We like to think of “faith” as something strong—“trust” as something unwavering. But, on occasion, we doubt … we have uncertainty. We don’t like to admit it, but we are sometimes plagued with doubt. And, then we begin to worry, and wonder if we have any faith at all. It might surprise you to know that doubt and uncertainty can result in an even stronger “faith.” Why? Because, it causes us to inquire of the Lord. In Jewish thought it isn’t the answers that are the most important—it is the questions!
The Disciple Thomas is usually criticized for his ‘doubting’ but he should be lauded for being a good Jew! Why? Because he knows how to ask a really great question! After his resurrection, Yeshua meets with his disciples and tells them, “I go to prepare a place for you … and you know the way where I am going." But then Thomas says to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?"
It is a great question because it provides Yeshua with the perfect opportunity to provide a great answer—one that describes His primary Messianic “mission” beautifully! “Yeshua said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” He describes Himself as the Way—a well-known idiomatic expression in Hebrew—haDerek. It is generally understood as the mechanism (or means) by which we can re-enter Gan Eden (or the Olam HaBah or heaven).
The writer of Hebrews uses this expression as well. In a marvelous midrash, He describes Yeshua as “the Way” to get between the flaming sword wielding Cherubim who stand guard at the gates of Gan Eden (Heb 9:1ff).
So, doubt does not have to crush us. In fact, it can open up a magnificent dialog between us and God. Our doubt leads to questions, and our questions can open up the gates of heaven.