Anyone who tries to convince you that they have never doubted, ever, is lying — or fooling themselves. Don’t join them. Queen Anne’s Lace, original oil painting by Steve Henderson, sold. Licensed open edition print at Great Big Canvas, Framed Canvas Art, and iCanvasART.

Doubt is not so much a sin as it is a problem, and like most problems, it’s best to solve it, as opposed to letting it be a part of our continued existence.

Too often, when a Christian asks a question about God’s goodness, or His ability, or His trustworthiness, the response from others in the room is one of alarm and chastisement:

“Trust in the Lord always! He is good! Amen and amen! Praise Jesus!”

And . . . end of conversation. Whatever provoked or caused the doubt in the Christians’s heart and words hasn’t been addressed, and all we’ve really gotten across is that you, as usual, don’t believe the way you’re supposed to; you, as usual, are at fault for your lack of belief; and you, as usual, should just keep quiet and pretend you have no problems.

Just like the rest of the people in the room are doing.

Please read the rest at The Power of Doubt, at my blog, Commonsense Christianity at BeliefNet. Many of you are so good about clicking through to read the rest of the story, which I am unable to print in full at this site. Thank you.

I am in the final stages of working on my self-published book, The Misfit Christian, which is dedicated to all my Christian brothers and sisters out there who are frustrated with establishment Christianity, and feel like square pegs. You’re not even trying to fit into round holes; you’re just tossed off in a corner somewhere and wondering if God has any use for you, because none of His people seem to.

That’s how I felt for a long time, and that’s why I began writing, in earnest, about 21st century Christianity and how ordinary, regular people can successfully live it. I’ll let you know when the book is out and ready to read.

This article is linked to Christian Mom Blogger, Essential Things, Missional Woman, Weekend Blog Party, Hungry Hypo, Everyday Family, Create with Joy, Love Bakes Good Cakes, Snippets of Inspiration, That Friday Blog Hop, A Look at the Book, Friday Flash Blog, Counting My Blessings, Soul Survival, The Not Quite Military Wife, Enchanted Homeschooling Mom, 100 Pound Countdown, Motivation Monday, A Blossoming Life, Mopping the Floor,