But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated to them. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.

Think of a time you were having an “off” day, even if everything seemed good on the surface. In those moments, it is hard to pinpoint what is bothering us. In a similar way, doubt often creeps into our faith even when we have every reason to believe. Maybe we have seen prayers answered or watched God at work in someone else’s life but still that feeling of doubt interrupts our thoughts and worship. At this point, the disciples had every reason to believe the words of Jesus and the reality of the resurrection. They had heard about the empty tomb; Thomas had touched Jesus’s wounds; and they had been in His presence, but some still doubted.

This small detail in the gospel account can serve as an encouragement to us wherever we are today. Maybe you are in a season of joy and worship or maybe you are in a fog of grief and questions. There is grace for you. In Christ, we have freedom to struggle, grieve, and wrestle with the questions of life but we can do so in His presence. We don’t have to run away from Christ when we don’t understand. We can run to Him, worship Him, and be honest about what we are wrestling with. Even in the doubt, the disciples followed Jesus’s instructions. Even though they had questions, they still longed to be near Him. Even in uncertainty, they sought His wisdom, and He met them there. And He encouraged them, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Me” (v. 18). Because of His authority over heaven and earth, we can trust Him. He is the answer to all of life’s brokenness. We can take Him at His Word, believe His promises, and live sent as His disciples even as we doubt and struggle along the way.

• Are you in a fruitful or hard season right now? How has that affected your relationship with God?
• How can you remind yourself to run to God even in uncertainty?
• Pray and confess to God where you are struggling and doubting today.