Doubt...

Doubt creeps in when our prayers take too long to be answered, when life feels overwhelming, or when culture pushes us to “pick a side.”

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah stood before the people and asked a tough question: “How long will you waver between two opinions?” He called out their doubt, their indecision, their half-in/half-out faith. And then God showed up in a way that left no room for questioning — fire fell from heaven, and the people bowed, declaring: “The Lord — He is God!”

Doubt doesn’t scare God. But when doubt meets His power, faith is renewed, and lives are changed.

1 Kings 18:21 says: “Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, ‘How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!’ But the people were completely silent.”

Let’s start by talking about what doubt looks like in everyday life — and why it’s not the end of the story.

Some subtle ways doubt shows up: hesitation in prayer, fear of making the wrong choice, or silence like Israel had when Elijah asked them to choose.

When you catch yourself doubting, pause and say: “Lord, I believe — help my unbelief.”

Where in your life do you find yourself wavering between two opinions?

In 1 Kings 18:20–40, Israel’s silence revealed their inner conflict.

They were torn between God and Baal. Today, we’re torn between faith and the pull of culture.

Doubt leaves us stuck, unable to move forward or make clear decisions.

So when you think about your faith walk — what have you been hesitant to do? What cultural pressures make it hard to stay in line with your faith?

Whatever you’re struggling with, ask this question: Does this move me closer to God or away from Him? The answer will bring clarity.

We’ve talked recently about God’s mercy. His mercy is present even in our doubt, and we should also show patience — with ourselves and with others — when doubt shows up.

We all question things. But when we see an obvious solution and someone else doesn’t, it can be frustrating. Instead, bring all doubts to God. Be honest with Him. He wants to give you the peace and understanding you need.

1 Kings 18:21 says again:“ How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.

On Mount Carmel, Israel’s doubt met a clear demonstration of God’s power. Let’s look at how God answers doubt with His presence.

Elijah prayed boldly and honestly — with full confidence in God’s character.

When you pray, be bold and honest, trusting God will answer in His way and in His timing.

When Elijah prayed, God didn’t just answer with fire — He sent an all-consuming fire. There was no doubt left about His power.

Bold prayers bring big answers. What would it look like if you started praying honest, bold prayers?

The people of Israel had been silent in doubt. But when fire fell, their uncertainty turned into the clearest truth they had ever seen.

Their silence gave way to shouts: “The Lord — He is God!”

Silent doubt can lead to bold declarations of faith.

Has God proven His faithfulness to you in a way that now makes you speak boldly about Him?

So what does 1 Kings 18 mean for us today?

It shows us that God isn’t afraid of our doubts. He invites us to bring them to Him and let Him respond with His timing and His power.

Doubt is not the end of our story. In fact, it can push us to make new choices of faith — and with that, we can live boldly and encourage others.

Everyone doubts — even strong believers in Scripture. We can pray and still doubt. We can share our stories and still doubt. What matters is what we do with it.

Instead of letting doubt stall you, use it as a cue to seek God more deeply.

Elijah’s question — “How long will you waver?” — is still relevant. Faith is a daily choice.

How can your current doubts push you closer to God instead of further away? Start with a daily declaration: “Today, I choose to trust God.”

What decision of faith do you need to make today?

Our stories of wrestling with doubt can encourage those who are wavering.

It shows them that even though we speak of faith and trust in God, we’re not perfect — and that brings comfort.

Who around you needs to hear your story of how God showed up in your doubts?

Your story is a way to live boldly in faith. Just like Israel went from silence to declaring God’s power, we’re called to live with confidence in who He is.

Thank God for one way He has faithfully provided for you — and then ask Him how He can use that story to help someone else.

Where is God asking you to live boldly in faith instead of staying still in your doubt?

As we close, remember Elijah’s challenge: “How long will you waver between two opinions?”

Doubt will always try to pull us in different directions. But God invites us to clarity, boldness, and trust in His power.

And when doubt meets God’s presence — just like on Mount Carmel — it doesn’t stand a chance.

So wherever you’re feeling unsure today, take heart. Bring your questions, bring your wavering, bring your silence — and let God meet you with His fire, His strength, and His unfailing love.

Doubt may whisper, but God’s power always answers louder.