Witness Through Doubt
Scripture Reading — John 3:1-21
“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
—John 3:4
Most people who are not Christians or committed to an organized church are agnostic, not atheistic. They don’t say there is no God; they just say they can’t be sure if there is a God or not. Often they are seeking answers to deep questions that are not about head knowledge but about where they belong in the world.
In the church we’ve been given many answers that we treasure, and we have certainty and assurance of who we are in God’s world. But we also need to hear people’s questions. People outside the church often have questions we haven’t thought to ask—or haven’t dared to. But doubt can can drive us to seek answers, and together we can find deeper faith.
Nicodemus had many questions. Like a spiritual seeker, he believed in God, but he wasn’t sure of everything Jesus was teaching. A graceful Christian witness listens to struggles like those. With love, we step into the seeker’s world, as Jesus did, to hear questions and offer any answers we know. A gracious attitude could be the welcome that someone is looking for into faith in Jesus Christ.
Think of the doubts and questions you’ve had about God. Does someone you know have similar questions that you can empathize with? How can you be confident and humble as you share biblical answers?
Loving Father, you graciously listen to our questions and guide us with your answers. Help us to be your ears and voice to people seeking you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Daryl DeKlerk
Daryl DeKlerk pastors a church in Jarvis, Ontario. He is thankful for a sabbatical that enabled him to study the theme of Grace-filled Christian Witness. Daryl and his wife have three young children who keep them on their toes and on their knees in prayer.
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