One of the most awkward moments a group leader can face is when a group member openly expresses doubt. Often, the leader feels unprepared, assuming that faith and doubt cannot coexist. In an effort to encourage, the leader may try to reassure the person that seasons of doubt are temporary—that faith will soon return, overcome their doubts, and everything will quickly get back to normal.

But the reality is, faith and doubt are not mutually exclusive. We are human (Psalm 103:14), which means we will always wrestle with questions, concerns, and moments of uncertainty. And we’re not alone in this.

Consider Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When threatened with death in the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar, their response was bold:

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king.” (Daniel 3:16–17)

That sounds like total, unwavering faith—until we read the next verse:

“But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:18)

“But even if He does not…” Those words reveal that, while they fully believed in God’s power to save, they didn’t presume to know exactly what God would do. There was room for uncertainty. Yet, even with that doubt, they chose to act in faith.

Someone once put it well:

“Faith is doubt + belief—and acting on the belief part.”

Group leader, I encourage you to remember that definition.

Even better, memorize it:
Faith = Doubt + Belief (and acting on the belief part).

It will serve you well as you walk alongside others in their spiritual journey.