As a minister in an Evangelical Episcopal Church here in Lethbridge, Alberta, I have seen firsthand how doubt can creep into even the strongest of faith journeys. Life is filled with challenges—unexpected losses, unanswered prayers, and the complexities of a rapidly changing world—that can leave us questioning God’s presence and purpose. If you find yourself in a season of uncertainty or doubt, know this: you are not alone, and your doubt does not disqualify you from God’s love or grace.
Doubt, when approached with an open heart, can become a pathway to deeper faith and understanding. Let’s explore how we can navigate these moments of uncertainty and discover God’s presence even when He feels far away.
Understanding the Nature of Doubt
Doubt is not the enemy of faith but often a part of it. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of individuals who wrestled with their faith. Thomas doubted the resurrection until he touched the wounds of Christ. David cried out in the Psalms, asking, “How long, O Lord?” Even Jesus, in His humanity, called out from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
These moments remind us that doubt is a natural response to the trials of life. It is not a failure but an invitation to lean deeper into our relationship with God.
God Meets Us in Our Doubt
In the Gospel of John, when Thomas expressed his doubt, Jesus did not rebuke him but instead invited him to touch His wounds. Similarly, God meets us where we are, offering His presence and truth in ways we can understand.
In times of uncertainty, prayer becomes our lifeline. Even if your prayers are filled with questions, frustrations, or tears, God hears them. He is not afraid of your doubt but is eager to walk with you through it.
Finding God in the Everyday
In moments of doubt, it’s easy to feel disconnected from God. One of the most profound ways to reconnect is by looking for His presence in the ordinary. Here in Lethbridge, we are surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. The vast skies, the rolling prairies, and the quiet flow of the Oldman River all bear witness to His handiwork.
Take time to pause and reflect on these everyday blessings. Gratitude, even in the smallest things, has a way of realigning our hearts to see God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Leaning on Community
As members of the body of Christ, we are not meant to walk through seasons of doubt alone. The church community is a place where we can bring our questions and struggles without fear of judgment.
At our Evangelical Episcopal Church in Lethbridge, we encourage open and honest conversations about faith. Whether it’s during a small group study, a Sunday service, or over coffee with a fellow believer, sharing your journey can provide perspective and encouragement.
Engaging with Scripture
The Bible is filled with stories of people who faced immense uncertainty yet found God faithful. Dive into these stories. Reflect on Abraham’s journey of trust, Job’s perseverance through suffering, and Paul’s unwavering faith amid persecution.
Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In moments of doubt, stillness allows us to quiet our fears and hear His voice more clearly.
Holding Onto Hope
Doubt often arises when life feels chaotic or when we can’t see God’s plan. But as people of faith, we are called to trust in the unseen. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Even in uncertainty, God is working. He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us, and His plans are always for our good (Deuteronomy 31:8, Jeremiah 29:11).
Conclusion: An Invitation to Trust
Navigating doubt is not about finding all the answers but about trusting the One who holds them. It is in these moments of uncertainty that God often reveals Himself in profound ways.
If you are struggling with doubt, I invite you to come and explore your questions within the supportive and loving community of our Evangelical Episcopal Church in Lethbridge. Let us walk this journey of faith together, leaning into God’s promises and discovering His presence even in the most uncertain times.
No matter where you are on your journey, know that God is with you. He is patient, kind, and faithful to meet you in your doubts and lead you into greater trust and understanding.
If you’d like to talk, pray, or learn more, we are here for you. Please join us for worship or connect with us through our website. Let us walk this path of faith together, finding God even in the uncertainties of life.