Slaying the Dragon of Doubt

We’re called to counsel the doubtful and visit the sick as part of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy this Lent. We are called to be there for those who are sick spiritually and physically. But what if we’re the ones who are doubtful? What if we’re the ones who feel weak or sick? What if we doubt that someone in our family will ever find God… or that God will provide… or that our suffering will ever end?

If I’m being honest — I doubt. A lot. I even doubted what I would write for this blog post.

Doubt is all around us. Dragons are all around us.

But when doubt creeps in on me, I like to look at the legendary slayers of ages past because they show me it’s possible to slay the dragons of doubt. It makes me think of the quote of G.K. Chesterton’s line that, “Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be slain.” 

The saints show us that it is possible to doubt, but still persevere and slay dragons.

Think of St. Thomas, who wouldn’t believe until he saw Jesus. Think of St. Peter, who doubted and began to sink. Think of St. John the Baptist, sitting in prison, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for someone else?”

How did Jesus respond to St. John the Baptist? He didn’t scold John. He pointed to the fruit: the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the sick are healed. In other words — look at what God is doing in the midst of your suffering.

Without dragons to slay, we can’t find our way.

Without doubt, there is no testing of faith. Without testing, there is no growth. Without dragons, there are no dragon slayers.

Maybe that’s where true dragon slayers are made — not when doubt disappears, but when we choose to trust anyway.

So what are your doubts?

And how might God be inviting you to trust Him more this Lent?

© Chris Acree 2026