The Thursday Update

FEBRUARY 12, 2026

Lakeshore Friends,

Doubt and deconstruction.

Typically, when we read those words, we think of something we’ve seen online, another Christian who has publicly announced their deconstruction, our lost friend or neighbor, or the hostile atheist. Many times, our focus is on the hostile, unbelieving world that needs to hear a logical apologetic for the Christian faith. This is good and needed. Although, there are two sides to this coin: what about the Christian who struggles with doubt? Often, this is a silent struggle for the Christian because talking about doubt as Christians can feel like a “taboo” topic. This Christian may feel shame, feel like they’re a “bad Christian,” or hide their questions for fear of the response of other Christians. I know because this was me. During my time in Bible College, I walked through a year like this, and asked questions like “why do I doubt when I’ve always believed, and others find it so easy?” Where I felt shame and fear of the response I’d receive, God’s Word comforted with me with the appropriate response due to doubters like me:

Be merciful to those who doubt (Jude 22).

This short, one chapter book in the New Testament gives light to the appropriate response to be given to doubters: mercy. Where we might expect to receive shame, or feel condemnation, Jude calls on Christians to be merciful on those who doubt. In fact, we see Jesus model this same attitude toward doubt. In Matthew 11:1-19 Jesus shows mercy and meets John the Baptist in the midst of his doubts (yes, John the Baptist - the last person you’d expect to have doubts about Jesus). In John 20:24-29, Thomas the disciple resolutely says, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (v.25). One week later, Jesus appears to Thomas, inviting him to see the nail marks in His hand and lets Thomas touch them to he may believe. Jesus did not condemn Thomas but comes down to His level and meets Him with mercy.

When I struggled with doubt, I was met with mercy. That mercy helped me not to be overcome by doubt, but helped me to ask questions, find real answers, and grow stronger in my belief than ever before. To the Christian who struggles with doubt, there is mercy for you. For the person who hasn’t placed faith in Jesus yet, there is mercy for you. For the Christian who does not struggle with doubt, let us be merciful, meeting doubters with love and allowing them to ask questions and seek answers. For all, our next series starting Sunday, “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt,” provides you an opportunity to come with questions, find real answers, and be met with the tender mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God bless

Nate