Three Bible Heroes Who Doubted Have you ever harboured doubts about your faith? At some point in their life, almost everyone has asked nagging questions about their faith—doubts about the God, the Bible, or key elements of the Christianity. While it isn’t necessarily a thing to be celebrated, doubt is part of the human condition. So much so, in fact, that the Bible contains many portraits of people who doubted—some of them great heroes of the faith! Below are three prominent Bible heroes who experienced doubt. As you read each account, take note of God’s response to doubt. Thomas Doubts the Resurrection One of Jesus’ own disciples—someone who had perhaps spent years witnessing miracles, traveling with Christ, and learning at Jesus’ feet—famously doubted that his master had been raised from the dead. Note that an entire week went by before he saw Jesus—plenty of time for questions and doubt to gnaw at his mind. But when Thomas finally saw the risen Christ, his doubt fled John 20:24-29 (NIV) Gideon Shies Away From God’s Call Could God use one man to turn the tide against Israel’s oppressors? Perhaps, but Gideon doubted that God could use him to do it. He tested God twice (challenging God to provide proof of his reliability through a series of miracles) before he would believe. God humored him—and through Gideon, God lead the Israelites to victory. Judges 6:36 (NIV) Sarah and Abraham Laugh at God’s Promise Abraham and his wife Sarah are two of the most important figures in the Old Testament. Both followed God faithfully through a lifetime of challenges and trials. But they couldn’t quite bring themselves to believe one promise God made to them: that they would give birth to a son in their old age. In fact, they both laughed at the prospect. Once their son Isaac was born, however, Abraham’s trust in God had grown so great that he was willing even to sacrifice that promised son if God asked. Genesis 17:17-22, 18:10-15 Far from bringing about apostasy and despair, those experiences of doubt usually lead to a deeper faith. And in each case, God’s response is not wrath but patience; far from punishing His doubting followers, God honors those who seek after Him with earnest questions and doubt. Let us proclaim along with Mark 9:15: “I believe; help my unbelief!” Bible Gateway, 9th August 2012, Chris