The Plague of Doubt
Doubt is a plague that robs Christians of joy, immobilizing us from God’s work. Doubt is also a temptation that each of us will face all throughout life.
I use the term “temptation” because the doubts that arise provide us with a choice. Will we choose to anchor our faith in the One who can accomplish all things (Luke 1:37) or will we cower at the obstacles of life?
James 1 deals with this very topic. James tells us to joyfully accept trials, knowing that they lead to strengthened faith and endurance (James 1:2-4).
Can you imagine rejoicing because of trials? This demonstrates that the wisdom of God is seen as foolishness to the world (1 Corinthians 1:25).
Those who do not know Christ as Lord and Savior cannot understand how or why a Christian would rejoice through hardships. However, we understand that God uses adversities to increase our faith, and it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6).
If our lives are lived for God’s glory, then it makes sense for us to pray for increased faith.
How does faith relate to doubt? Well, doubting is often viewed in a negative context, but it does have a couple positive components.
For one, doubting led us to Christ in the first place. Many of us looked at this world and thought, “There has to be more to life than simply existing.”
Even as Christians, doubting should guide us into the arms of Christ. We look at situations, realizing that they are too great for us to handle alone … we need God.
James 1:5-6 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind” (NASB, 2020).
God gives wisdom to us freely as we ask, and there is no reason to doubt God’s faithfulness. If He promises something, then it will be done.
When doubts arise and we are sidetracked or immobilized as a result, then it is an attack on God’s very nature. He is faithful to His Word, and He will accomplish all that He has promised.
When doubt arises, remind yourself of the faithfulness of God (Numbers 23:19). Pray for God to increase your faith (Mark 9:24), and He will hear our request (1 John 5:14-15).
Another way to deal with doubt is to confide in other reliable and strong Christians. Author Philip Yancey explains, “So Christians naturally tend to hide behind a thin veneer of cheerfulness and health, while they secretly hurt and doubt.”
Lastly, don’t beat yourself up if you have struggled with doubt. Whether you have only entertained the doubt briefly or if it has hindered your Christian walk, confess it before the Lord and move onwards (1 John 1:9).
The last thing we want to do is replace doubt with grief. Grief stifles the Christian walk, just like doubting does.
Overall, remember God is faithful and good. He will not leave us alone or underequipped for trials we face.
1 Chronicles 16:34 reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His faithfulness is everlasting” (NASB, 2020).
