“How do I know for sure that I really believe in Jesus, that I am going to heaven?” Lately, we have had some wonderful conversations with our teenagers around the topic of doubts and assurance. We all struggle with doubts from time to time, whether in our faith or in our circumstances, abilities, and calling. Have you ever felt insecure in your ability to speak a new language, make meals with unfamiliar ingredients, or speak God’s truth in a different cultural context? Doubt is a part of our human experience, but we aren’t meant to fear it. 

On the podcast linked in the Resources, one of the hosts says that doubts are an invitation to a deeper understanding of who God is. We can respond to that invitation in two ways. We can either dismiss it, push it aside, and try not to think about it again, or we can wrestle with it, cry out to God, and engage with the truth of who He is, who He made us to be, and what He called us to do. Whereas the first option can lead to a sort of complacency, the second can lead to the stretching and strengthening of our faith, taking us into a more fulfilling and even more enjoyable relationship with the Lord. 

But how do we wrestle with our doubts and insecurities? Only God’s truths can combat those feelings. Catechisms, creeds, doctrines, and hymns are all good ways to find and memorize truths to have at the ready for those moments of doubt. Being in a community of believers, whether church or ministry team, is also good for wrestling with our insecurities. When we are too weak to speak truth to ourselves, having brothers and sisters who lovingly and patiently address our feelings, who can even identify with our doubts, is invaluable and helps us feel less alone in the process. And prayerfully, we come to a place of assurance in our only certain hope… 

“What is our hope in life and death? 
Christ alone, Christ alone 
What is our only confidence? 
That our souls to him belong”* 

*Lyrics taken from “Christ Our Hope in Life And Death” by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Matt Papa