Over the past few weeks we’ve considered doubt. I’ve looked at the causes, and I’ve suggested that we need friends and fellow believers to help us through times of doubt and struggle. I have not, at least not until now, said anything about the role of apologetics in the life of the believer who struggles with doubt. But obviously, any discussion on doubt needs to turn to this important question at some point.

For me, apologetics has been a huge help as I’ve continued to follow Christ. It’s given me the opportunity to explore my questions and my doubt, and to wrestle with very difficult matters. In the end, the process has made my faith stronger. Most of us who study apologetics recognize that it has as much to offer the believer and the church as it does the non-believer. So, if you struggle with doubt, you need apologetics. But, let me clarify a few things before you set your self to the task.

1. Apologetics requires time, persistence, and hard work. Most people give up on apologetics when they find that the answers don’t come quick and easy. They seek a silver bullet argument that will answer every question and resolve problems they find with Christianity. But this isn’t how it works. Apologetics is tough and requires time, energy, and commitment. Or it least it has for me. I often tell my students that apologetics is like mining for gold. The effort involved is significant, but the reward is precious. If you are struggling, stay with it and don’t give up. Time will yield great help.

2. Apologetics doesn’t answer every question. Despite my initial expectations, I have not been able to answer every question. This is partly because of the difficulty of some of the questions, and partly because there simply isn’t enough time. Like anything else, once you begin to learn new things and answer questions, new questions emerge. This is a never ending process and so we never get to answer everything. But, we can make genuine progress on the questions that bother us most.

3. Apologetics cannot be done in isolation from the spiritual disciplines. I can’t emphasize this enough. Too often believers isolate apologetics from the spiritual disciplines that are vital to our life. When this happens, Christianity becomes nothing more than an intellectual game that quickly ceases to satisfy. Apologetics may help your faith, but it cannot replace Christ Himself. I hate to say it, but I’ve made this mistake numerous times in my 20 years of walking with Christ. Thankfully, Christ is kind enough to correct me and remind me that He is life. Let apologetics help you, but don’t be foolish enough to think Christianity is just an intellectual game.

Apologetics is not just for the non-believer. Believers, throughout the centuries, have found it to be an invaluable resource for their own faith. In my own life, it’s been a huge blessing. If you are struggling with doubt, then perhaps apologetics can be of help for you as well. Praying for you this week!