Struggling with Unbelief and Faith in Difficult Times
As you navigate the complexities of faith, remember that you're not alone in your struggle to believe. The apostle Thomas, one of Jesus' own disciples, famously declared, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe" (John 20:25). Yet, when Jesus appeared to him, Thomas's doubts dissipated, and he confessed, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). This encounter reminds us that faith is not solely the product of human resolve, but rather a gift from God, as Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."
In your own struggle to believe, it's essential to recognize that faith is not about mustering up sufficient emotional or mental conviction, but rather about trusting in the object of our faith – the person and work of Jesus Christ. As Hebrews 11:1 puts it, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This means that even when doubts and uncertainties assail you, you can still exercise faith by fixing your gaze on the steadfast character of God, who has revealed himself in Scripture and in the person of Jesus Christ. The psalmist encourages us to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8), even when our experiences and emotions may suggest otherwise.
As you wrestle with your doubts, bring them before the Lord in prayer, just as the father of the epileptic boy did in Mark 9:24, saying, "I believe; help my unbelief!" This humble acknowledgment of your struggles is, in itself, an act of faith, demonstrating your willingness to trust God even when your feelings and thoughts are in turmoil. Remember that the Holy Spirit is at work in you, illuminating your understanding of Scripture and nurturing your faith, as Jesus promised: "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26).