This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of Stormproof – Downpours of Doubt (CLICK HERE)
Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
After three years of watching, listening to and asking questions of Jesus, some of his closest followers still had doubts.
Does this surprise you?
What perhaps is more surprising is in this moment, Jesus, who knows all things and knew some doubted, did not delay his return to heaven to address every doubt that lingered in the hearts of his followers. He simply reminded them of his power, gave them great purpose, and left them with a wonderful promise. (See Matthew 28:18-20)
But while he didn’t linger and answer every doubt in this moment, his disciples trusted enough to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit. As evidence by the work of the apostles in the first century, the doubts turned to certainty and the conviction of their faith led them to be great proclaimers of Jesus.
Doubts come on our journey of faith. I think it is safe to say that every follower of Jesus has had some sort of doubt in their journey.
Perhaps some doubt that God created the world in six days. Some may doubt that Jesus really was the Son of God. Some may doubt that they are loved by God. Some may doubt that God is truly a good God. Some may doubt they are forgiven.
Perhaps you have had doubts too.
It’s OK. Downpours of doubt can come at any time and sometimes unexpectedly. We can think our faith is rock solid, only to have a life experience that causes a tension between what we just experienced and what we believe God to be or say.
Doubt is standing in that tension. Literally that’s what one of the Greek words means that is translated “doubt” – to stand between two beliefs that then leads to an uncertainty in our belief.
We have all been there.
The question is what do we do with our doubts?
Dealing with doubts is certainly important because doubts can do one of two things. Doubts can lead us to separate from God (that is choose to believe the thought or answer that is contrary to the Word of God) or they will lead us on a search that leads to solidifying our relationship with God (which is God’s desired answer for all our doubts.)
God’s desire is always to overcome doubts with certainty. He wants our faith, trust, and confidence to be rock solid, so gives us what we need to alleviate the tension that doubt creates and walk confidently with our Savior. The Apostle John wrote, (John 20:30) “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
So this week we will explore the doubts that come and, with the Spirit’s help, be prepared for the downpour of doubt with the umbrella of God’s truth.
Apply: Do you have a doubt/uncertainty with which you are struggling today? If you are willing to share, email pastorgeiger@gmail.com and I will be happy to include a thought about it in one of this week’s devotions.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for a heart of love and the working of your Spirit that seeks to move us from our places of doubt to hearts of faith and confidence. AMEN.