Biblical Figures with Doubts
Top 10 Biblical Figures Who Struggled with Doubt

1) Sarah

When she first heard that she would bear a child in her old age, Sarah found it hard to believe. Scripture recounts that she even laughed to herself, wondering how such a thing could be possible. Yet, God’s promise stood firm. In Genesis 18:14, He reminds us, “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” Sarah’s laughter of disbelief transformed into joy when she held baby Isaac in her arms.

2) Moses

At the burning bush, Moses wrestled with serious hesitation, questioning both his abilities and his mission. Exodus 4:10 relates Moses’ words, “Pardon Your servant, Lord, but I have never been eloquent.” Despite Moses’ worries, God empowered him to lead an entire nation out of bondage, showing that doubt doesn’t disqualify us from a divine calling.

3) Gideon

Gideon hesitated when an angel appeared and called him “mighty warrior.” Judges 6:15 shows the depth of Gideon’s doubt: “My clan is the weakest… and I am the least in my father’s house.” Still, through multiple miraculous signs, God patiently reassured Gideon. His story underscores that our humble beginnings are no barrier to His strength.

4) Elijah

Even after a powerful victory against the prophets of Baal, Elijah feared for his life and sank into despair. At his lowest point, he prayed to die under a broom tree. Yet, 1 Kings 19:7 describes how an angel came to strengthen him, saying, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” God’s gentle care revitalized Elijah’s spirit and renewed his sense of purpose.

5) Asaph

Asaph, a worship leader, openly confesses his struggle to understand why the wicked prosper. In Psalm 73:2 he says, “My feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.” His turning point came when he remembered God’s eternal perspective. Asaph’s honesty reminds us that faith includes wrestling with tough questions until we rest in God’s supreme wisdom.

6) John the Baptist

Even the famed forerunner of the Messiah experienced a moment of uncertainty. Luke 7:19 recounts how John sent messengers to ask, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” Jesus graciously pointed John’s disciples to the miraculous signs being performed, reassuring them that the promise of salvation was indeed unfolding.

7) Thomas

Thomas earned the nickname “Doubting Thomas” because he refused to believe the resurrection without seeing Jesus’ wounds for himself. When confronted with the risen Christ, he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). His story offers hope—our Heavenly Father can use even our most skeptical moments to lead us into profound belief.

8) The Father in Mark 9

Desperate for his son’s healing, this father confessed one of the most transparent pleas in Scripture: “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). Jesus responded to his humble honesty with compassion, demonstrating that even a flicker of faith is enough when placed in the hands of the One who holds all power.

9) Jeremiah

Known as the “weeping prophet,” Jeremiah poured out his struggles to God. He lamented his painful ministry and questioned why he had to endure such hardships. In Jeremiah 20:7, he cries, “You deceived me, O LORD, and I was deceived.” Though Jeremiah wrestled with intense doubt, he continued delivering God’s message, showing that candid prayers can lead to renewed resolve.

10) Jonah

Jonah ran in the opposite direction when first called to preach repentance in Nineveh. Even after witnessing a miraculous rescue from a great fish, he battled with frustration over God’s mercy toward his enemies. God used a plant and a scorching wind to reveal His boundless compassion (Jonah 4). Jonah’s story reminds us that God’s faithfulness remains steadfast, even when our hearts wander.

Through these examples, Scripture assures us that doubt is not the end of faith but a common crossroad. Time and again, God meets strugglers right where they are, leading them toward deeper trust and richer hope.

Biblical Arguments for the Existence of Heaven and Hell
Top of Page
Top of Page