How Does God Deal With Our Doubt?
How Does God Deal With Our Doubt? | December 20th
Experiencing spiritual doubt is more common than people may realize. A study from the Barna Group revealed that two-thirds of Christians interviewed deal with doubt! Of that numerical figure, approximately 45% leave the Church altogether. The same report provided percentages concerning where people go when they doubt. The top response was Friends and Family, coming in at 40%, with the Bible in second at 29%, the Church in third at 22%, followed by Spouses at 19%, Pastors or Spiritual Leaders at 18%, Books at 15%, and Online Searches came in at 12%.
Doubt is a clear and present struggle, and people respond in various ways. But have you ever considered how God deals with our doubt?
To understand this question, look closely at the Christmas narrative. Zechariah and Mary doubted Gabriel's messages about their sons, but God's response differed. In Luke 1:18-20, Zechariah did not believe that his wife Elizabeth could conceive a child, and for good reason because she was in her 80s! As a result, Zechariah's doubt led to the angel punishing him by stopping his speech during Elizabeth's pregnancy. However, when Mary doubted, the angel did not punish or even chastise her for questioning him. Instead, Luke 1:34-35 says, "Mary asked the angel, 'How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?' 35 The angel replied to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.' "
Understanding the difference between Zechariah's doubt and Mary's questioning will help you to know how God deals with our doubts. It will also position you to trust God more and effectively respond when doubt crowds your mind. Because a notable example (Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 21:2-4) had similar circumstances, Zechariah, a priest and follower of the Lord, should've leaned on that precedent. In contrast, Mary's pregnancy was unprecedented and involved the Messiah.
Thus, God fully knows why we may question His plan and timing. However, if we neglect what He has said, we are guilty of doubting without a cause.
Knowing this, let's seek the Scriptures for answers and wait on God for clarification.
Doubt is a clear and present struggle, and people respond in various ways. But have you ever considered how God deals with our doubt?
To understand this question, look closely at the Christmas narrative. Zechariah and Mary doubted Gabriel's messages about their sons, but God's response differed. In Luke 1:18-20, Zechariah did not believe that his wife Elizabeth could conceive a child, and for good reason because she was in her 80s! As a result, Zechariah's doubt led to the angel punishing him by stopping his speech during Elizabeth's pregnancy. However, when Mary doubted, the angel did not punish or even chastise her for questioning him. Instead, Luke 1:34-35 says, "Mary asked the angel, 'How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?' 35 The angel replied to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.' "
Understanding the difference between Zechariah's doubt and Mary's questioning will help you to know how God deals with our doubts. It will also position you to trust God more and effectively respond when doubt crowds your mind. Because a notable example (Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 21:2-4) had similar circumstances, Zechariah, a priest and follower of the Lord, should've leaned on that precedent. In contrast, Mary's pregnancy was unprecedented and involved the Messiah.
Thus, God fully knows why we may question His plan and timing. However, if we neglect what He has said, we are guilty of doubting without a cause.
Knowing this, let's seek the Scriptures for answers and wait on God for clarification.
Recent
Archive
2025
June
God's Forgiveness And Our Failures Faithfulness And Flag DayFollowingPraying About Panic And PainEncouragement Is Necessary Oh, Be Careful Little EyesGod's Promise To Those Who Wait | June 19, 2022 Protect Your TorchTrust God To ProvideGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Kindness CountsAre You Weakening Your Conscience?Maintain A Healthy Conscience Show Mercy Even When People Are MeanRelease Control Of Your Circumstances
July
August
September
October
God's Miraculous PowerYom Kippur, The Jewish Day of AtonementWaiting On God For DirectionTrust God, Not Your GutWinning The Battle Of WorryPrayer Of MosesBlessing of ForgivenessHelp From HeavenHandling Family Drama God Is A Dependable Source of Strength Getting In God's PresenceWe See A Battle, The Lord Sees Our Victory | October 20, 2025Discouragement Is Curable Seeking God's Blessing | October 22, 2025Waiting Can Wear You Out God's Timing Is TrustworthyLive By God's Power Give God First Place In Your ScheduleMonday Morning Beliefs God's Promises Help With PanicThink Before You Talk
2024
January
Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
February
Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
March
No Comments