When Faith Feels Like a Costume (Why Do I Wrestle with Doubt?)
Ever felt like your faith is just going through the motions? Like you’re swimming in the ocean and don’t realize you’ve been taken a long way off by the undertow? I’ve been there; praying, reading my Bible, but wondering if I believe it or not. Is this God and faith thing all just a surreal game we play to make ourselves feel better about life? Those moments hit hard, especially when life’s messy and God feels distant. Maybe you’re new to this Jesus thing and questioning if it’s real. Take it from me, with decades of ups and downs: doubt isn’t the end of faith—it’s part of the journey, and God’s big enough to handle it.
We’ve all had those nights when faith feels like a costume that doesn’t fit. Maybe you’re scrolling X, seeing bold Christians, and feeling like a fraud. Or you’re praying, but it feels like your words are bouncing off the ceiling. If you’re new to walking with Jesus, doubt can make you think you’re doing it wrong. But here’s what I’ve learned: God isn’t scared of your questions. He’s ready to meet you in them, turning your doubt into deeper trust. Doubt isn’t failing. In fact, it can be a jumping-off point to a deeper faith. So, let’s dive head first into doubt.
Why Doubt Feels Like a Crisis
Doubt is scary because it shakes what you thought was solid. You wonder if God’s really there, if He cares, or if you’re just talking to yourself. I’ve wrestled with it, especially in seasons when life didn’t add up—bills piling, dreams fading, no direction, and God seeming silent. For me, it wasn’t about rejecting faith but wanting it to be real, not just routine. The world says doubt means you’re weak, but God tells us to go ahead and test Him through our doubts. He’s big enough to handle it.
Scripture doesn’t shy away from doubt. John 20:27 shows Jesus meeting Thomas, who needed proof of His resurrection. He told the other disciples that there was no way he would believe it unless he could put his fingers in the holes in Jesus’ hands where the nails were, and put his hand in the place where the spear pierced His side. Dang. That’s pretty brutal. But Jesus showed up and said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (NIV). Jesus didn’t shame him. He showed up. Your doubts don’t push God away; they invite Him closer.
And how did Thomas react? He took the Gospel farther than any other Apostle, all the way to Southern India. It was in Mylapore (modern Chennai) that tradition tells us he was run through with a spear by local soldiers. I would say that was a man who settled his doubts.
God’s Plan: Doubt as a Doorway
The Bible’s full of doubters God used. Gideon questioned God’s call, needing signs (Judges 6:36-40, hilarious story, BTW), yet led an army. Sarah laughed at God’s promise of a son (Genesis 18:12) but became a mother. They doubted, but God worked through their questions. Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” That includes pouring out your doubts. He’s listening.
Last week, we talked about starting over and picking up the pieces with God’s help. This is the next layer: wrestling with the doubts that creep in when faith feels shaky, trusting God’s still holding you. You can take heart that God isn’t judging you for doubting. He’s not disappointed in you. He says, “Bring it on.”
How to Wrestle with Doubt Without Losing Faith
Like I said, I’ve wrestled with doubt for many years. I believed, but it still all seemed so surreal and untouchable. But here are a few steps I’ve learned from my own wrestling matches. Here’s how to keep going when faith feels hollow:
- Name Your Doubts
Be honest about what’s tripping you up. Is it God’s silence? A hard season? Write it down or say it out loud. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.” God can handle your raw questions and bruised heart. Start there. - Pray, Even If It’s Messy
Don’t wait for perfect faith to pray. Tell God you’re struggling. I’ve whispered, “I don’t know if I believe this,” and He’s met me in it. One of my favorite passages comes in Mark 9:24 which says: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” I have repeated this prayer to God so many times that I couldn’t count. Because I did believe in my heart, but my head was in a different space. That’s not disrespectful. It’s honest. And God honors honest prayers. - Dig into Scripture
The Bible’s full of real people with real doubts. Read about Thomas (John 20:24-29) or Job’s questions (Job 38-42). Let God’s Word anchor you. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching.” The Word of God is your lifeline when faith wobbles. Besides that, it’s a really amazing Book. - Talk to a Trusted Friend
Find someone who’s walked with Jesus longer—a mentor, pastor, or friend. Share your doubts; they’ve likely been there. I say this a lot, I know. Because it’s been so important to me in my life. I don’t know what I would do without my close friends and my cousins. It doesn’t matter if you are the most introverted person on the planet, God will provide a “people” for you. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Let them sharpen you. - Look for God’s Fingerprints
Even in doubt, God’s at work. Notice small signs, the answered prayers, kind words, or a verse that hits home. I’ve seen His hand in tough seasons, reminding me He’s near. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Look for His traces.
God’s Bigger Than Your Doubts
Doubt doesn’t disqualify you, it deepens you. God’s not threatened by your questions; He’s inviting you closer through them. I’ve learned the hard way that faith grows in the wrestling, not in pretending it’s all certain. After starting over, this is how you keep growing: by bringing your doubts to God, one honest step at a time.
So, when faith feels fake, open your Bible, pray your messy prayers, and trust God’s holding you. You’re not alone—He’s with you, turning your doubts into trust, one question at a time.
☕ A little faith, a little courage, and a whole lot of stubborn joy. – Tonya
What’s one doubt you’ve wrestled with—or a time God met you in your questions? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your story!
© 2025 All posts written by Tonya E. Lee
