How do I deal with doubt? I Act

Sometimes doubt sets in, and we begin to question everything we had thought to be the proper steps to take. When you are in doubt and unsure about what to do, what should your next move be? Act!

The reality is that nobody’s faith is perfect. Sometimes we doubt ourselves and even doubt God’s plans for us. Please think of this as an opportunity to grow your faith to a point where it is unwavering. And as such, act even in doubt and uncertainty. Take those steps towards your goals even when unsure about your next moves.

As humans and Christians, we tend to doubt a lot. But what could be a limitation should be a steppingstone towards progress and success. Dealing with doubt and deciding to act regardless isn’t easy, but that’s what the bible says about overcoming doubt. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss two things: how to deal with doubt and how to deal with uncertainty. 

How to Deal with Doubt and Uncertainty 

• Act!

Take action based on God's words to you. Have confidence in His promises and trust that He will guide you to completion. Imposter syndrome often arises as doubt. Questions like "Can I do it?", "Will I manage to launch this business?", or "Am I capable of studying and passing this exam?" may surface. Remember, you have the ability to surmount any challenges that come your way. Acting despite doubts pushes you to accomplish tasks you once deemed impossible. Some of my most significant work emerged when I thought I had nothing left. By persevering, I ventured into new territories, and so can you.

• Have mercy on those who doubt

Mercy? Yes, be merciful to doubtful people, even if that is you. It is easy to consider yourself a second-rate Christian when you find yourself in doubt. You would think the promises of God stated in the bible should be enough to assure it isn’t always so. Don’t judge or condemn when you are in a place of uncertainty. Jude 22 says, “Be merciful to those who doubt” (NIV). Getting over doubt isn’t an overnight thing. It is part of our nature as humans to question things. So be more forgiving to yourself and others when you find yourself in such a situation.

• Realize doubt is often the birth pangs of deepened faith

As we grow in our faith, we become tested and tried (the Book of Job). The values taught to us by our parents aren’t always enough to guide us through the challenges in our relationships, at work, and in life. Our most significant doubts aren’t always a bad thing.

What do we do about college? Are we committing to the right person? Is it time to venture into this project? Is this God’s will for me?

Such doubts often result in stronger faith in ourselves and God. By acting regardless of our insecurities and fears, we deepen our faith in God’s plans for us.

• Be ready to live with mystery

It would be great to know the end from the beginning; to have all the answers before we take the following steps. But the only one who is all-knowing is God. Accept that you may not know the exact outcome of that project or business but go in for it anyway. The Bible in Deuteronomy 29 vs. 29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to our children and us forever…” (NIV). As much as God reveals to us all truths, there are certain things he withholds for our good. What you know is often enough to take the subsequent steps towards progress.

•  Make the main things the main things

Often, doubts come as a result of secondary things. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 15:3), he said he had delivered to them things “of first importance.” Sometimes we are given an idea for a business, but we begin to doubt and second guess if people would leave other thriving businesses to patronize ours. The truth is you may never know till you start. Focus on the things which are of first importance, start the business. 

• Doubt your doubt

How do you doubt your doubt? It may not make sense, but this technique has proven true in my life. When you start questioning your plans, goals, and aspirations, question those questions. It may look something like this:

I don’t know if I am smart enough to pursue this degree. What if I fail?

Doubting doubt: what makes others doing this degree better than me? What’s stopping me from succeeding? What if I succeed?

Be critical of your doubts. Doubts don’t offer something better; it takes away from the solution and direction we are working towards. Doubt can only pester your faith, but it cannot outweigh it. When you learn to doubt your doubt, you can take action no matter what.

Conclusion

There may always be some degree of doubt when dealing with your affairs, but once you choose to see them as mere challenges, you build up the strength to act even in situations of uncertainty. Remember that “the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”(Romans 11:29).  Do not doubt his plan and purpose for you or who he has called you to be.