What if the most important word is the one in the middle? We often think of doubt as the opposite of faith, but could it actually strengthen our relationship with God? According to John Ortberg, best-selling author and pastor, the very nature of faith requires the presence of uncertainty. In this refreshingly candid look at a life of faith, he traces the line between belief and unbelief: less a dividing line between hostile camps than a razor’s edge that runs through every soul. His findings point us toward the relief of being totally honest. Questions can expand our understanding, uncertainty can lead to trust, and honest faith can produce outrageous hope. Written from Ortberg’s own struggle with faith and doubt, this book will challenge, comfort, and inspire you with the truth that God wants all of us — including our doubts.

Table of Contents

• • Contents Introduction   9
  • Acknowledgments    13
  • 1. Faith, Doubt, and Being Born    15
  • 2. Why Bother?   27
  • 3. What Kind of Belief Really Matters?   39
  • 4. Longing for Home   55
  • 5. The Leap   67
  • 6. Everybody Hopes   83
  • 7. The Strange Silence of God   99
  • 8. When Doubt Goes Bad    119
  • 9. The Gift of Uncertainty   135
  • 10. Why I Believe   151
  • 11. The Catcher   169
  • Sources   179