As I spoke about in my last talk, Investigating the Case for Christ, we all have an area in our lives where we can identify with doubt. Like “Doubting Thomas” in John 20:25b, we won’t surrender our doubts “unless” we are satisfied with God’s answer to our question or prayers.
But when we hold on to our doubts about God’s transformative power, we’re missing out on the rich and satisfying life God wants to give us, as Jesus promises in John 10:10.
When we’ve identified doubt in God’s ability to change or amend a situation in our lives, we tend to think that God cannot or will not intervene in that area of our lives. But it all lies in our choice – will we accept the rich and satisfying life from God or will we accept our doubt-filled life?
If you’re wrestling with doubts but want the rich and satisfying life He promises, I recommend taking three actions:
- Acknowledge your doubts– In what areas are you struggling with doubt? In Mark 9:21-22, the father of a demon-possessed boy asks Jesus to help “if [He] can.” He might have felt that Jesus wasn’t powerful enough to heal the boy. Is there an area in your life that you think God’s power can’t reach?
- Let Jesus meet you where you are– Like the doubting Pharisee Nicodemus in John 3, we can come to Jesus to confess our unbelief at any time. He is always available for us, no matter how far away we may think He is or how much doubt, shame, anger or guilt we may feel.
- Go with the faith you have– Once you’ve identified where you’re struggling and have gone to God with how you’re feeling, ask for His help. After Jesus told the father of the demon-possessed boy that “anything is possible if a person believes” (Mark 9:23), the father immediately asked for help to “overcome [his] belief.” God wants us to ask for His help so He can show us what we need to see!
As you continue your faith journey, I pray that these steps will reveal God’s promises and abundant love for you.
In Christ,
Jeff