Doubt is a universal human experience, and even those of faith are not exempt. Throughout the Bible, we encounter individuals grappling with doubt, questioning their beliefs, and seeking reassurance. These moments of uncertainty serve as profound reminders of the complexities of faith and the human condition. In this article, we will explore 12 examples of doubt in the Bible, each offering insights into the nature of doubt and the resilience of faith.
12 Examples of Doubt in the Bible
#1. Doubt of Thomas – John 20:24-29
Thomas, known as the doubter, demanded proof of Jesus’ resurrection. He declared, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Yet, when Jesus appeared to him and invited him to touch his wounds, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Thomas’s doubt was transformed into profound belief through direct experience.
#2. Doubt of Sarah – Genesis 18:9-15
Sarah, despite being promised a child in her old age, laughed in disbelief. When she overheard the angels speaking to Abraham about her bearing a son, she laughed within herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” (Genesis 18:12). However, the Lord responded, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14), reaffirming His promise.
#3. Doubt of Abraham – Genesis 17:15-22, Genesis 18:9-15
Abraham, too, struggled with doubt when he was promised a son in his old age. Upon hearing the news, he fell face down and laughed, saying to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” (Genesis 17:17). Yet, despite his doubt, Sarah conceived as promised, demonstrating the faithfulness of God’s word.
#4. Doubt of Gideon – Judges 6:36-40
Gideon, chosen by God to deliver Israel from oppression, sought confirmation through a fleece. He said to the Lord, “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised—look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand” (Judges 6:36-37). God granted his request, demonstrating patience with Gideon’s doubt.
#5. Doubt of Peter – Matthew 14:22-33
Peter, bold and impulsive, experienced doubt as he walked on water toward Jesus. When he saw the strength of the wind, he began to sink and cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30). Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, reproving him for his little faith. Peter’s doubt serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping focused on Christ amidst life’s storms.
#6. Doubt of Elijah – 1 Kings 19:1-18
Elijah, after a great victory over the prophets of Baal, fled in fear from Queen Jezebel’s threat. He requested for his life to be taken away, saying, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life” (1 Kings 19:4). However, God provided sustenance and reassured Elijah in a gentle whisper, demonstrating His presence even in moments of doubt.
#7. Doubt of John the Baptist – Matthew 11:2-6, Luke 7:18-23
John the Baptist, while imprisoned, sent his disciples to inquire if Jesus was the Messiah. He questioned, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). Jesus responded by performing miracles and proclaiming the fulfillment of prophecy, affirming his identity as the awaited Messiah.
#8. Doubt of Zechariah – Luke 1:5-25
Zechariah, upon being told by the angel Gabriel that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son in their old age, doubted the possibility. He asked, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years” (Luke 1:18). As a consequence of his doubt, he was struck mute until the birth of his son, John the Baptist.
#9. Doubt of the Israelites in the Wilderness – Exodus 14:10-12, Numbers 14:1-12
The Israelites, despite witnessing numerous miracles in their exodus from Egypt, doubted God’s provision and leadership in the wilderness. They complained to Moses, saying, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?” (Exodus 14:11). Their lack of faith led to consequences, as they were denied entry into the Promised Land.
#10. Doubt of Job – Job 3:1-26, Job 7:11-21
Job, amidst immense suffering, expressed doubt and lamented his existence. He cursed the day of his birth, saying, “May the day perish on which I was born” (Job 3:3), and questioned God’s justice, asking, “Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy?” (Job 13:24). Despite his doubts, Job maintained his integrity and ultimately found restoration and blessings from God.
#11. Doubt of Martha – John 11:17-27
Martha, upon the death of her brother Lazarus, expressed doubt in Jesus’ ability to bring about resurrection. She said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). However, Jesus responded with reassurance, declaring, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). Martha’s doubt was met with a powerful demonstration of Christ’s authority over death.
#12. Doubt of the Disciples – Matthew 16:21-23, John 20:24-29
The disciples, despite witnessing Jesus’ miracles and teachings, struggled with doubt throughout their journey with him. When Jesus foretold his death and resurrection, Peter rebuked him, saying, “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” (Matthew 16:22).
Later, Thomas expressed doubt in Jesus’ resurrection, declaring, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Yet, Jesus patiently addressed their doubts, providing evidence of his resurrection and commissioning them to spread the Gospel to all nations.
Closing Thoughts
The examples of doubt found in the Bible serve as powerful reminders of the human experience of faith and uncertainty. From Thomas’s demand for proof to Martha’s questioning in grief, these narratives resonate with our own struggles and doubts. Yet, amidst uncertainty, the Bible portrays a God who is patient, compassionate, and faithful. He meets doubt with reassurance, transforms skepticism into belief, and ultimately invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. As we navigate our own moments of doubt, may we find encouragement in these stories and trust in the steadfastness of God’s promises.