“We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ,
the Son of the living God.”
These are two of the greatest declarations of who Jesus Christ is. These declarations were given by Peter and Thomas.
What do Peter and Thomas have in common?
Both of them have tainted testimonies of doubt. Bashing on doubters is great fun for those who are secure in their security. Weakness loves it when strong people trip.
Their ability to state who Christ is so powerfully and succinctly may just be due to their doubts. People who doubt say some dumb things, ask some stupid questions, and struggle where most others push through without pause.
But doubters often get their questions answered and once the doubt is removed, a strong, enduring faith takes its place. Granted weakness may come back, as Peter demonstrates, but Peter learns through it all.
Doubt should not be something the Church is afraid of. Doubt should be taken as opportunity to point people to God’s Word, the strong bearing the infirmities of the weak. At some point you might be the weak or the strong.
Doubters often have different experiences in life than you do, so their doubt lies in different areas. Those who cast off doubt immediately often end up in lethargic, ignorance, too afraid to know where to go.
John the Baptist doubts in Luke 7, but he has the faith to go to Christ with his doubt and Christ graciously relieves the doubts. Let us be likeminded. Have the faith to doubt, but take care of the doubt, don’t wallow in it. Ask a question. Seek the Lord. Be gracious to others who have doubts, too.
