overcoming doubt...

Doubt is an obstacle that Satan uses against every child of God. If the enemy had his way, we would lose all confidence in who God is and in what he has said. Many of God’s choice servants – from Moses in the Old Testament to Thomas in the New Testament - struggled with doubt; however, they overcame and accomplished great things for God’s kingdom.

It’s not a sin to wrestle with honest questions. In fact, if our doubts are handled well, they can actually be instrumental in strengthening our faith. What can be very dangerous is to ignore doubt and let it slowly but surely turn into unbelief.

There are several things I would suggest to you that can help you come to terms with doubt…

1. Recognize doubt as an obstacle placed in your path by Satan – I Peter 5:8

It’s easier to deal with a thought if you identify its source. As followers of Christ, we are not beholden to the devil to dwell on those things he places in our minds.

2. Don’t allow the enemy to put you under condemnation – Romans 8:1

Remember, men and women God used greatly experienced doubt. It’s not a sin to have honest questions.

3. Move toward Jesus rather than away from him – Hebrews 4:15

Remember the example of John, the Baptist – Luke 7:18-23. When in prison and struggling with doubts about Jesus’ identity, he sent his disciples directly to the Lord. Jesus did not rebuke him but pointed him back to prophecies about what Messiah’s ministry would include. The Lord was doing those very things and thus, Jesus’ identity was authenticated.

Be honest. The Lord can handle your doubts. Admitting doubt is the first step in overcoming it. Don’t allow your doubts to fester. If you do, they will eventually turn into unbelief.

4. Choose to trust

To do this we must come to terms with doubt-producers. Here are a few suggested by the Life Application Bible:

• preoccupation with circumstances rather than a focus on the power of God
• relying on our own intellect and experience rather than on God’s word
• unrealistic expectations
• refusal to be persuaded by truth

I love what the Life Application Bible says of Thomas. It states that he “didn’t idolize his doubts; he gladly believed when given reason to do so.”

5. Cultivate an atmosphere of praise – Psalm 22:3

The Lord inhabits the praises of his people. There’s something about the presence of the Lord that calms not only fear but also doubt.

We will never be able to fully comprehend all that God is and does. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Yet, God does want us to have confidence in him and in his word. If you are struggling with doubt, take it to the Lord. If you feel the need to talk it out with someone, by all means do seek out a trusted brother or sister in Christ. They may have already come to terms with similar issues and can pass along to you what they've learned. Don’t let doubt turn into unbelief.