doubt

Feb

2024

Guarding Against Unbelief

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” Hebrews 3:12

Subtle Danger

The author of Hebrews warns believers here about an insidious threat – creeping unbelief toward God resulting in heart-drift. How easily we become apathetic, cynical, or disillusioned in our walk with Christ.

Circumstances, disappointments, weariness or worldly values can slowly erode childlike trust. We begin questioning God’s goodness, minimizing sin, or casually skipping spiritual disciplines. Before we know it, an unbelieving heart has supplanted once-vibrant faith.

Scripture exhorts us to actively guard against subtle drift. Nurture a heart tender and receptive toward God. Shield it from faith-sapping lies or distractions.

Stay alert to unbelief’s danger. Protect the precious gift of childlike trust.

Exposing the Roots

To guard our hearts, we must identify unbelief’s roots. Often it springs from frustrated expectations – we didn’t get what we wanted from God.

Focus shifted from delight in God’s presence to treating Him as a means to an end. We sought His hand more than His face. Unmet desires bred resentment. True faith rests in God’s character, not just His benefits.

It cherishes intimacy with Him above all else. Even amid confusion, pain, or unanswered prayer, it still worships and adores.

Ask God to check your motivations. Are you seeking abundant life in Christ or just temporal blessings? Remain fixed on the Giver over the gifts.

Cultivating Childlike Trust

Unwavering faith requires nurturing childlike humility and wonder. We must cling to God with wide-eyed dependence, believing without demanding explanations.

Children trust easily – they ask few questions yet expect good from loving parents. Jesus said we must receive His kingdom as a child (Luke 18:17).

Approach your Father eager to obey, quick to believe. Don’t let past disappointments harden your heart into skepticism. God invites you to rediscover awe, delight, gratitude, and hope.

“Taste and see that He is good!” (Psalm 34:8) The joy of unconditional trust far exceeds the fleeting pleasures of unbelief.

Anchored in God’s Faithfulness

Lastly, guard against drift by anchoring in God’s proven faithfulness. Like the Israelites, we easily forget His past rescues, miracles, answers to prayer and provision. Our spiritual amnesia fuels faithlessness. That’s why God commanded His people to regularly recount His deeds (Deuteronomy 6).

We must rekindle amazement by remembering divine works. Review God’s track record in your life. Recall with specifics the times He answered prayer, guided, provided, intervened or redeemed.

Let these testimonies reignite childlike awe. Our faithful God is worthy of complete trust!

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“One Minute with God”

Jan

2024

Doubts? Take Heart

John 20:27 – Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Grappling with Uncertainty

After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas couldn’t just take the disciples’ word for it. He doubted their amazing story. Thomas needed tangible proof before he would believe.

Many of us resemble Thomas. We wrestle with uncertainties, longing to process truth on deeper levels. Jesus handles Thomas’s sincere doubts gently. He welcomes our honest questions too.

Seeking Tangible Evidence

Jesus compassionately provided the evidence Thomas demanded, inviting him to touch the physical wounds. He understands our desire for signs we can experience firsthand.

We may not literally touch Jesus’ wounds, but we can encounter Him personally as we bring our struggles to Him in prayer. Ask Him for the reassurance you need.

From Doubt to Belief

Upon seeing Christ’s scars, Thomas made a dramatic shift – from skepticism to declaring, “My Lord and my God!” He allows us that same grace-filled journey from uncertainty to belief.

Don’t let doubt distance you. Bring it directly to Jesus. Watch how He moves you gently from struggle to trust, just as with Thomas.

Lord, Help My Unbelief

Lord Jesus, I identify with Thomas and his honest doubts. Thank You for not scolding him, but listening and providing what he needed. Help me move from crippling doubt to bold belief. I bring my struggles to You.

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“One Minute with God”

Oct

2023

Doubting God

James 1:6 addresses the issue of doubt, which is a common challenge in our faith journey.

“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.”

The Challenge of Doubt

Doubt is described like a turbulent sea, tossing us around in the storms of uncertainty. When we approach God with doubts, it can hinder our prayers and create instability in our faith.

James reminds us that to receive answers to our prayers, we must believe without doubting.

Belief in Action

Belief is not simply an intellectual exercise; it’s a conviction that will manifest in our actions. When we pray, we must do so with a heart that believes in God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Our prayers are not empty words but expressions of trust in a loving God.

Overcoming Doubt

Overcoming doubt is a journey. It involves nurturing our faith through the study of God’s Word, prayer, and seeking the counsel of fellow believers.

When doubt creeps in, we can combat it by reminding ourselves of God’s past faithfulness and His enduring promises.

Anchored in Faith

As you ponder James 1:6, let it serve as an encouragement to anchor your faith in God. Doubt may arise, but it doesn’t have to define your faith journey.

By believing without doubting and actively seeking God’s wisdom, you can navigate the challenges of doubt and experience the peace and stability that come from a deep, unwavering trust in God.