"THE STRUGGLE WITH DOUBT"

2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.


5-8If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. Jas. 1:2-8 (MSG)


The Bible teaches us to walk by faith, having full confidence in God. Yet many people are burdened by doubt. Even believers, who have been saved by faith, can waver in their trust.

For example, there are Christians who back out of their commitment to a ministry. Though originally led to serve in this capacity, they may question whether they have the necessary ability. Lack of assurance is also displayed when financial concerns lead a believer to stop tithing.

Doubt started in the garden of Eden when Satan introduced a question in Eve’s mind: Wouldn’t eating the forbidden fruit bring special benefits? And to this day, the Deceiver still whispers lies that can cause Christians’ trust to falter. He will utilize any of the following to erode our confidence in God: ignorance of Scripture, temptation to sin, feelings of guilt, a stronger focus on circumstances than on Christ, and the negative viewpoint of others. All of these inhibit the ability to see truth clearly and to stand firmly upon it.

While a doubter is characterized by negativity, uncertainty, and instability, a believer with full trust in God walks in absolute confidence—decisive, dependent upon the Word, and capable of enduring, even when circumstances seem gloomy.

The Christian walk should be characterized by faith, not doubt. Have you prayed for something but questioned whether the Lord would answer—or disbelieved He would actually do something He promised in Scripture? Resist doubt, and take hold of the unshakeable confidence God offers.
 
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN