Know That You Know

Be merciful to those who doubt.

I’m no stranger to doubt. I used to believe having doubts meant my faith was mediocre and I was an inferior Christian. This belief pushed me away from God rather than toward him. Instead of seeking help beyond myself, I looked for help within, and when I did not find rescue, I spiraled into a black hole of skepticism.

On one of Jesus’ journeys, he encountered a father and his demon-possessed son (see Mark 9:17-29). The father, desperate to see his child healed, brought him to Jesus after the disciples were unable to cast the demonic spirit out of him. When Jesus asked the father how long this had been happening, the father said he’d been suffering since childhood (verse 21).

“If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us,” the father begged Jesus (verse 22).

Do you see those three words exposing the father’s frail belief? If you can.

This suffering father came before Jesus with doubt and belief at war in his heart. He could have given in to unbelief and sunk deeper into despair as he watched his son convulse and foam at the mouth. Yet even as he dragged the heavy weight of his doubt, he still came to Christ.

“‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes,” Jesus responded.

“I believe; help my unbelief!” the father confessed (verses 23-24).

At that moment, Jesus rebuked the evil spirit, and the convulsing in his muscles ceased. Even in the father’s battle with unbelief, his faith was strengthened by the miracle of mercy.

As we walk on this earth in fallen bodies, we will struggle with unbelief and wrestle with doubt. When our minds are entrenched in unrelenting worry and feelings of hopelessness, we have a choice to make: Will we hold on tightly to our despair or turn our eyes on Jesus?

My pawpaw would often ask the question “Do you know that you know?” In other words, when you’re faced with a tough decision or you’re wrestling with doubt, do you know deep down what is true about God and the gospel?

When disbelief rages within, we can call these truths to mind:

• I know that I know the Bible is God’s living and active Word (see Hebrews 4:12).
• I know that I know the gospel transforms our hearts (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).
• I know that I know hope is found only in Jesus (see Hebrews 6:19-20).
• I know that I know God uses my doubts to strengthen my faith in him (see Matthew 14:31-33).

Doubts do not define us, but they can certainly refine us. When doubts lead us to the Word rather than away from it, they become the means to a stronger, deeper, fuller faith.

So turn your heart toward God, who is not afraid of your doubts. When your heart struggles to believe, confess your unbelief to the Lord. As Hebrews 4:16 reminds us, he can—and will—supply grace and mercy to help you in your time of need.

Word before World Trusting God isn’t something we do by feeling; it’s something we do by knowing.

Grow in Grace List some of the doubts troubling your soul lately. Rather than running from them, acknowledge them, bring them to Christ, and humbly pray, “I believe; help my unbelief!”