Every believer faces moments of doubt. It’s part of the journey, but it’s important to remember that God understands our struggles and provides assurance through His Word. When you feel uncertain, know that you’re not alone—many of God’s people have experienced doubt, yet He remained faithful to them. Let’s explore how we can start overcoming doubts by trusting in God’s promises.
1. Remember God’s Faithfulness
The Bible is filled with stories of God’s faithfulness, even when His people doubted. One powerful example is the story of Thomas, who doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he saw Him with his own eyes. Jesus responded not with anger but with love, showing Thomas the proof he needed (John 20:27). God is patient with us, even when we struggle with doubt.
When overcoming doubts, it is helpful to remember how God has worked in the past. Reflecting on His faithfulness can bring comfort and encouragement. Take time to reflect on the times God has been faithful to you personally. Psalm 77:11 says, “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.” When we recall the ways God has shown up in our lives—answered prayers, provided needs, comforted us in pain—we can find strength to trust Him, even when we can’t see the way forward. Keeping a journal of God’s blessings and answered prayers can be a powerful reminder during times of doubt. Remember, overcoming doubts starts with recognizing God’s past faithfulness and trusting that He will continue to be faithful.
2. Lean on God’s Promises
God’s Word is full of promises that can anchor us when we feel adrift in uncertainty. One such promise is found in Isaiah 41:10: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” In times of doubt, remind yourself of these promises. Write them down, memorize them, and speak them aloud. God’s promises are true, and He never fails to keep His Word.
When overcoming doubts, it is crucial to rely on what God has promised, not on our fluctuating emotions. Emotions can change with our circumstances, but God’s Word is unchanging. Meditate on scriptures that speak directly to the struggles you face. For example, if you feel alone, remember God’s promise in Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” If you need wisdom, James 1:5 assures us, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Overcoming doubts requires intentionally leaning on these promises, knowing that God’s Word is a firm foundation we can always trust.
3. Bring Your Doubts to God in Prayer
God invites us to come to Him with our doubts and fears. In Mark 9:24, a father seeking healing for his child cried out, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” This honest prayer shows that it’s okay to admit when we’re struggling. God desires a relationship with us that is real and genuine, and He wants us to bring everything—our faith, our doubts, and our fears—to Him in prayer. Philippians 4:6 encourages us, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
When you are overcoming doubts, be open and honest with God. He already knows your heart, but He wants you to share it with Him. Prayer is a powerful tool to help you overcome doubts, as it allows you to lay all your concerns at God’s feet and trust Him to handle them. When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to talk to God about it. Pour out your heart and ask Him for strength and wisdom. You can also pray for increased faith, just as the disciples did in Luke 17:5, saying, “Lord, increase our faith.” Overcoming doubts isn’t about pretending you don’t have questions—it’s about bringing those questions to the One who holds all the answers and trusting Him to guide you through.
4. Surround Yourself with Believers
When you’re struggling with doubt, it’s important to surround yourself with other believers who can encourage you and point you back to God’s truth. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but exhorting one another.” Find a trusted friend, pastor, or small group where you can share your struggles. Sometimes, just hearing how others have overcome similar challenges can help strengthen your faith.
Overcoming doubts is much easier when you are not doing it alone. God designed us to live in community, and being surrounded by fellow believers can provide the support and encouragement we need when our faith is wavering. Seek out people who will pray for you, speak truth over you, and help you keep your focus on God. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Let others come alongside you in your journey. Be open about your struggles and allow them to encourage and pray for you. Remember, overcoming doubts is not a solo mission—God has given us the church so we can lift one another up in times of struggle.
5. Take One Step at a Time
Overcoming doubt doesn’t always happen overnight. It’s a process of learning to trust God more each day. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Take small steps of faith, even when you don’t have all the answers. Trust that God will guide you, provide for you, and lead you through every challenge.
When overcoming doubts, remember that faith is a journey, not a destination. It’s about taking one step at a time, even when you can’t see the whole path. Just as God provided manna for the Israelites one day at a time in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4), He often provides for us one step at a time. Trust that He knows the way, even when you don’t. Take small, intentional steps—read your Bible daily, spend time in prayer, serve others, and remain connected to a community of believers. Overcoming doubts is about consistently choosing to trust God, one step at a time, even when the way forward seems uncertain. He is faithful to guide you every step of the way.
Final Encouragement
Doubt is a normal part of the Christian walk, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. Remember that God is faithful, His promises are true, and He invites you to come to Him with all your fears. As you learn to trust Him more, you’ll find that He is always with you, guiding you through every uncertainty. Keep seeking Him, and you’ll discover that His love and faithfulness are more than enough to overcome any doubt.
When overcoming doubts, take comfort in knowing that God is with you every step of the way. He knows your heart, He hears your prayers, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Trust in His promises, lean on His Word, and surround yourself with others who will encourage you in your faith. As you continue to grow in your relationship with Him, you will find that overcoming doubts becomes easier because you are relying on the One who is unchanging and completely trustworthy. Keep pressing on—God has incredible things in store for you, and He is faithful to carry you through every challenge.