Doubts arise in the minds of Christians--even strong Christians--just like everyone else. Some of these doubts involve the faith that they rest in. Of course this is no small matter. It is a crisis for true believers. The mind is troubled, the heart fearful of changes in long cherished beliefs.

   The question is not whether this will happen, but what will you do when it does. Will you pray, study, learn and grow--however painful? Will you give up in despair? Will you harden your mind against investigation and stunt all future growth?

   Unfortunately, many Christians strive to push these doubts out of their minds. Instead of investigation, there is denial. But for many, doubt continues to eat away. There is danger in pushing doubt into the dark recesses of your mind. Pretending it is not there will not make it go away. We know what flourishes in the dark: shame, deceit and sin (Romans 13:12). It is much better to bring these thoughts into the light.

   Perhaps the doubt is in the mind of a family member. A son, perhaps, "suddenly" needs some basic--as it seems to us--teaching justified to him. Opinions that had never been challenge are suddenly questioned. Panic often rises instead of calm discussion, and parent and child begin the painful process of estrangement leading to sorrows on top of sorrows.

   Perhaps the doubt is in the mind of a member of the congregation. An inconvenient question is asked. Instead of reaching for the Bible, often people reach for the fire hose. The question is blown away, sometimes along with the brother "for whom Christ died."

   Why do people often respond this way? There are reasons. Some doubts concern issues that tore through brethren years ago. Some veterans of the battles (for example, over the proper work of the church) do not want to fight the battles again. They settled the issue for themselves long ago. They faced their crisis then and do not wish to face it again. We understand that reaction, but we cannot endorse it. This is like a creed--whether written down or not--having a life independent of the scriptures. "We don't think that way." This prevents growth and always leads to apostasy.

   Doubt is not a virtue, but neither is it always bad. How many Christians could tell you that their doubts led them to study, learn and leave a life of error? How many have studied, learned and became stronger in their knowledge and conviction in the Lord? Doubts can be painful, but they should never be left alone. Doubt should lead to investigation.

     And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word. (1 Kings 18:21)

   Modern society seems to honor skepticism. Many people love to just throw rocks at the beliefs of others, content to never stand for anything themselves:

     Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews. . . . (John 18:38)

   This is not the way of Christians. Truth does exist, and Christians should face doubts head on. There is hope for the truth seeker:

     Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)

   The Bible praises those who seek the truth (Jeremiah 5:1), not those who refuse instruction (Ecclesiastes 4:13), nor those who are content to remain ignorant (Hosea 4:6).

   We should not panic about our doubts or the doubts of others. Consider the disciples of Jesus. Jesus stayed with them and continued to teach them, not because they understood Him, but in spite of it. Jesus promised growth and knowledge to those who seek His will and obey what they understand:

     Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

   Do not be satisfied to remain in doubt, but have the patience to be--like the apostles--"perplexed, but not in despair." (2 Corinthians 4:8) Remember Paul's confidence about the Philippians:

     Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. (Philippians 3:15)

   So use doubt--in yourself or in others--as opportunity to learn and grow. Do not be satisfied to let doubt linger, but be patient, for growth often comes slowly. Always remember that the Christian life is a race of patience, not desperation (Hebrews 12:1). You are not the first to face doubts, and Jesus will help if you trust in Him.

     "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)