Overcoming Doubt

by Mark McCrary

Text: Matthew 11:1–12

Ted was a faithful Christian. He served in the church, raised his kids to love God, and prayed with conviction. But when his child was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, the inner questions began. Why would God allow this? Is He really good? Over time, Ted’s solid belief began to unravel.
Jan tried to build a godly home. She worked hard at her marriage and honored her husband. But after repeated betrayals, she was left shattered and asking, Does God even care? Did any of this matter?

Cameron was a bright spot among his church’s young people—on fire for God. But college introduced him to smart-sounding arguments against the Bible. Professors and videos shook his confidence in scripture. The foundation of faith began to crack.

Have you ever doubted? You're not alone. All of us have—more than we’re willing to admit. Does God exist? If He does, does He care? Is the Bible really trustworthy? What if my beliefs are wrong—what happens then?

Here's the good news: the Bible doesn't shy away from doubt. In fact, one of its boldest figures, John the Baptist, struggled with it.
And Jesus didn’t rebuke him. He helped him. That’s a story worth hearing.

Even Strong Believers Doubt

John the Baptist wasn’t a spiritual lightweight. He announced the coming kingdom (Matthew 3:2); lived in the wilderness with radical devotion; baptized Jesus and saw heaven open (Matthew 3:13–17); and spoke truth to a powerful king, ultimately losing his life for it.

And yet, in Matthew 11:3, we find him sending emissaries to Jesus with this pressing question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Now, to be fair, it may be that he was not really doubting, but rather asking the question for the sake of his disciples so they would come to full faith and trust in Jesus. But, perhaps that’s too elevated a take on his motivation. After all, he was human.

Moses hesitated at the burning bush (Exodus 3–4). Gideon asked for multiple signs (Judges 6). Elijah, after calling down fire from heaven, hid in a cave depressed (1 Kings 19). Peter denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54–62). Why should John be different? Why should you?

When Life Outruns Theology

Doubt often comes when our experience clashes with our expectations.

John had been in prison for nearly a year. He expected the Messiah to bring fire, judgment, and justice. Instead, Jesus was preaching, healing, and dining with sinners. John was in a dungeon—while Jesus roamed free. That disconnect sparked his question.

Don’t we sometimes feel the same way? When an illness drags on with no healing? An injustice goes unchecked? Faithful prayers seem unanswered, or God’s promises feel delayed? When we don’t understand what God is doing or why He allows certain things to happen?

Jesus Responds with Understanding (Most of the Time)

Notice Jesus’ response. He didn’t scold John for asking. He didn’t say, “How dare you?” Instead, He praised John in front of the crowd (Matthew 11:7-11). Jesus knew John was asking from a place of pain, not rebellion. And He was gentle.

Take heart! Jesus is patient with our sincere doubts. He doesn’t push us away—He invites us closer.

But, two warnings must be given. At times, Jesus rebuked doubt (Matthew 8:26)—so there are times when His patience has limits. Like a teacher, He responds differently to the struggling student and the lazy one.

And, sometimes, the source of doubt is more nefarious than life’s circumstances. It was Satan who was the source of Eve’s doubts (“Did God really say…?”)(Genesis 3:1). That kind of doubt is a danger—not a doorway to faith, but a path away from it.

How to Overcome Doubt

First, listen to the witnesses. Jesus told John’s messengers, “Go and tell what you hear and see” (Matthew 11:4–5). He pointed John to real-world testimony of His deeds.

We didn’t see the Red Sea part. But Moses did. We didn’t hear the voice on the mountain. But Elijah did. We didn’t see Jesus rise from the dead. But Peter, John, Thomas, and Paul did—and they died for what they saw (I John 1:1–3).

When doubt creeps in, listen to their testimony.

Secondly, turn to the word. The miracles Jesus performed were more than signs—they were hyperlinks to Isaiah’s writings about the coming Messiah (Isaiah 35:5–6; 61:1). The message to John? “I’m doing what scripture said the Messiah would do!”

When in doubt, run to the word, not from it. Read and embrace what God says. Find truth and comfort in it. Scripture clarifies our expectations.
Another warning: be cautious about what you consume. Some questions are honest; others are traps. The internet is filled with videos and articles produced by the disenchanted, disingenuous, and at times uninformed. This isn’t a call to ignore their arguments, but to be honest and use discernment.

Feed your faith, and your doubts will starve.

Third, accept that you don’t have to understand everything. Embrace the mystery, don’t shy away from it. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord.” You can’t understand all the answers—you weren’t intended to. What do we do when we see a beautiful picture, or a well-designed building, or an incredible sports play? You may say, “How did they do that?” Your awe admits your limitations and highlights the abilities of the artist, architect, or athlete. Let your limitations in spiritual matters do the same with God. After all, if we could explain God or His word entirely, would they be worth your attention? Hardly.

Fourth, cling to what you do know. When others walked away from Jesus, Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). He didn’t have every answer. But he held tightly to what he did know. Do the same. For instance, cling to the empty tomb. There are several explanations for the empty tomb—Jesus simply passed out on the cross and woke up, or Jesus’ disciples stole His body away, etc. But, do you know the one thing no one is denying? The tomb really was empty! When questions arise, cling to that.

Fifth, walk with others. John didn’t send his questions alone—he sent messengers; messengers who went back and reassured him.

Don’t wrestle with doubt in isolation. Lean on a faithful brother or sister. Talk to a teacher, preacher, or elder. They’ve doubted as well, and they won’t judge. Link arms. Hike together through the fog with trusted people who love you. The church isn’t just for the convinced—it’s also for the questioning. We’re meant to carry each other (I Thessalonians 5:14; Romans 12:15; Colossians 3:16; Galatians 6:1-3). Sometimes, God doesn’t answer your doubts with a voice from heaven, but the voice of a friend who listens and cares.

Finally, choose to trust. John the Baptist never escaped from prison. He was eventually beheaded. But he didn’t renounce Christ. Somewhere along the way, he chose to trust. His circumstances didn’t change, but he changed. Peace doesn't come from perfect circumstances, but from trusting a perfect Savior.

Conclusion

Doubt doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It’s not the end of faith, but it is a crossroads. Will it push you away from Jesus—or drive you to Him?

Jesus invites your questions. He’s not afraid of them. But He calls you to something deeper—to trust Him even when you don’t have all the answers. Because, really, what’s the alternative? No God? No purpose? No peace? No hope?

Come to Jesus with your doubts. Stay because of His truth.