07/27/2025
joseph@wcchurch.com
FAITH {doubt}
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED?
1. Introduction:
Opening questions:
- Has your faith ever been tested? Did you believe God for something and it didn’t happen? We can fall into a trap where we try to make a formula out of our faith.
- If I pray like this, then God will answer my prayers. If I appear a certain way then God will give me the breakthrough I’m looking for. In this series we’ve been digging deeper into the questions that have been asked, here’s a couple to get you started: (these stood out to me as I was preparing this message) 1. Is faith really faith if you have to actively choose to ignore doubtful thoughts, and the positive thoughts don’t come naturally? 2. Why does God allow us to go through mental health struggles? 3. Why is it so easy to be angry at God? 4. If God knows everything and probably knows that we would sin, what was the point of creating us? These types of questions left unanswered or unaddressed can overtime lead to a doubtful mind. My aim in this message is to address some of these questions, but more importantly show you how doubt can be used to your benefi t.
>> Story of how my tuition was paid for in Aus. Story of how my family was provided for during tough times in high school. How God blessed me with two cars etc.
I say all of this because during all of these moments and amazing blessings I still had days, weeks where I seriously doubted whether things would turn around.
How do we handle the doubt we face as Christians? How do we handle the doubt when things get tough and life looks dire? The picture you see and the picture God sees is very different, but what helps is time in His presence and Word.
Centurion’s faith:
“When He had completed all His discourse in the hearing of the people, He went to Capernaum. And a centurion’s slave, who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders asking Him to come and save the life of his slave. When they came to Jesus, they earnestly implored Him, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this to him; for he loves our nation and it was he who built us our synagogue.” Now Jesus started on His way with them; and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself
further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.” Luke 7:1-10 NASB1995
It’s not surprising really that the centurion responded to Jesus in faith. Fill in the Blank 1: He understood from his own experience in the army that if someone with authority commands something to be done, it gets done. No questions asked.
In both the Gospels and the book of Acts, Roman centurions are presented as quality men of character, and this centurion is a great example. He loved the Jewish people in Capernaum and even built them a synagogue. He had a heart of concern for people, especially for his lowly servant boy who was dying.
>> Why is this important? = The Romans were not known for displaying humility, especially before their Jewish subjects.
QUESTIONS we ask ourselves:
Does my experience with authority predispose me to respond to God in faith or in unbelief? Have those in authority over me made promises they couldn’t keep? Have I been forgotten and overlooked? Am I burdened with disappointment or even cynicism? Am I able to forgive those who have let me down?
This story of the Roman centurion speaks of the faith he had for his slave to be healed. Fill in the blank 2: What’s so amazing about this is the fact that Jesus didn’t even see or touch the man for him to be healed. That’s the characteristic that most impressed Jesus, his faith! You may feel like God is distant in your life today, but the truth is that He sees you and wants to give you good gifts. Matthew 7:11 NASB1995
'If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! '
>> Only twice in the Gospel record are we told that Jesus marveled:
1. The faith of a gentile and 2. In Nazareth, He marveled at the unbelief of the Jews.
2. Observation:
The centurion came forward even though he felt unworthy for Jesus to even come into his home. Yet Jesus responded to him by saying that He hasn’t seen such faith in all of Israel. More than that, Jesus said “let it be done for you as you have believed”.
What’s the limiting factor?
What the centurion believes Jesus is capable of doing. Fill in the blank 3: He saw a parallel between the way he commanded his soldiers and the way Jesus commanded diseases.
When it comes to faith, we all live our lives with a measure of it. But, faith comes down to who or what you place it in:
● We place our faith in the chair we sat on, trusting that it will hold.
● We do it in traffi c, trusting other drivers will drive carefully and consider those around them.
QUESTION:
Where do I fi nd myself in the story? Am I the centurion, humble but bold to ask and quick to believe? Am I the servant, suffering and waiting for healing? Am I one of the disciples, watching, maybe a bit offended that Jesus says a mere Gentile has more faith than they do?
>> What is God’s invitation to me at this moment?
Jesus invites us to place our faith in Him. Sadly, oftentimes we take matters into our own hands, and leave Him out of the picture completely. If this Roman, with very little spiritual instruction, had that kind of faith in God’s Word, how much greater our faith should be and can be! Our prayer should be like that of the apostles: “Increase our faith!” Luke 17:5 NASB.
There’s a distinction that needs to be made from the outset:
● There’s a faith that is big, bold, confi dent (Quantity). We can pray eloquent prayers, shout and make a spectacle out of having faith.
OR:
● We can have the kind of faith that when it’s placed in Jesus, will deliver the miracles, breakthroughs and healings we seek. (Quality).
The difference is where the faith is placed between these two. Fill in the blank 4: Oftentimes it feels like we need our faith to sound, look and even feel a certain way for it to be faith.
In my own life, I’ve walked down both these roads. Praying a certain way, chasing a feeling of certainty. Falling into the trap thinking that when I pray a certain way that miracles and breakthroughs will
follow.
● Countless times, I saw breakthroughs and answers to prayers when I leaned on His Word and presence in my life.
● Faith comes by hearing, hearing the word of God. This is where our faith is increased. Not by seeking to walk out our faith in a way that looks like that of the Pharisees. Because that’s not faith at all, we’re just fooling ourselves.
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 NASB1995
“Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with diffi culties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 NASB1995
I love these two verses. One talks about how we increase our faith in God. Whereas the other one reminds us that even when we are building our faith up, we can feel weak at the same time and that is okay. ● Fill in the blank 5: Paul is reminding us that living a life of faith, doesn’t equal smooth sailing and a life free of challenges.
The breakthroughs that I’ve experienced in my own life came during times I felt doubtful. Still believing, still praying but wrestling with the doubt in my heart and mind at the same time.
What do we do with the doubt? Do we pray it away? Like some sickness, I don’t think so. Doubt if we let it can be the turning point we need, the place where we can learn to trust God in a way we haven’t before. Fill in the blank 6: Doubt can be like the check engine light or the low battery notifi cation, telling us we need a refi ll of God’s presence.
The story in Luke 17:5-10 talks about the disciples asking Jesus to increase their faith. What is His response to them? “Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.”
● Here we see again that it is the quality of what faith is placed in that makes it powerful.
● Faith is also seen as a step further than just obeying what God asks of us. That is why faith is so pleasing to Him.
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NASB1995
Back to the story in Luke: Luke 17:5-10 NASB1995
“The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey
you. “Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the fi eld, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’? But will he not say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’”
Are we the kind of Christians that live our lives doing only what was asked of us? Or are we actively asking God how we can do more for Him? That’s the difference between faith and obedience in God.
● Both are required for us as Christians.
● But faith is what pleases the heart of God.
QUESTION:
What happens in our lives when we just accept the status quo?
● Things don’t really change.
● We fall into a cycle of mundane living, doing what is required of us. But nothing more.
● Not believing God for more in our lives.
● Our faith begins to suffer silently and we drift from God.
In life, when you aren’t actively working on improving yourself, spending time with God and being proactive you stand still and begin to drift away from the things we desire.
In Matt 17:19-21, Jesus makes the distinction between the littleness of the disciples faith and faith as small as a mustard seed. Matthew 17:19-21 NASB1995
“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” And He *said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. [But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”]”
Key takeaway from this verse: prayer and fasting. “ and nothing will be impossible to you. [But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”]”
WHY are these important? ● Fill in the blank 7: It brings you closer to Jesus. You’re more attuned to His voice. Our mind goes quiet and we can clearly discern His voice in our lives. It’s the basics we neglect, and then wonder why we fi nd it hard to hear Him. John 10:24-27 NASB1995
“The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe it because you are not My
sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;”
If we truly follow Him, we will hear His voice. He promises that those who seek Him will fi nd Him. “He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
Doubting Thomas:
John 20:26-29 NASB1995
“After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your fi nger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” I love this line “do not be unbelieving, but believing”.
Straight to the point. Oftentimes when I read the Word, I read it merely as an observer. But, how many times am I doubting Thomas in my own story? How many times do we put ourselves in the shoes of those who struggled in scripture?
I love the Psalms for the honesty with which they are written. It’s not just perfect songs being sung to the Lord. Oftentimes we meet a distressed David crying out to God in his tough times. Psalm 13:1-2 NASB1995
‘How long, LORD? Will you forget me for ever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?’
I don’t know about you, but I wrestle with my thoughts. Fill in the blank 8: Sometimes if I’m not careful I can fall in love with my own opinions rather than what God says about my current situation or about who I truly am. Job 22:21-30 NASB1995
“Yield now and be at peace with Him; Thereby good will come to you. Please receive instruction from His mouth, And establish His words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored; If you remove unrighteousness far from your tent, And place your gold in the dust, And the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks, Then the Almighty will be your gold And choice silver to you. For then you will delight in the Almighty And lift up your face to God. You will pray to Him, and He will hear you; And you will pay your vows. You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And light will shine on your ways. When you are cast down, you will speak with confi dence, And the humble person He will save. He will deliver one who is not innocent, And he will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.”
I love this passage in Job. It’s a reminder that when we surrender to the Lord He will give us exactly what we need.
WHY? = His yoke is easy and His burden light, but it only becomes our reality when we choose to wrestle with God instead of ourselves.
When we deal with doubt as Christians we tend to only think about how it is affecting us and why God hasn’t intervened in our lives?
● I remember a time when I was working in hospitality and all I wanted during that time was to get away from it all. Thinking, “ why did I waste 3 years going to Bible College, when I could have been studying something else?”
It was then when our pastor at the time reminded me that when we give of ourselves to others the perspective we have of our situation starts to change.
Look up to God and look out for others instead of looking within (selfi shly).
Doubt will make us think things of God that aren’t true.
This is why I love the Psalms, because of its honesty: Psalms 3:2-3 NIV
“Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”
This is where the rubber hits the road.
When life is not going according to your plan, when God doesn’t answer a prayer or you’ve experienced great loss. What will our response be? Fill in the blank 9: It isn’t something that can be manufactured on the spot. It’s something you build day after day in your heart. Psalms 119:11 NASB1995
“Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.”
Now before I read the next passage in John, lets quickly cover what happened before:
● Five thousand were fed
● Jesus walks on water
● Jesus spoke to the people, the Jews and the disciples about what it means to be a true follower of Jesus. People - Jews - Disciples.
It is said that many disciples left Jesus after this and here is where we fi nd ourselves in verse 66.. John 6:66-69 NASB1995
“As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to
Whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You
are the Holy One of God.”
When we experience doubt as Christians, it can be helpful to see it as an opportunity to grow, learn and deepen your faith. Truth is that doubt is a natural part of life — however it should encourage us to refl ect and maybe dig deeper into His word. This story in John 6:66-69, where after all the miracles the disciples witnessed you would think that their faith grew stronger and yet what happened? Sadly, the scripture says that many of them at the end of this chapter didn’t continue following Jesus.
My premise for this message is that even when our questions are answered and we see Jesus move in our lives, we forget that as Christians we should wrestle with our doubts. Whether you’re believing for a new job, for healing something the doctors have called incurable.
>> Jesus wants our full devotion when life is at its darkest. Why? Because at the heart of the matter we have been created to worship Him. What separates us from the angels? We have free will, so when we choose to stand and praise Him, I guarantee that the angels take notice and our faith pleases the heart of God.
QUESTION:
What doubts do you experience?
Is there anything that holds you back from admitting them to yourself?
to God, or to someone you trust?
● One thing I’ve learned in my walk with God is that I would rather wrestle with my doubt than resign myself to despair. APPLICATION: Surround yourself with people who build your faith.
● I would rather walk through the doubt with God than without Him. APPLICATION:Give God your doubts, pour your heart out and allow Him to strengthen your faith
● By prioritizing His Word and presence. I believe that my current struggles matter and that eternal life awaits me. APPLICATION:Remember that others have doubts too and struggle with it from time to time. Serve those around you! Mark 9:24 NASB1995
“Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”
“the father was honest enough to admit his own unbelief and to ask the Lord to help him and his son. Jesus did cast out the demon and restore the boy to his father.”
Wiersbe, Warren W. 1996. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 1. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
>> There’s this part of us that is afraid of doubt, just like we are to failure. No matter how much we believe there’s a little voice that says, “maybe it won’t work out”, “he doesn’t care about you that
much” etc. We have to remember that doubt can be used as a tool to drive you closer to God and build up your faith in the process.
Doubt isn’t something scary that should be avoided, but it is a sign that God is trying to teach you something about who He is and what His Word says about you.
CLOSING:
● When we take our doubts to God and wrestle with them at His feet, in this place we can learn to walk differently.
● It was Jacob’s walk that changed, when we truly wrestle with God we are changed from the inside out.
“Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob’s thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him and said, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And he blessed him there. So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.” Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over Penuel, and he was limping on his thigh.” Genesis 32:24-31 NASB1995
● When we take the story of Jacob to heart, God will transform us from the inside out. And we will walk differently because of it. ● Fill in the blank 10: The limp becomes our stride as Christians, because we know who we are in Him.
