045 Faith and Doubt: The Gift of Uncertainty

The Old Testament character of Job has become the poster child for pain, loss, and suffering. But though we’ve heard of Job and have felt sorry for Job, very few of us have ever considered what experiencing all that hardship did for Job. The struggles he went through and the doubts he had to grapple with proved to be, in the end, a gift.

Psalm 84:5-7 says: 

“Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.  As they pass through the Valley of Baca (literally, the valley of tears), they make it a place of springs...They go from strength to strength till each appears before God...”

Valleys are tough to traverse.  Yet it’s in the valley of uncertainty where springs can be found.  It’s in the valley of uncertainty where strength can be gained.  Uncertainty can in fact be a gift. 

Here are four ways that can be true for you.

1.     Uncertainty gives meaning to our faith.

2.     Uncertainty adds humility to our faith.

3.     Uncertainty creates depth in our faith.

4.     Uncertainty allows for growth in our faith.

Uncertainty and doubts are disconcerting to be sure.  There are many times when we long for absolute confidence and total understanding.  But maybe grappling with our doubts and struggling with unanswered questions will make us into the kind of people God wants us to be... and the world needs.

Text: Job 42:1-10; Psalm 84:5-7

Originally recorded August 29, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.