“Help my unbelief” …it’s a simple prayer but a powerful one, a prayer we all need especially in seasons of doubt. Doubt is something we all face from time to time, even as followers of Jesus. There are moments when life doesn’t make sense, when things don’t go the way we planned or prayed, and in those moments, we’re forced to answer a defining question, where do I turn? …who do I trust? It’s easy to say, “I trust God,” but when life gets hard, confusing and painful, doubts begin to surface.

Jesus understands this struggle. On the night before the cross he was betrayed, abandoned, denied. The crowd rejected him, choosing to save a criminal’s life over the Son of God. He was beaten, mocked, and crucified, and in his darkest moment he cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The one who always called God “Father” now feels the weight of separation, the silence, the darkness. Jesus knew this day was coming, but he didn’t know what it was going to feel like! However, he was obedient even unto death, and with his last words he committed his spirit to God.

Doubt often grows when we don’t understand, when we can’t see the purpose, when life feels unfair. We begin asking “Where are you God?” And if we’re honest it doesn’t take much to get there…a loss…a betrayal…a diagnosis …a season that doesn’t make sense; suddenly what we believed feels distant. But Scripture reminds us that we only see in part, we cannot see from God’s perspective. When it seems God is nowhere to be found, he is ever present, working, even when we can’t see it.

In those moments of doubt, we need to change our question from “Why God?” to “What God?” What are you teaching me? What are you doing in me? What do you want to do through me? Pain always carries potential. Jesus endured the cross for a purpose; His obedience brought about our salvation! Purpose lies in our struggles, as well. If we stay stuck in “why,” we risk drifting into doubt; but when we lean into “what,” we begin to see God at work, forming us, preparing us, strengthening us.

Here’s a truth you can hold onto, this is part of your story, not the whole story. The cross was not the end, Jesus’ pain, his suffering wasn’t the whole story, the resurrection was coming! What feels like the darkest chapter is not the final one. God is still writing, still working, still present, so when you don’t understand and doubt creeps in pray “help my unbelief” and choose to trust! It probably won’t be easy, but even in the doubt, you can trust God.

Scriptures— Matthew 27:42-43, 45-46 (GNT); 1 Corinthians 13:12 (GNT); Hebrews 13:5-6 (GNT); Hebrews 4:16 (NIV); Romans 8:28 (NIV); Hebrews 5:7-8 (NLT); 2 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV); Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV); Luke 23:46 (NIV); Psalm 9:10 (NIV)

Verses— What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete—as complete as God’s knowledge of me. (1 Co 13:12) For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” Let us be bold, then, and say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” (Hb 13:5-6) And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hb 12:1-2)

Questions— When life doesn’t go as planned, do you instinctively turn toward God or begin to pull away? Jesus cried out “Why have you forsaken me?” What does this reveal about bringing honest questions and emotions to God? What is one situation in your life where you need to shift from asking “Why God?” to “What God?” Can you recount a time of pain and struggles that later resulted in your understanding it was for your good?

Prayer— Father God, when I doubt and question You, help my unbelief and teach me to trust You even when I don’t understand. Remind me You are with me and working for my good. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen!