245. Overcoming Doubt and Unbelief

In this episode, Caroline and Colby continue building on the foundation of our faith discussed in the previous two episodes, where we explored how to actively strengthen your trust in God’s Word through faith and action. Now, we dive into the critical differences between questioning, doubt, and unbelief. While questioning is a healthy part of growing in understanding, doubt can be overcome with God’s help, but unbelief is dangerous and can limit God’s work in our lives. How do we navigate these challenges and remain open to God’s promises? Tune in to hear what scripture says on these topics.

Bible Verses:

John 16:9 “The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.”

Hebrews 3:19 “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”

Psalms 78:41 New King James Version (NKJV) “Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.”

Mark 6:4-6 “Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.”

Topics Discussed:

Questioning

Questioning is a good and healthy thing.
It is good in this life to be curious.
It is part of childlikeness to have questions and want to sincerely want to learn and understand something.
There is a humility with having questions.
Mary asked the angel questions with the intention of gaining understanding. Her questions were sincere.

Doubt

Doubt can be dangerous.
It is normal and natural for us to face doubt but God has given us ways to overcome doubt.
‘Doubting Thomas’ Jesus doesn’t condemn Thomas, He helps him.
We don’t want to entertain doubt for too long, but it can be dealt with.
John the Baptist doubted if Jesus was really the Messiah.
Zachariah experienced doubt when the angel told him he would have a son and the angel responded by closing his mouth so he couldn’t speak until the baby was born. This was so he would no longer speak doubt.
We use God’s Word as a weapon to overcome doubt.

Unbelief

Unbelief can be deadly.
Unbelief is rebellion and rejecting God.
Unbelief is a salvation issue.
The world faces judgement and eternal punishment because of unbelief.
Unbelief affects our day-to-day circumstances and outcomes.
The people of Israel had God’s promise to enter the Promised Land, but they could not enter in because of their unbelief.
Jesus didn’t do miracles because of the people’s unbelief. Their unbelief limited Jesus.
Unbelief limits God.

Powerful Quotes:

“Every word that comes out of our mouth we are responsible for.” – Caroline Harries

“Doubt can be dangerous, and unbelief can be deadly.” – Colby Harries

“For every issue we’re facing, God’s Word addresses it.” – Caroline

“If you have questions, you’re in a great place. It’s what you do with those questions that matter.” – Caroline

“Unbelief does hinder us from stepping into the fullness of what God has for us.” – Caroline

“Unbelief stops us from receiving from God.” – Colby

“Unbelief will prevent you from receiving all that God has for you.” – Caroline

Resources:

Episode 243 The Foundation of Faith//Trusting God’s Word Above All

Episode 244 The Foundation of Faith//Building a Life Rooted in God’s Word

Episode 240 Dreaming Big with God