DOUBT

The word means to be uncertain concerning a revealed truth or fact; to waver in one's opinion about something. Every Christian wrestles with doubt on occasion, so it is vitally important that we understand what it is ... and what it is not. 

Guinness - Contrary to widespread misunderstanding, doubt is not the same as unbelief, so it is not the opposite of faith. Rather it is a state of mind in suspension between faith and unbelief. To believe is to be of one mind in accepting something as true; to disbelieve is to be of one mind in rejecting it; to doubt is to waver somewhere between the two, and thus to be of two minds. This important distinction uncovers a major misconception of doubt - the idea that a believer betrays faith and surrenders to unbelief by doubting.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 

In order to experience steadfast faith and eschew moments of doubt, you must study the Word of God ... for it reveals what the Lord has done in the past, what He has promised for the present, and what we can expect from Him in the future.

Jesus Christ's desire for His followers ...   

1. We are to believe without doubting. 

Doubt may assail you but do not pray, "Lord, I doubt; increase my faith"; instead pray, "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." (Mark 9:24) You have the option to choose faith and by the exercise of it give doubt no chance to grow. 

2. We are to pray without doubting. 
Call upon God with confidence. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. (James 1:6-7)

 

3. We are to obey without doubting. 
Peter was told to respond to the call without wavering ... Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. (Acts 11:12) When the Lord sends us on a mission we are not to hesitate with thoughts of 'what if'.

An all-important difference exists, therefore, between the 'open-minded' uncertainty of doubt and the 'closed-minded' certainty of unbelief. Because faith is crucial, doubt remains a serious matter. But, since doubt is not unbelief it is not terminal. 

See it as a 'halfway' stage that can lead you to a deeper faith.