We often talk about life as a journey and how it's best to walk this journey with God. However, no matter how strong our faith is, we all experience moments of doubt. Questions like, "Are we truly walking with God?" or "Are we following His will?" can creep into the minds of even the most faithful individuals when they lose focus in their lives.
Having been a sailor for over 8 years, I've had plenty of time to contemplate while sailing the oceans. I've encountered numerous moments of doubt, often questioning whether I was doing the right thing. But over time, I've come to realize something important: doubt is actually a natural part of faith.
"Amidst the sea of doubts, let us cling to God, the eternal source of light."
God allows us to have doubts. In fact, our faith can be strengthened through these moments of uncertainty. Just like Peter, who cried out, "Lord, save me!" in the midst of doubt, I'm certain that his faith in Jesus grew stronger through that experience.
I believe that doubt is a necessary aspect of our faith. Whenever we find ourselves doubting what we're doing, it's an opportunity to have a conversation with God. We can pray and seek His guidance. Even if we have to make a decision while still uncertain, we can trust that God has a purpose for it all. Our experiences, whether positive or negative, contribute to our personal growth. And when we achieve success in the future, we shouldn't forget that our past experiences, both good and bad, have played a part in our present accomplishments.
To live a life of true joy, we must find joy in every moment. Doubts cannot take away the genuine joy we find in God. Let's embrace those moments of doubt and use them as motivation to draw closer to God.
Get the Reflection Guide for the 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 13, 2023 featuring Maryknoll Seminarian, Raymond Lee.
