Dictionary of Bible Themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8700 Threats to the life of faith » 8726 doubters
Scripture provides examples of believers who express temporary doubts--in particular about the willingness and power of God to deliver his people, the nature of his purpose, and their own place within the divine plan.
Examples of those doubting their effectiveness to serve God
Moses
Exodus 3:11See alsoExodus 4:1,10-13;Exodus 6:12,30;Numbers 11:13-15
Gideon
Judges 6:15See alsoJudges 6:17,36-40
Elijah
1 Kings 19:3-4See also1 Kings 19:10,14
Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1:6See alsoJeremiah 15:10
Those temporarily doubting God's promises
Genesis 15:8See alsoGenesis 17:17-18;Genesis 18:12-15;Luke 1:18
Those doubting God's power
Abraham and Isaac doubt God's protection
Genesis 12:12-13Fearing for his safety, Abraham resorts to deception.See alsoGenesis 20:2;Genesis 26:7
Moses and Israel in the desert
Exodus 5:22-23See alsoExodus 14:10-11The Israelites doubt God's protection at the Red Sea;Numbers 11:21-22Moses doubts God's provision of food;Numbers 13:31-33The ten spies doubt God's power to give victory in Canaan;Numbers 20:7-12Moses strikes the rock twice.
Others doubting God's deliverance
1 Samuel 17:11The people of Israel are dismayed by the challenge from Goliath;Isaiah 7:2King Ahaz, afraid of the coalition of Syria and Israel turns to Assyria for help;Matthew 14:29-31Peter, walking on water, is afraid and begins to sink;Acts 12:14-15The early church does not believe that God has released Peter from prison.
Believers questioning God
Questioning God's actions
Judges 6:13See alsoNumbers 11:10-12;Numbers 14:3;Joshua 7:7-8
Questioning God's commands
1 Samuel 16:2Samuel;2 Kings 4:42-43Elisha's servant;Isaiah 7:12Ahaz
Jesus Christ's disciples:
Mark 6:37 ppMatthew 14:16-17 ppLuke 9:13John 11:39Martha;Acts 9:13-14Ananias
Believers with doubts about Jesus Christ
Matthew 11:2-3 ppLuke 7:18-19John 20:25See alsoMatthew 28:17;Mark 16:11-14;Luke 24:25
See also
6257 unbelievers
8721 doubt
8834 unbelief
