God can handle your doubts
One of my favourite quotes in the Bible, because it’s so vulnerable, is from Mark 9:24 NKJV:
“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” – Mark 9:24
These are the words of a father who came to Jesus hoping for the deliverance of his son, who was demon-possessed. Jesus told the man:
“If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” – Mark 9:23
The rawness and honesty of his words are deeply moving. The man could have chosen to portray only faith without a shred of doubt. But Jesus would've seen right through it (like He did with Peter in Matthew 26:33-35).
Instead, the desperate father looks to Jesus for help, and Jesus isn’t offended by his doubt.
This story also reminds me of the disciple Thomas, who, after he was told Jesus had risen from the dead, said:
“Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” – John 20:25
Thomas is often labelled “Doubting Thomas,” but I think that’s unfair. I’d like to call him “Seeking Thomas.” He doesn’t reject the nearly absurd claims from his friends that someone could come back to life after being crucified. He simply says, “I want to know for myself!”
Jesus comes and meets Thomas in his doubts. He tells him:
“Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” – John 20:27
What doubts are in your heart?
Like Thomas, bring them to Jesus—He can handle them. Like the desperate father, ask Jesus to help your unbelief.
