Doubt is a nasty little word.
We can suffer from self-doubt; doubt about our relationships; doubt about God's will; doubt about our country...and on it will go.
Doubt can creep into the edges of your being in ways which can cripple you. You can begin to question everyone and everything around you. Doubt can make you want to curl up in a ball and hide under your covers.
But - doubt doesn't have to win.
Our ability to have faith, which transcends what we can hear, see, smell, taste and touch is a gift from God. Faith acts like water to the fire destroying power of doubt. Faith will put out the flames and help to keep the embers of doubt from resurfacing.
Sometimes, we can confuse challenging the status quo with doubt. When we challenge the status quo, or ask questions, we aren't saying that we do not believe or do not have faith, but we are simply following in the path of Jacob who "wrestled with God". All of the great theologians throughout history have challenged their thoughts and their beliefs in order to strengthen their faith - not destroy it.
The distinct difference between doubt and challenging is that at the core of a challenge is the knowledge and the faith that God is Who He says He is. We may face difficult circumstances, but if we view them as a challenge - if we seek out God in the midst of our questions - we will find wisdom. When we allow our doubts to overshadow our faith, we will find weakness.
Questions are good. Questioning why you believe what you believe is a good thing - but be cautious to keep your eyes and your heart focused on God so that He can continue to answer your questions with His wisdom. Otherwise if we allow our focus to be centered on the world we will be pummeled with doubts rather than answers.
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:6
Scripture
Quote of the Day
Faith isn't believing without proof – it's trusting without reservation.
William Sloan Coffin
Question of the Day
When have you questioned what you believed in the past week?
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