Doubt When God Answers

Horizon Community Church - Philadelphia

We continue our series about doubt by exploring how doubt is possible both when God doesn't answer our prayers, and even when he does. This week's discussion questions are: 1. How do you view the relationship between faith and doubt? Can doubt coexist with faith, or does it feel like they are always in opposition? 2. Have you ever experienced doubt in your faith? What triggered it, and how did you respond? 3. Why do you think unanswered prayers often lead to doubt? Have you experienced this personally? 4. Why do you think doubt can arise even after witnessing or experiencing a miraculous event, like in Elijah’s story? 5. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah doubted and wanted to give up despite witnessing God’s power. What does this reveal about human nature and faith? 6. How did God respond to Elijah’s doubts? What does this teach us about God’s character? 7. Elijah’s perception of reality was distorted by his doubt (thinking he was alone, etc). How can doubt skew our understanding of situations? 8. What does it look like to take “the next step” in faith when you are struggling with doubt? 9. How can we support others who are experiencing doubt? What lessons from Elijah’s story can guide our approach? 10. When you feel overwhelmed by doubt, what practical steps (e.g., rest, prayer, seeking community) help you move forward? 11. Alex’s professor asked, “What would God have to do to make you believe?” How would you answer this question today? Is it possible to believe fully without some measure of doubt? 12. Have you seen doubt deepen someone’s faith rather than destroy it? What factors might influence whether doubt leads to growth or decline in faith? 13. Despite his doubts, Elijah was honored by God and remained a central figure in scripture. What encouragement can we draw from his example?