Questions Part I - How do we deal with doubt?

Over the month of December, we asked the congregation to write down questions or problems they would like us to tackle over our ‘Summer Series’ in January.

A couple of people asked almost the same question – how can we as Christians deal with doubt or a lack of faith?

This is a tricky one, and I don’t mean a tricky one in the sense that is particularly theologically difficult, but I think often we are worried that acknowledging this as an area of weakness might somehow make us appear to be ‘less of a Christian’ or ‘less holy’ than others.

There are some key truths that the Bible teaches us about doubt:

1. Doubt is not the opposite of belief
We see an example of this in Mark 9 when a father we a possessed child brings him to the disciples who are unable to cast out the evil Spirit. The man approaches Jesus – desperate for a miraculous intervention and after speaking with Jesus exclaims: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

We see in this father a man with faith AND with doubts. Perhaps the biggest encouragement to all of us when we face season of doubt, is that the father shows us that there is power in honestly acknowledging this with faith that Jesus can help!

2. Doubts often come during difficult times
Often the greatest moment of doubt is when we face times of trouble and circumstances that are difficult and seemingly beyond our ability to bear.

In Matthew 11 as John the Baptist languishes in prison, he sends men to Jesus to ask if He is the Messiah or if they should be expecting someone else. We should be encouraged that Jesus does not rebuke John. Nor does Jesus criticise him. Rather Jesus gives a response to those who have come on behalf of John, telling them to return and tell John the miracles that are being done – these are the miracles of lives being transformed by Christ! Messianic prophecies that would have reconnected John with his faith!

When we are going through tough times – and doubts come – look to the miracles of Jesus, look to His faithfulness, look to the lives changed and transformed by His touch!
 
Listen to the message to hear some practical tips on tackling doubt!
 
We would love to connect with you! 

God Bless,
Ps. Simon
simon@horizonchurch.org.au