith feels small, reach out Your hand like You did for Peter. Give me the courage to examine my beliefs in the light of Your Word, which is truth. Teach me to respond to others with grace, love, and patience when they struggle. Strengthen my faith and draw me closer to You through every doubt. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.