The Grace In Unknowing

One of my favorite movies is The Princess Bride, based on the wonderful book by William Goldman.  

The movie follows Princess Buttercup (the first on-screen appearance of Robin Wright) as she becomes a pawn in the efforts of an evil ruler who wants to marry her (then kill her) to solidify his grip on the kingdom.  

Luckily, she is rescued by her long-lost love, Wesley, who had been sold into slavery by the aforementioned evil ruler, but became The Dread Pirate Roberts, scourge of the seas. 

Seriously, it all makes sense when you see the movie. 

At any rate, there is a wonderful moment when Wesley and Buttercup are fleeing from the evil ruler and his minions, and their only chance to escape is to go into the infamous Fire Swamp.  

The following exchange takes place: 

Princess Buttercup: “We’ll never survive!”
Wesley: “Nonsense. You’re only saying that because no one ever has.”

I've always loved that line, which is why it came to mind when I began thinking about this particular Devo, which explores faith and doubt — two things that, in my experience, absolutely go together.  

Rene Descartes once said: 

“If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things.”

His words remind us that doubt is not the enemy of faith, but often its companion. True seekers of God are not those who never question, but those who bring their questions honestly before the One who is Truth itself.

Scripture provides us with numerous examples of doubt being woven into the journey of faith. Thomas, known as “the doubter,” refused to believe the resurrection until he saw and touched the risen Christ (John 20:24–29). Jesus did not reject Thomas for his doubt; instead, he met him right in the midst of it. 

Abraham and Sarah both laughed in disbelief when God promised them a child in their old age (Genesis 18:12-15), yet their story became a testimony of faith that still inspires us today. Even the psalmists cry out, “How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13:1), giving voice to the tension between faith and uncertainty.

Doubt is not a sign of weak faith—it is an invitation to wrestle, to seek, and to grow. When we doubt, we are reminded that God is not small enough to be contained by our understanding. Faith is not about having all the answers; it is about trusting the One who holds the mystery.

If we never ask hard questions, our faith risks becoming shallow, brittle, or borrowed from others. But when we dare to doubt, we discover that God is big enough to handle our uncertainties. 

The very act of questioning can become an act of worship, because it means we care enough to seek the truth.

So do not be afraid of your doubts. See them as teachers pointing you deeper into God’s love. Your questions, your wrestling, your wondering—these are signs that you are on the path of a real seeker after truth. 

And in that seeking, you will discover again and again that God is faithful.

Prayer

Loving God, thank You for being patient with my doubts and questions. Teach me to see them not as barriers to faith but as stepping stones to deeper trust in You. Meet me in my uncertainty and guide me toward Your truth. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. When have doubts in your life pushed you to seek God more deeply?

2. How does the example of Thomas or the psalmists encourage you in your own questions?

3. What doubts might you need to bring honestly before God today?