How to Thrive in TeenagehoodSample

Doubting/Questioning Your Faith

Doubt by definition is a feeling of uncertainty or a weakness of faith in something. In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis clears up nicely why we doubt (credit to him for this analogy!). Think back to when you were a child learning to swim. Were you scared the first time you got into the water? Did you feel safer knowing the swimming instructor was there if you needed help? The analogy goes something like this: even though the swimming instructor is there to help you, sometimes at the back of our minds we might still be fearful of drowning. The risk is still there, even though it is almost definitely not going to happen.

C.S. Lewis defines faith as “the art of holding onto the things you once accepted, in spite of your changing moods. For moods will change, whatever your beliefs are”. Faith is necessary for Christians, as it withstands mood changes and keeps you grounded despite doubts. Your beliefs cannot be dependent on your mood, because feelings come and go - that’s life. We can be carried away by feelings, and need to be careful that they don’t go too far - so far that they go beyond what we know to be true. The truth we have in Jesus holds, regardless of where we are in life emotionally and spiritually.

Now questions are not the same as doubts, however they can lead to doubts. These doubts do not have to affect the strength of our faith if we apply what C.S. Lewis and the Bible says. Questioning can actually be a really positive thing that can point you towards the truth of Jesus. In my experience, I have found that the more questions I ask, the more I understand how Christianity fits into the world. I have also found that holding back a burning question does more harm than good to your faith. It is always better to ask people around you that you trust; you never know, the answer might make you stronger!

These experiences and discussions can also help you to relate to unbelievers or people struggling with their faith, as you can understand more where their head is at. Whatever the question, remember Jesus said “seek and you will find”. God answers every time: not always immediately, or even in the way you expected. But he will respond with whatever it is you need to know, even if it is just simply with his presence or reminders of his promises.

Prayer: I pray you help us Lord to keep us in the truth and to trust in you even if we don’t think we can. Help us be reminded that you have never failed to reach us when we’re down and in need of you and your guidance. In Jesus' name, amen.

Questions:

What questions are causing you to doubt at the moment?

How can you invite God more into the areas of doubt in your life?