THE STRUGGLE WITH DOUBT :
We live in an age of skepticism. There
are many honest doubters. If you have doubts, I wish to speak to you today.
Most of us have known the agony of doubt. A great preacher once said "I
have never known anyone so religious that he had not felt at some time
a withdrawing of grace, a decreasing zeal. "The great people of all the
ages have had their doubts, too. John the Baptist doubted, the psalmist
doubted and you and I doubted !?
It is said that the capacity to doubt is
one of humanity's noblest powers. It has fostered much progress in today's
world. Honest doubt ministers spiritual growth. It helps us to outgrow
our old concepts. There is faith in honest doubt - that is the essential
message of the book of Job - the moving story of a righteous man who suffered
cruel calamities. The message of the Bible is "Don't be ashamed of your
doubt. Welcome it." Do not repress your doubts. Throw them into the open
and face them. In the Bible great believers were the great doubters. The
agony of doubt is not time to throw away the Bible and become bitter against
God. Stay close to God and the resources of the Biblical faith. Doubts
may be the means of a deeper dedication, a greater understanding, a stronger devotion to
build your spiritual life.
THE SOURCE OF DOUBT
John the Baptist was a prisoner because
of his message. Why did Jesus not come and free him ? Questions like these
needed answers for the man of God. Have you ever questioned God ? What
is the source of doubt? Disappointment with our lot in life may
cause doubt. You may have wanted onething, and have had to settle for another.
May be you have asked, "Where am I getting in my life ? I try so hard yet
seem to get no results".
Dissillusionment also causes doubt.
Like John, you may have been disillusioned with the way of Christ or with
what is happening in your life right now!
Discouragement is another source
of doubt. Do you feel discouraged with the things you see happening ? Sometimes we put too much confidence in
our feelings, and our assurance fluctuates. Feelings are unreliable like the weather. Then what to do ? How
to overcome doubting ?
THE SOLUTION TO DOUBT
The disciples of John return from the Lord
Jesus and tell Him all they saw. John got the answer to his doubts!
Hallelujah ! John's doubts were resolved as he waited for the Lord to reveal
Himself. Doubts are always resolved as we wait on Christ to reveal the
glory of God. God always comes. Victory is assured to those who wait. The
Lord God breaks through to reveal Himself to people in need. People are
always leaving the threatre before the show is over. Leaving the theatre
they never see the end of the play nor hear the benediction. Judas did,
and so do some of us. We will emerge victorious only as we wait upon God
to show Himself. Isaiah 40:29-31.;Psalm 27:13-14.
Do you have doubts ? Keep doing your very
best right where you are. Keep faithful.Keep trusting.Keepfollowing, keep
serving. God will reveal Himself. And in His time He makes all things beautiful
! Yes, in His time!
Faith is the way to victory over sin,
suffering,sorrow, and skepticism. Even our faith, that overcomes the world
!I John 5:4.
As the hymn writer sang -
Count your many blessings, every doubt
will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. Be encouraged!