Doubts of the heart can originate from inactivity. This was the case for the Jewish people when they were on the brink of entering the promised land. Their struggle with fear led to doubt, then defiance, and finally despair. Two spies, Caleb and Joshua, provide the antithesis of caving to fear. These two men trusted that God is true to His word and so they obeyed Him. They got to reap the rewards of faithfully acting in spite of their fear by entering the promised land.

Painful experiences, shattered expectations, and a lack of sensing God's presence can all lead to a crisis of hope. A crisis of hope can open the door to doubt. Doubts are not uncommon to the great people of faith in the Bible. God allows his people to come places of extreme need so that their faith will be tested and strengthened into a faith that can't be shaken.