Doubts

There is a pattern in Abraham’s life of 1) God makes a promise, 2) Abraham doubts that promise because it has not yet happened, 3) God renews that promise, 4) Abraham still doubts. Sprinkle in the sequence moments of belief. God finally fulfills the promise of a son only to test Abraham. He remarkably gets up the next morning and goes to do what God asks him. He does so because “Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead...” (Heb 11:19).

We, like Abraham, desire a quick fulfillment of a promise. We do not want to wait, so when the fulfillment does not come until much later than we expected, we doubt God is faithful. We doubt God. We doubt the author and perfecter of our faith is who He says He is (Heb 12:12). We doubt that He who began a good work in us will carry it out until completion (Phil 1:6). We do not want to persevere until the end because it will mean hard labor for us and fighting through all our doubt that so easily clouds our vision. Sometimes, it feels easier to give in to doubt. We forget how powerful God actually is.

Why does doubt creep in so quickly? Do we not truly believe in God? Maybe we doubt some of his promises, but, maybe we do not know His Word as well as we think we do. Maybe we do not know how to fight the lies with truth as well as we thought we could. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” If this is true (and it is) then when doubt comes we are not using everything we have to fight it.

Did We Prepare to Fight Doubt?

1 Peter 1:13 says, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action...” Philippians 3:1 says that rejoicing in the Lord is a safeguard. Remember whom it is we worship. Paul reminds us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Eph 6:18). Be prepared and keep watch.

Philippians 4:4-7 tells us to rejoice in the Lord and pray all kinds of prayers (with thanksgiving!). The result will be that God’s peace will guard our heart and mind. Pray. Read the Word of God. Expand your knowledge of your Father in heaven. Prepare your mind for action. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...” (1 Pe 3:15).

Replace the Lie with Truth

When we recognize an area we have allowed a lie to rule over, we need to repent and replace that lie with truth (Jn 8:31). Jesus came so we could live life in freedom (Jn 8:36). Jesus also said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10).

Ephesians 6:13 tells us to put on the armor God has given us. If we don’t have it on it is not going to help us. Remember who it is that fights for us and with us (Ex 14:14, Ps 139:5, Isa 43:1-5). “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10). Know the truth. Be grounded in prayer. Memorize Scripture—it is our sword to fight the lies. When Jesus was tempted in the desert for forty days, He says “it is written” and backs it up with verses to go against what the devil throws at him (see Mt 4:1-11).

There is hope. Keep fighting doubt. Know that He who called you is faithful. God does not lie or change His mind (1 Sa 15:29).

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Jn 14:26-27).