Doubt

Don't be an unbeliever, but a believer.

John 20:27

Doubt is ...disbelief, distrust, skepticism, to consider something unlikely.  Doubt can plague us in all aspects of our lives, causing us to question  others, ourselves, and even God.  From a spiritual standpoint, doubt can lead down one of two paths - A relationship with Jesus Christ and the path to deeper faith OR to unbelief.  Questioning what we believe can be healthy when handled appropriately. 

Many see doubt as a crisis of faith, a weakness that defiles the Believer- an undesireable trait for anyone who calls themselves a child of God.  To some, doubt is the Scarlet Letter of a Christian, taboo for the Believer!  However, doubt isn't necessarily bad.  Even Thomas doubted!  "So the other disciples kept telling him, "We have seen the Lord!"  But he said to them, "If I don't see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!"  (John 20:25) 

Doubt can be good.  It may cause us to question our beliefs or cause our faith to waiver.  But, it is in the earnest persuit of answers that God can lead us into the undeniableTruth - affirmed by the Holy Spirit, imprinted upon our hearts, and accompanied by an even greater glimpse into His Holiness.  The new insights and growth we experience as the result of doubt can spur us further into the image of Christ!  But what about when doubt persists?  What do we do if we have earnestly sought the Truth yet still question?  If you are doubting God or His ability to help you, God has provided the resources to turn your doubt into a stronger faith - prayer (The Holy Spirit), the Word of God (The Bible), and the people of God.

Prayer should be our first response when facing doubt. Prayer activates our faith, becoming a barrier to unbelief.  Prayer demonstrates our utter dependence on God as we humbly invite Him to fill us with faith and power.  Faith is the attitude of trust and confidence in our Lord.  Faith is a gift from God.  (Ephesians 2:8,9)  Doubt can be a healthy reminder that we are not self sufficient - prompting our hearts to pray for more faith! God is the source of faith - and that faith can be renewed and strengthened daily at the foot of the cross!  Like the father of the demon possessed boy, we can pray, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"  (See Mark 9:14-29)  Jesus said, "Have faith in God.  I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, "May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen.  But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart."  (Matthew 11:23-24)    So when in doubt, pray it out!  He can replace doubt with faith, for those who are willing!     

Another strategy in strengthening faith is through reading God's Word, the Bible.  Read with the purpose to CHANGE!  Speak the WORD out loud to yourself as you read.  There is power in the spoken Word!  Marinate over it's passages, take time to contemplate the truth encapsulated within.  Roll it over your tongue, savoring it's Truth.  Allow it to permeate into your very being. Meditate over it's pages.  Talk out any thoughts, questions, or ideas that come to mind as you read.  Whenever I encounter a question or doubt about a particular verse, I verbalize it.  Most often, the answer is revealed only moments later in another passage.  I love it when God does this!  Praying the Word aloud also sends doubt, worries, and anxiety scurrying far away.  Utilize the power of God's Word in turning doubt into faith!

Seeking the counsel of mature Christians can also be a tremendous help when we struggle with doubt.  When you share what is going on in your heart with other Believers, you might just be surprised.  Sometimes others have experienced the same doubts yet have found the answer.  So don't feel awkward in asking.  If you are sincerely searching for the Truth, mature Believer's will respect that and will help you - even if they don't know the answers themselves.  Seek out your pastor, a church leader, Bible teacher or other mature Believers for their insight.  It always helps to talk out nagging doubts with others.  Not only can they be a sounding board to help you sort out your thoughts and what you truly believe, but they may just have the answers you are looking for!

Doubt can be a major catalyst into a deeper walk with Christ. Consider doubt as an opportunity for increasing your faith.  And remember, anything is possible in Christ if you believe!

Are you doubting God today?  Are you doubting His ability to help you?  Do you even believe God can help you and wants to help you?  Do you really want His help?  If you know that Jesus Christ is the answer to your every need, then don't let doubt stop you from seeking Him today!     

 In His Love, Cathy