When Doubt Settles In: Finding Courage, Rest, and Renewal in Christ

This week’s message is one I believe we can all relate to — what happens when doubt settles in.

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, unsure of what to do next? Maybe you’ve been taught something your whole life, and now you find yourself questioning it. Or perhaps life has thrown you a curveball that has you second-guessing what you once felt so sure about.

I’ve been there too. Listen on Audio - Pocdast

My Story: When Doubt Met Determination

Almost 15 years ago, when my oldest son Josiah was just a baby, I faced a difficult season. He was struggling with breathing issues, and like any mama, I was determined to do everything possible to keep him healthy. I cleaned constantly — meticulously, even — not realizing that the harsh cleaners I was using were actually making things worse.

That experience rocked me. I doubted myself, my choices, and even what I believed about what was “good.” It was one of those moments where I didn’t have all the answers. And yet, in the middle of that uncertainty, God met me.

What Scripture Teaches About Doubt

Recently, our church shared a powerful message from 1 Kings 18–19 — the story of Elijah, King Ahab, and Queen Jezebel.

Ahab and Jezebel were leading the Israelites to worship Baal instead of the one true God. Elijah, a bold prophet, stood alone against corruption, complacency, and compromise. But even Elijah — strong as he was — battled doubt and fear.

After a dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel, where God proved His power by bringing down fire from heaven, Elijah still found himself afraid. Jezebel threatened his life, and he ran into the wilderness, overwhelmed and burnt out.

Can you relate?

You have a moment of great courage and faith… and then suddenly, fear creeps in.

Three Lessons When Doubt Sets In

1. Doubt Can Lead to Courage

Sometimes, doubt pushes us to take a stand. Elijah had to confront not just his enemies, but also the corruption and compromise around him. Through doubt, he found the courage to trust God more deeply — and that same courage is available to us.

God can use our uncertainty to refine our faith and grow our strength.

2. Rest When You’re Weary

After his victory, Elijah ran away in fear and exhaustion. And what did God do?
He didn’t scold him. He simply said, “Get some food and rest.”

How beautiful and practical is that?

When we’re running on empty — comparing ourselves to others, striving to do all the things, wearing all the hats (mom, wife, friend, business owner, etc.) — we burn out. We hide in our “caves” and wonder where God went.

But He’s still there. He whispers, “Rest, eat, and get back up.”
He knows what our bodies and souls need before we even do.

3. Listen for God’s Whisper

When Elijah hid in the cave, God wasn’t in the earthquake or the fire — He was in the gentle whisper.

That same whisper reaches us when we finally slow down.
When we stop striving and simply sit still, He speaks.

And just like Elijah, God reminds us of who we are, restores our strength, and gives us direction for what’s next.

What To Do When You’re in a Season of Doubt

1. Recognize it. Call doubt what it is — an opportunity to press into God.

2. Rest and refuel. Take care of your body and mind. Eat. Sleep. Breathe.

3. Refocus your posture. Invite Jesus to the center of your home, your business, your thoughts, and your heart.

When He’s at the center, every other area finds alignment and peace.

A Word for You, Sister

Doubt isn’t the enemy of faith — it’s often the doorway to deeper faith.
When we let God lead us through it, He transforms our uncertainty into courage, our exhaustion into rest, and our fear into renewed purpose.

If today’s message resonated with you, share it with someone who might need encouragement too. And if you’re hungry for more of this kind of faith-filled alignment, I’m working on a 4-week Bible study on how to align your body, home, and mind with Jesus at the center.
Comment “Bible Study” if you want to be notified when it’s ready — I can’t wait to share it with you.

Until next time,
Stay aligned and anchored with Jesus at the center.

XXXX,

Evelyn