Faith and Doubt

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 KJV)

I grew up thinking that “faith” and “doubt” were opposites. Faith was good. Doubt was bad. With that mindset, even questions could be dangerous, as I figured they could lead to doubt.

At one point, I had what seemed to me a revelation, and which I have since learned to be something many people of faith agree on: Doubt is not the enemy of faith but can in fact make it stronger. Answers need questions as much as questions need answers.

In the end, what we are left with is a choice of faith. Hebrews 11, “the faith chapter,” says in verse 6: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him…”.

I used to see that verse as saying that “if you doubt, you displease God.” Now I read it quite differently. There are only two things it says I need to do in order to have faith and please God:

1- Believe that He is,

2- believe that He rewards those who “diligently seek Him.”

I believe that He is, and I have diligently sought Him—the questions and doubts were a necessary part of that “diligent seeking.”

I have found peace in knowing that I’ll never have all the answers, and that’s okay. That’s a part of faith. —Jessie Richards

It is through questions that a person learns and grows. It is through finding answers that a person gains the confidence to say without fear or reservation, “I believe.” - Stephanie Hertzenberg

[1] Anchor Healthy Questions and Doubts