By Pastor David Santiago
“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24
Doubt is not the enemy of faith. It’s often the doorway to deeper trust.
In our churches, we see people wrestling with questions: “Is God really good?” “Why didn’t He answer my prayer?” “Can I trust the Bible?” These aren’t signs of rebellion. They’re signs of wrestling. And the Bible doesn’t condemn the wrestlers. It welcomes them.
The Bible Makes Room for Doubt
Mark 9:24 is one of the most honest prayers in Scripture. A father, desperate for his son’s healing, says to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief.” Jesus doesn’t rebuke him. He heals his son. That moment reminds us: God honors honest faith, even when it’s mixed with uncertainty.
Throughout Scripture, we see faithful people who questioned:
- David asked, “How long, Lord?” in the Psalms
- The job demanded answers in his suffering
- Thomas needed to see the wounds
- John the Baptist asked, “Are you the one?” from prison
These stories show us that doubt is not a disqualification. It’s part of the journey.
What Faith Offers in Seasons of Doubt
- A Savior who welcomes questions. Jesus never shamed sincere seekers
- A community that can hold space. The church must be a safe place for honest conversation
- A Scripture that speaks to struggle. The Bible is full of lament, tension, and resolution
- A Spirit who guides gently. The Holy Spirit leads us into truth, not by force, but by invitation
Grace-Filled Ways to Navigate Doubt
- Name your questions. God is not threatened by your honesty
- Stay in the a community. Isolation intensifies confusion; connection brings clarity
- Keep engaging Scripture. Even when it feels distant, let the Word speak
- Pray like the father in Mark 9. “Help my unbelief” is a holy prayer
- Seek wise counsel. Talk to pastors, mentors, or spiritual directors who can walk with you
How the Church Can Respond
- Normalize the journey. Teach that doubt is part of spiritual growth
- Create safe spaces. Small groups, Q&A nights, and pastoral conversations should welcome questions
- Model humility. Leaders don’t need to have every answer. They need to point to Jesus
- Celebrate honest faith. Applaud those who keep showing up even when they’re unsure
A Word to the Questioning
If you’re doubting, you’re not alone. You’re not broken. You’re not less spiritual. You’re human, and you’re on a sacred path. Mark 9:24 is your prayer. Jesus hears it. And He responds with grace.
A Prayer for the Doubting
Lord,
You are patient with our questions and kind to our confusion. For every person wrestling with doubt today, draw near. Speak peace to their storm. Let them know they are not alone.
Give courage to ask, humility to listen, and grace to keep walking.
May your church be a place where questions are met with compassion, and seekers are met with truth.
And may every heart hear your whisper: “You are still mine.”
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Selah.