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What is doubt - a word often used without realizing the power behind it. A word created out of uncertainty, lack of confidence, and curiousity. From these three forms, the most destructive is the lack of confidence which can lead to distrust and unbelief. [Women of Faith Study Bible week 49 pg 2013] If you look at doubt on a scale - on one end you have faith and on the other you have unbelief. Both equal, yet so different. In Mark 11:23, as Jesus was talking with Peter, he answered, vs. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him... " Hebrews 3:12 tells us, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God." and verse 19 says, "So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief." So, can doubt distract from our walk with God? Can it reach to the depths of our soul and leave us feeling faithless? Yes, it can and if we aren't keeping our lives in constant check with God, we can easily be led astray - down a path that can only lead to destruction and defeat. God is our refuge and our strength. During my devotional time today, I read, when doubt consumes you, that you should examine your heart. [Women of Faith Study Bible week 49 pg 2013] In this devotion the author states, "Is your doubt simply a mental questioning or testing? If so, don't berate yourself. Seek wisdom (Jas 1:5) and continue to test all things (1Th 5:21). If your doubt arises from hardness of heart, repent and ask God for greater faith. Jesus is the 'perfecter of [your] faith' (Heb 12:2). It is only through your trust in him that your faith will be built up (Tit 1:1-3) and that your doubts will finally and fully be put to rest." In John 20:24-29, Thomas struggles with believing that Jesus was truly alive. He was in disbelief because he knew Jesus was put to death. However, Jesus, speaking out of gentleness and love tells him, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side." In that moment, Jesus has offered to Thomas the evidence he needed to build his faith and to help strengthen him. Then he continues, "Stop doubting and believe." Thomas responds, "My Lord and my God!" At that moment, he no longer doubts in his heart and mind and he goes on to later preach the gospel in India. However, after Thomas's response Jesus tells him in vs. 28: "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Isn't it wonderful to know that in the midst of doubt, God still encourages us to believe and remain faithful. I want to encourage you today to ask yourself if you are holding back anything from God. Are you clinging to any doubt in your life? What about your finances? Family or friends? Home life? Work? School? What about your physical, emotional, or spiritual needs? During these times we can find help in God the father and his Holy Word. Mark 5:36; 9:24 is a great place to start. Some other scriptures are Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 8:23-26, Matthew 17:14-21, and Matthew 8:26; 17:20. You can also read 1 Timothy 1:13 about God's response to Paul's unbelief. How does this encourage you in dealing with your own doubts? Lk 17:5 and 1Co 2:4-5 [Source: Women of Faith Study Bible] Written by: Melissa Schenk
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