Rev. Dr. Mike Wooton

What scares you? Heights? Spiders? Driving at night? When it comes to the Christian faith, some fear the idea of having doubts. I have found that doubt can be viewed as the antithesis of faith. I argue that doubt is an essential part of faith. Doubt is needed for faith to be exercised. Doubt can be transformed into faith.

One example of someone who experienced transformation through his doubts is Abram, known as the “father of faith.” Yes, the father of faith had doubts! We find that in Abram’s life, he starts with a strong and vibrant faith. God even gave him a meaningful promise based on having a son. What made Abram doubt? Time elapsed. Years go by without God’s promise being fulfilled. How much time passes by? Around 25 years.

While Abram is doubting, something beautiful happens; God reaches out to Abram. God says, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Before Abram expresses his concern to God; God reaches out with His reassuring presence to Abram. What a wonderful God we serve!  

God is drawing close to Abram, but Abram still struggles with doubt. He thinks, “How is God going to give me a child in my advanced age?” This is where Abram is on the verge of God transforming doubt to faith. If Abram keeps his doubts to himself, he will stay in doubt darkness. If he brings his doubts to God, Abram will be on the verge of a brighter faith walk.

Abram decides to bring his doubts to God. God listens to Abram and takes him outside and says, “Look up at the stars. Count them. The stars show the number of decedents that will come from you.” When Abram sees the brightness of the stars, something happens inside of Abram. A light bulb comes on and Abram trusts God at a new level. Transformation. Even though the odds are still stacked against him, Abram believes God can accomplish what God promises. Where did this transformation come from? Abram brought his doubt to God.

If you are experiencing doubt, bring your doubts to God. God builds faith out of doubt. Doubt is necessary for your faith to develop. Don’t be afraid of your doubts. Bring them to God. You will experience God transforming your disbelief into belief in God’s faithfulness to you.