Today’s focus is on the reality of doubt in the Christian life and how God invites us to confront and grow through it. Even the greatest men and women of faith, like John the Baptist, experienced seasons of uncertainty. John, who boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, found himself in prison, isolated and facing unmet expectations. In that dark place, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one, or should we look for another?” This honest question reveals that doubt is not a sign of weak faith, but a normal part of the journey for every believer.
Doubt often arises from two main sources: difficult circumstances and unmet expectations. When life falls apart—through broken relationships, financial hardship, or health crises—our perspective can become clouded, and our confidence shaken. Similarly, when we expect God to act in a certain way and He doesn’t, disappointment can open the door to doubt. The Bible is clear that following God does not guarantee a life free from suffering or confusion. Even the most faithful will face seasons where God’s ways are mysterious and His answers delayed.
Yet, God does not rebuke us for our questions. Jesus responded to John’s doubts not with condemnation, but by pointing to the evidence of His works and the fulfillment of Scripture. He invites us to bring our doubts into the light, to seek answers, and to remember His character and faithfulness. Three practical steps help us navigate seasons of doubt: return to what we know is true about God’s character, recall God’s past faithfulness in our lives, and surround ourselves with a community of faith. Isolation is the enemy’s tool; fellowship is God’s gift for strengthening our faith.
Ultimately, God’s purpose for each of us is discovered as we trust Him, even with our questions. We are called to receive Christ, follow Him in obedience, and grow in faith through His Word and His people. Like John the Baptist, greatness in God’s eyes is not measured by the absence of doubt, but by faithfulness in the midst of it. Whether our season of service is long or short, God desires that we fulfill our unique calling with conviction, humility, discipline, and a willingness to suffer for the truth. Doubt, when pursued honestly, can become the doorway to deeper faith and a more authentic walk with God.
Luke 7:18-28 (ESV) — > 18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
>
> 24 When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ 28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) — > 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
> 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV) — > 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
> 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Aug 03, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?
Add this chatbot onto your site with the embed code below
<iframe frameborder="0" src="https://pastors.ai/sermonWidget/sermon/embracing-doubt-a-pathway-to-deeper-faith5" width="100%" height="100%" style="height:100vh;"></iframe>Copy