The Unavoidable Struggle of Doubt in the Christian Life
Doubt is an unwelcome visitor that can knock on the door of even the most devout Christian. It’s a nagging feeling that can creep into our minds, making us question the very foundations of our faith. Will God really hear my prayers? Can I truly be forgiven? Is there really a God at all? These are just a few of the doubts that can plague us, leaving us feeling uncertain and insecure.
A Normal Part of the Christian Experience
The good news is that doubt is a normal part of the Christian experience. We’re not alone in our struggles, and the Bible is full of examples of believers who have wrestled with doubt. Job, Asaph, David, and even Jesus himself all experienced doubt at some point in their lives. In fact, the Bible shows us that doubt is an ordinary dimension of spiritual experience for God’s faithful people living in a fallen world.
Acknowledging and Resisting Doubt
While doubt is a natural struggle, it’s also a temptation to be resisted. The enemy of our souls, Satan, wants us to disbelieve and will stop at nothing to plant seeds of doubt in our minds. This is why dealing with doubt can be such a dark and intense struggle. It’s a spiritual battlefield, and we need to be armed with the truth of God’s Word to resist the enemy’s attacks.
Fighting for Assurance
So, how do we fight for the assurance of our faith? The doubting believers in the Bible show us the way. Asaph went to the temple and worshiped God, even when he felt like turning away. David talked to God about his doubts in prayer. And the desperate father in the Gospel of Mark prayed for the gift of triumphant faith. These are all God-honoring ways to deal with spiritual doubts.
Doubting Your Doubts
The key is to doubt your doubts, rather than letting them doubt your faith. When we bring our doubts to God, we can find assurance in his love and faithfulness. Even in the midst of doubt, we can glorify God by seeking him and trusting in his goodness. So, don’t be afraid to acknowledge your doubts, but don’t let them have the final say. Instead, bring them to God and let him guide you into the truth.
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