Is It Okay to
Doubt?
What to do when the questions creep in
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Is It Okay to Doubt?
Is It Okay to Doubt?
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HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE
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SESSION 1: DOES DOUBT SIGNAL THE END OF FAITH?
What the Bible says about doubts
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SESSION 2: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE DOUBTS?
Create a strategy to face them head on.
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SESSION 3: CAN DOUBT ACTUALLY STRENGTHEN MY FAITH?
How to leverage your doubts to deepen your faith
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Is It Okay to Doubt?
How to use this resource for a group study
How to use this resource
for a group study
This Bible study can be used for an
individual or a group. If you intend
to lead a group study, follow these
simple suggestions.
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Use this Leader’s Guide for yourself as you facilitate discussion. If you’d rather have
handouts for your group members, simply make enough copies for everyone in the
group.
Don’t feel that you have to use all the material in the study. Almost all of our studies
have more information than you can get through in one session, so feel free to pick
and choose the teaching information and questions that will meet the needs of your
group. Use the teaching content of the study in any of these ways: for your own
background and information; to read aloud (or summarize) to the group; for the group
to read silently.
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Make sure your group agrees to complete confidentiality. This is essential to getting
people to open up.
When working through the questions, be willing to make yourself vulnerable. It’s
important for your group to know that others share their experiences. Make honesty
and openness a priority in your group.
Begin and end the session in prayer.
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Does Doubt Signal the End of Faith?
Session 1
Does Doubt Signal the End
of Faith?
What the Bible says about doubts
W
e live in a time when we’re more exposed to diverse views and cultures
than any other time in history. Social media and the Internet connect us
to others like never before. As we’re exposed to a plethora of differing
views, we may wonder whether the unique claims of Christ are true. After
all, there are a lot of different views in the world—what makes the Christian view
correct?
These questions, along with the pressures and pains of daily living may leave us
doubting the message of Jesus. Yet we’re often afraid to ask our questions. We don’t
want to appear foolish, offend anyone, or—worst of all—find out that our beliefs are
wrong. But the questions remain.
Maybe it’s time to take a fresh look at investigating our faith. The early Quaker
philosopher William Penn pointed out, “Truth never lost ground by enquiry.” In fact, it’s
only by asking pointed questions that we are able to discover the significant answers. In
this sense, doubt may not signal the end of faith. Instead, if God is real, doubt might
become an opportunity for our faith to be strengthened.
Scripture: John 20:19–31
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Does Doubt Signal the End of Faith?
Session 1
Part 1: IDENTIFY THE CURRENT ISSUE
Is it okay to doubt? In 1 Peter 3:15, we are instructed to be ready to give a reason for the hope
we have. Now, more than ever, we need to understand not only what we believe but why we
believe. This requires some investigation and making use of the resources God has given us.
The English theological writer John A. Hutchinson made the observation, “Unthinking faith is a
curious offering to be made to the creator of the human mind.” Understanding our faith, how it
was formed, how it is threatened, and how it can be strengthened, is an essential part of our life
as a believer.
Discussion Starters:
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How was faith observed in your home as you were growing up?
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Who has had the greatest impact on your ability to trust?
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What are some of the “big” questions we need to ask with regard to faith?
Part 2: DISCOVER THE ETERNAL PRINCIPLES
People doubt their faith for lots of reasons. Sometimes doubt stems from the inconvenience of
accountability. Simply put, we don’t like to be told what to do. Other times, doubts are the result
of the natural tension between good and evil. Theologians use the term “spiritual warfare” to
describe this, and while it’s a term that sounds rather ethereal or other-worldly, Scripture
reminds us that evil is very real and touches our lives in many ways.
Painful circumstances can be another source of doubt. Under pressure, it can be difficult to
remain rational and objective. We may find ourselves “over-spiritualizing” a situation that simply
needs a practical solution—such as an illness that requires medical treatment. Or we may go to
the other extreme by “under-spiritualizing” an obstacle, scrambling for solutions while
neglecting God’s invitation to bring it to him in prayer. Emotions may be the number one reason
people struggle with doubt. Emotion can fog our thinking. Anger makes it difficult to see clearly.
Grief leaves us wondering where God is. Fear simply shuts us down.
Read John 20:19–31.
u How does the description of this scene in verse 19 give us a glimpse into how the apostles were feeling?
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In verse 20, the atmosphere changes abruptly. Why?
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Which one of the apostles is described in verse 24? What do you know about him?
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In what ways can you relate to how the apostles were feeling in this passage?
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How did Jesus respond to the situation? In what ways does his response speak to your questions and doubts?
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Does Doubt Signal the End of Faith?
Session 1
u
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What is Jesus saying in verse 29, and how does it impact your faith? Is it okay to doubt? Why or why not?
How does this passage apply to our lives today?
People often equate doubting with denying, but they can be very different issues. In all four
Gospels, (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 13) Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Christ.
Though Peter insists he won’t, he is devastated when Jesus’ prediction comes true. This
extreme case reveals some significant weaknesses of the human heart. It also reminds us that
doubting can become a huge problem when we refuse to look at it or take it seriously. And yet,
despite this experience with doubt, Peter became a crucial part of the church, spreading the
Gospel everywhere he went.
Optional Activity: Select a few photos of people or places that evoke strong emotions. You
might feel happiness, anger, fear, regret, or some other emotion. Identify how they make
you feel, and share with your small group why they make you feel the way you do.
Part 3: APPLY YOUR FINDINGS
It’s been said that those who’ve never really doubted have never really believed. In other words,
if we want the kind of faith that can endure, it needs to be put to the test. It needs to be pulled
apart, examined under the light, and put back together. When we do this, our doubt becomes an
opportunity for our faith to grow.
It’s not only okay to doubt, it’s essential that we take a hard look at what we believe. There are
lots of things that will make you question your beliefs—and that’s okay. God is big enough to
handle your questions, and he’ll meet you in the midst of your doubt.
Action Points:
Take a few moments this week to jot down answers to the following questions:
• Where did your belief system come from? How is it evolving?
• What part does faith play in your life?
• What threatens your faith?
• What strengthens your faith?
• Ask God to help you get in touch with your ability to trust, and consider the obstacles
• What steps can you take to encourage personal growth?
—Ann C. Sullivan is the author of Permission to Doubt and a speaker who is passionate
about challenging and encouraging people in their faith.
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What Should I Do If I Have Doubts?
Session 2
What Should I Do If I Have
Doubts?
Create a strategy to face them
head on.
F
ew things shake us up the way doubt does. Questioning a set of beliefs can be
risky, and the stakes are high. Will a new perspective force me to change my
behavior? Will it impact my relationships? If I’ve been wrong before, how will I
ever know if I’m right?
These kinds of emotionally charged questions can make us reluctant to face our times
of doubt. But instead of looking at our struggle as the end of faith, maybe it’s time we
look at it from a different angle. Doubt can become the perfect opportunity to develop a
richer, more refined faith. We need to understand our doubt and articulate our
questions. We must rest in the knowledge that genuine truth doesn’t break under the
bright lights of interrogation.
Scripture: Matthew 11:1–6
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What Should I Do If I Have Doubts?
Session 2
Part 1: IDENTIFY THE CURRENT ISSUE
When it comes to dealing with doubt effectively, we must understand what we’re dealing with. If
we want to take full advantage of our times of doubt and create an effective game plan that will
enable our faith to grow, we need to begin by asking ourselves two important questions. What
type of doubt am I dealing with? What is the source of my doubt?
Discussion Starters:
u When has your faith seemed the strongest? When has it seemed the weakest?
u
When has your faith been challenged by questions?
u
What would you like to see change about your faith?
Part 2: DISCOVER THE ETERNAL PRINCIPLES
There are essentially three types of doubt—spiritual, intellectual, and emotional.
Spiritual doubt surfaces in our lives because of the tension that exists between good and evil
and our sensitivity to both. Sometimes our spirits become the battle ground for this tension,
other times spiritual doubt emerges as a consequence of the bad choices we make.
Intellectual doubt can originate from a healthy need to explore ideas and discover answers. We
are called to love God with not only our hearts and souls, but also with our minds. Yet often,
when challenging questions pop up—questions we most likely should have been asking all
along—we’re genuinely alarmed.
Emotional doubt emerges from damaged feelings. It frequently makes its first appearance the
moment we feel a disconnect between the good God we pray to and the bad things that
happen. We may be able to intellectualize a concept or think our way through an issue, but our
ability to reason is the first thing to go when we’re hurting.
The source of our doubt, or, more specifically, where our doubts get their fuel, will include
nature (our disposition, personality, and DNA) and nurture (our upbringing, relationships, and
environment.)
Nature—Much of the doubt we experience is fueled by who we are—our personalities,
dispositions, and DNA. This is important to understand because those who’ve been born with a
propensity for melancholy or anxiety, for example, may discover they have a greater capacity
for doubt than those who are more cheerful or trusting by nature. Sometimes we can identify a
propensity toward doubt by simply asking ourselves if we’re prone to worry or fear. Do we feel
the need to control every situation? Answering yes to these kinds of questions may put us at a
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What Should I Do If I Have Doubts?
Session 2
greater risk for anxiety, which often leads to doubt.
Nurture—Those who’ve been brought up in a stressful environment that was marked by fear or
dysfunction may also discover a completely different approach to faith and doubt. For example,
if love and acceptance were contingent upon personal effort and performance, it might be more
challenging for us to accept the gift of grace. We may ask ourselves how well we receive gifts
from others or how we respond to acts of kindness. Do we tend to question motives or bristle at
the thought of appearing vulnerable and exposing a need?
Leader’s Note: John the Baptist had boldly proclaimed the coming of Christ just days
earlier. Now in chains, he barely recognized Jesus. Pain will do that.
u How would you describe John the Baptist? Look at Matthew 3:1–12 for help.
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Why do you think John sends his disciples to Jesus?
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Do you think John’s doubt is spiritual, intellectual, or emotional?
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What was Jesus’s response to John? What did he mean in verse 6?
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When have you experienced doubt? Was it spiritual, intellectual, or emotional?
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How have nature/nurture affected your times of doubt?
We are created mind, body, and spirit. Each one is directly impacted by the other, and all three
impact our faith. When we focus too much or too little on any one these areas, we throw off the
balance God intended for us. This is often when doubt gets a foothold in our lives. It’s often
when we’re struggling the most, however, that we find it difficult to recognize that nature of our
doubt, its type and source.
Small groups can become the perfect opportunity to be open and honest with each other about
these struggles. Not only can we offer encouragement and objective feedback, but also we can
offer practical suggestions about how to deal with our doubt most effectively.
Optional Activity: Select someone in your life and ask him or her to describe you in three
words. Take those three words and ask yourself what they tell you about your tendencies
toward faith and doubt. Share your findings with your small group.
Part 3: APPLY YOUR FINDINGS
Identifying the type of doubt we’re struggling with can help. Spiritual doubt, for instance, may
have its root in sin. This can often be settled by asking ourselves a few simple but pointed
questions, whether alone or in the safety of a trusted small group. For example, it’s beneficial to
ask yourself some hard questions about things in your life that you wouldn’t want other people
to know about. The slippery slope of sin can become a major source of spiritual doubt. The
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What Should I Do If I Have Doubts?
Session 2
tension can be greatly alleviated, though, through some quiet introspection before God and
prayerful confession. Speaking to a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor who can offer guidance
and support can bring tremendous relief as well.
If your questions center on doctrine or teaching, though, you’re likely dealing with intellectual
doubt. For example, you may be objecting to something you’ve been taught. Intellectual doubt
may require a fact-finding mission that includes reading an apologetics book or taking a class
that deals with what we believe and why we believe it.
Emotional doubt can be difficult to pinpoint because we’re often skilled at ignoring our
questions and burying our pain. Under pressure, our thoughts and feelings can become highly
unreliable. Often the most troubling, emotional doubt is crucial to recognize because it’s only
after we’ve dealt with it that we can begin to think clearly again, separating facts from feelings.
Often, it takes counseling or other help to deal with emotional doubt effectively.
Action Points:
• Think about a time when you or someone you know has experienced spiritual,
intellectual, and/or emotional doubt. Describe what it looked like and how it felt.
• Identify ways in which “nature” and “nurture” have fueled your times of doubt.
• Consider your usual response to doubt. List ways you might respond differently in the
future.
• List some practical steps you can take to identify doubt in your own life and in the lives
of those you come in contact with.
• Create an effective game plan that will allow God to make use of your struggle with
doubt. Be sure to include the unique aspects of your spirit, mind, and emotions.
—Ann C. Sullivan is the author of Permission to Doubt and a speaker who is passionate
about challenging and encouraging people in their faith.
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Can Doubt Actually Strengthen My Faith?
Session 3
Can Doubt Actually Strengthen
My Faith?
How to leverage your doubts to
deepen your faith
S
ome of us can go a very long time before we start asking the big questions.
It’s often easier to accept the path of least resistance and embrace the ideas
of others, particularly when they come from people we trust. We may also find
ourselves following along with the beliefs of others simply because we don’t
want to offend anyone, make waves, or appear narrow-minded. But at some point, it’s
good to get shaken up a bit and have our belief systems challenged. Only then can we
discover what really counts.
Twentieth century philosopher Alfred Korzybski rightly pointed out, “There are two
ways to slide easily through life: Namely to believe everything, or to doubt everything;
both ways save us from thinking.” Thinking and asking questions is a good thing, but
challenging a belief system isn’t easy. It’s risky and may force us to move outside the
comfortable spaces we’ve set up for ourselves. It’s only when we’re willing to embrace
our doubts and allow them to lead us into an exploration of our faith that we will be able
to see how doubts can ultimately strengthen our faith.
Scripture: Psalm 73; Colossians 2:1–10
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Can Doubt Actually Strengthen My Faith?
Session 3
Part 1: IDENTIFY THE CURRENT ISSUE
Adversity has a way of catapulting us into an exploration of our faith. And while it may be best
to investigate the facts before the bottom drops out, there is a collective sigh of relief when we
discover the value of doubt and that we’re not alone.
It may surprise someone who’s struggling with doubt to realize that faith, from the beginning,
was meant to bring strength and comfort—not confusion. The writer of Hebrews describes the
nature of faith this way: “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we
do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). However, in order to have this kind of faith, we will need to be
stretched. James 1 reminds us that the testing of our faith will produce the kind of endurance
that will enable us to become “mature, complete, and lacking in nothing” (James 1:3–4).
Obviously, God could have programmed every one of us to have clear and complete knowledge
of him. But when Jesus was challenged by the disciples in Matthew 13 and asked why he spoke
in parables, he quoted Isaiah and indicated that our desire to search for truth reflects our heart
for God. Paul built on this idea while engaging the skeptics in Athens and explained that God
placed each one of us exactly where we’re at in order that we might “seek him and perhaps
reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us” (Act 17:26–27).
Discussion Starters:
u Where did your belief system come from?
u
How has it changed over time?
u
Why are we often afraid when our belief system is challenged?
Part 2: DISCOVER THE ETERNAL PRINCIPLES
Pressing past the comfortable boundaries we set up for ourselves will not only allow truth to be
settled in our own hearts and minds, but also better equip us to encourage others who are
wrestling with their faith. Identifying what we are doubting and why we are doubting it, helps
clarify our struggle and articulate our questions. This will enable us to let go of mistaken
notions that are hindering our grasp of genuine truth and allow us to create strategies that can
use doubt to strengthen our faith.
Read Colossians 2:1–10.
u Why is Paul writing to the Colossians?
u
Paul writes about “God’s mysterious plan.” What does he mean?
Leader’s Note: Paul knew the value of finding common ground when teaching about the
richness of Christ. Rather than pointing out the problems of the culture’s religions, he
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Can Doubt Actually Strengthen My Faith?
Session 3
took a term they were familiar with and built on it. The pagan religions were esoteric or
mysterious in nature, full of secret information only a few were privileged to know. God’s
plan for Christ the Messiah, on the other hand, was intended for everyone. This plan was
in place before the beginning of time, and the Old Testament Prophets laid the
groundwork (Isaiah 53). Now, in the New Testament, the Scriptures were fulfilled in
Christ and made fully known (Luke 4).
u In verse 4, the apostle warns the church about fine-sounding arguments. How does this warning reflect God’s desire for believers to think through the elements of their faith?
u
What are some contemporary examples of “empty philosophies and high-sounding
nonsense” (v. 8), and how might they cause us to doubt?
u
According to this passage, how can we turn our confusion into clarity?
u
How is the truth of Christ’s deity (vv. 9–10) meant to strengthen our faith?
In Psalm 73, Asaph, one of King David’s musicians, had a problem with God. He didn’t like the
way God was doing things and described himself as grieved and embittered. As he poured out
all his misery in the psalm, at least two things are worth noting. First, God didn’t punish him for
his doubts and anger, and second, the way Asaph felt didn’t change one truth about God or his
nature. In fact, the only relief Asaph found was when he forced himself to again enter the
presence of God—a monumental task when we’re struggling with doubt and disillusionment. It
was there, in God’s presence, that he found clarity (vv. 16–17).
Asaph needed reminding of what doubt makes us forget: God is good, God is just, and God will
meet us at the point of our greatest personal need.
Part 3: APPLY YOUR FINDINGS
Genuine growth often involves growing pains. A disquieted faith, though troubling, allows us to
look at it in a fresh way. It’s a perfect opportunity for growth! Instead of ignoring our questions
or fearing the doubts that invade us, we need to take a step back and ask God to give us a fresh
perspective, asking him what he wants to teach us. Whether we’re angry, hurt, or confused, we
need to recognize that discomfort often points to areas of our lives God wants to expose. Pain
can prefer solitude, but we need to learn how to resist that instinct and lean into God and
trusted friends. When we ask God to uncover the places he wants us to grow, we can begin to
use our doubt as a tool to strengthen our faith.
Action Points:
• In the Old Testament, people often built monuments of stone or planted trees to
remind them of something God taught them. Find or create a reminder of the ways
God has grown you in the past or is growing you now.
• Identify patterns you see in your life that cause your faith to ebb and flow. List ways
you can respond most effectively to these patterns.
• Develop strategies that will help you avoid situations that needlessly threaten your
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Can Doubt Actually Strengthen My Faith?
Session 3
faith. If these situations can’t be avoided, list ways you can most effectively prepare
for them.
• Develop a plan that will not only identify your doubt but create ways it can be used as
a tool to strengthen your faith. For example, talk to a trusted friend or pastor, take an
Alpha course, or read through the Gospels and mark the passages that speak to you
most.
• Identify aspects of your life that need some focused attention. List some steps you
can take to strengthen your faith. For example, maybe it’s time to make an
appointment to visit a doctor about your anxiety, spend time alone with God in prayer,
or take a class on the uniqueness of Christ and the Bible.
—Ann C. Sullivan is the author of Permission to Doubt and a speaker who is passionate
about challenging and encouraging people in their faith.
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