“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). We find our faith challenged on a number of occasions as we go through life. Such is certainly the case in the process of growing up. Some become so unsettled by the problems that are raised that they begin to have doubts as to the correctness of their faith in Christ. During these difficult times of uncertainty and perplexity, we may wonder what we can do, and this is especially a concern for young people.
First, do not for a moment think that you are the first person who faced doubt. Such has happened in the lives of countless believers, but their faithfulness to God shows us that attacks do not have to destroy one’s faith (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Second, do not think because you have doubts that you are a wicked person. It is often the case that some doubts originate in the lower levels of moral living, but there are many perplexities that do not originate there. This prayer will help: “Lord, we believe, help thou our unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
Third, do not think that your case is hopeless and that you will never settle your doubt. Be patient and give yourself some time to study the problem.
Fourth, do not throw overboard all you believe just because at the present time you are unsettled on this point or that point. Don’t give up. Hang in there, and things will work themselves out. Remember that God’s providential help is always present (Hebrews 4:11).
Fifth, do not fail to live by the highest principles that you believe. Act on that in which you have confidence. If a person will not live by the truth he sees, what good will additional truth do for him? He is not as serious as he ought to be concerning truth and righteousness (Hebrews 2:4).
Sixth, deal with it diligently. It may take study to solve the problem or to understand it, as is true in some cases, but the problem does not need to disturb faith even though that particular problem may never be solved (2 Timothy 2:15).
Seventh, regardless of the problem, it should be dealt with prayerfully. Prayer is not a substitute for study, and study is not a substitute for prayer (Luke 17:5).
Eighth, seek help from other sources—persons and books—as we have opportunity. It may be that a friend or a neighbor has just solved that problem. Do some study in the field of Christian evidences, for otherwise, we may let one problem outweigh a thousand solutions. Recognize that a thing can be proved even if we cannot answer all questions concerning the matter. Remember that somewhere there is someone who has the answer for which we are looking (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Ninth, have confidence in the Bible. At all times, the Bible has been found to be true and its critics false! Such will give a person confidence so that the next problem can be dealt with satisfactorily. Thus, a child of God does not become unsettled every time a new challenge is raised. Have the attitude, “God said it—that settles it” (Hebrews 11:6).
Remember as we go through life that our faith will be challenged on occasions. During these times of uncertainty and perplexity, be patient, work, pray, study and seek counsel from good sources.
