A non-Christian organization has established a hotline for people who are struggling with spiritual doubts. While the exact goal of this call-in center seems a bit fuzzy, its founder made an interesting observation: “Many people feel isolated or rejected when they begin to ask questions. . . . If churches suddenly started welcoming doubters [for food and fellowship], the hotline project wouldn’t be necessary.”
Jesus welcomed Peter to come closer to Him during a moment of intense doubt. The disciples were in a boat far from shore during a violent storm. They saw a figure walking on the water, but this defied all the laws of nature and they assumed they were seeing a ghost (Matthew 14:26).
The person walking toward them was Jesus, and He identified Himself so they wouldn’t be afraid. Peter, still doubting, yelled, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you” (Matthew 14:28). Jesus said, “Yes, come” (Matthew 14:29).
Peter’s trust in Christ allowed him to experience a miracle! He literally walked by faith rather than by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Doubt followed closely behind, however. Peter panicked and started to sink. Immediately, Jesus helped him. Even though He rebuked Peter for his lack of faith, Jesus didn’t stalk off in the other direction. He remained available and asked, “Why did you doubt me?” (Matthew 14:31).
When we experience doubt or when other people express their doubts to us, it’s not wrong to ask questions and investigate the issue. What’s at the root of the doubt? Why has the doubt surged in this particular season of life? What aspect of faith poses the greatest challenge?
God can handle our doubts. Let’s bring them to Him and experience His presence and power today.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 11:20-33
More:
Read Hosea 13:4, Matthew 1:23, and John 20:31 to see some faith-building evidences of God’s care for us throughout history.
Next:
Is there a difference between doubting something is true and being afraid something isn’t true? How can you seek the counsel of God and godly friends when you face troubling doubts about your faith?
ng on September 1, 2016 at 4:40 am
Thanks Jennifer for today’s devotion. I prayed this morning and asked the Lord to please help me with doubts that creep up as I am going through a difficult season in my life.
gagirllive on September 1, 2016 at 10:42 am
Ng, how gracious of our Lord to answer your cry for help through this encouraging devotional today! That alone should bolster your faith that He is a very present help in times of trouble. Continue to pour your heart out to Him about how you feel. Give Him all your doubts and fears. Saturate your mind with His faithful promises. Don’t judge Him by what you are going through because that will only lead to distrust. Our circumstances or emotions don’t change who God is. Make the choice to believe Him even when it doesn’t make sense. Praying for you today, friend. Be encouraged.
ng on September 2, 2016 at 4:24 am
gagirllive, Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. It means so much to me. Thank you for your prayer as well
Gary Shultz on September 1, 2016 at 6:07 am
Jennifer, many people do seem to be stalled by doubt. I would have to think of the man in Mark 9:24 and if I could I would like to say a few things about that man. He desperately wanted to believe because he as a good father would want his son’s wholeness. This Jesus stuff was a new thing to him and it was stepping into the almost unknown. However he had known about Jesus or why would he have bothered. The whole point is he didn’t know Jesus well. He heard and maybe had seen, but to really make this faith thing functional was a great step and he had fears, but he wanted the results. I must think that his anxious, humble plea was acceptable. Most don’t know Jesus well, so faith will be weak, as this man found out, Jesus was more than able. I would say he changed. As we go through life and invest in Jesus we know Him and trust him more, faith becomes stronger, I think Peter could attest to that. Thanks Jennifer
Mike Wittmer on September 1, 2016 at 8:10 am
I love imagining how Jesus said those words, ‘Why did you doubt me?’ I’m sure they were filled with compassion. All of us doubt at one time or another. When we have the courage to admit this, others will be encouraged to share their struggles too. Then we all will ‘carry each other’s burdens’ (Galatians 6:2).
Tom Felten on September 1, 2016 at 9:11 am
Jen, when I was younger, I would often try to deny my doubts—feeling shame for having them. But now I see them as a strength and as an opportunity to grow in my awe of God and His otherly, mysterious ways!
gagirllive on September 1, 2016 at 9:20 am
Jennifer, you’ve written a very encouraging word here. Who among us has not had doubts? Whether they are fleeting moments or a season of insecurity, doubts are common to man. The question is what do we do with our doubts? Do we take them to God, or do we allow the doubts to take us away from God? I love what I heard one preacher say—“Doubt is not the opposite of faith. It is often the opportunity for faith. Doubts asks questions, but unbelief refuses to hear the answers.” In the passage, Peter trusted Jesus enough to step out and walk on water. It was only when he took his eyes off Jesus and looked around at his circumstances that doubt and fear came over him, and he began to sink. But what did he do in that moment? He cried out, “Save me, Lord!” And immediately Jesus came to his rescue. That’s what we must do too—cry out to Jesus and turn our doubts into opportunities for faith. To me, Jesus’ rebuke of Peter was a loving and gentle shake of the shoulders to say, “Believe! Don’t forget who I am.” In our darkest moments—when doubts are most fierce—we have to give Jesus our doubts and remember who He is. Thanks for this and many blessings to you, Jennifer!
youssef1777 on September 1, 2016 at 10:39 am
REAL FAITH IN GOD MAKE YOU STRONG IN FACING HARD TIME IN OUR LIFE . TRUST IN HIM WILL DELIVER US TO SAFETY . BECAUSE HE SAID ” CAST ALL YOUR WORRY IN ME” . I TRUST IN YOU MY LOVELY LORD JESUS CHRIST . GOD BLESS ALL .
gagirllive on September 1, 2016 at 10:46 am
Youssef, I love the term of endearment you often use in your posts—“MY LOVELY LORD JESUS CHRIST”. So sweet. It speaks of your love for Him. He is indeed lovely!
peejesusc on September 3, 2016 at 12:54 am
Indeed He is. I love you more than anything Lord. Oh how you have brought to such a place in You where I could recognize this daily in my life. Thanks Youssef and Gagirllive.
johnswanson on September 1, 2016 at 5:58 pm
I have many doubts. I have often had many doubts. I sometimes doubt that God exists, so that means I doubt that I am really a Christian. Or else I doubt that I am one of the elect and think that I am one of the predestined reprobate. It’s a struggle everyday.
gagirllive on September 1, 2016 at 7:20 pm
John, my heart is sad for you and for what you have expressed here. Obviously, you have a lot to work through. I do know this: God wants you to be sure of His existence and secure in a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ His Son. Do you have a church community? Is there someone you can talk with about your struggles? Can you go to your pastor? I will be praying much for you, John, that you will settle these very serious doubts in your heart. God is real. He loves you and has been pursuing you all your life. Please read Hebrews 11: 6 tonight, John. He will reward all those who diligently seek Him. Be encouraged.
johnswanson on September 1, 2016 at 7:35 pm
Never I’m never going to be good enough to earn any rewards..
gagirllive on September 1, 2016 at 8:24 pm
John, that verse in Hebrews means that, by faith—when we believe God IS and we turn to Him in saving faith—God Himself is our reward. None of us is “good enough” to ever deserve or earn anything from God. It is all by God’s grace (undeserved favor) that we are saved, not by any work of our own. Salvation is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2: 8,9) John, you can do more than “hope for the best” when you die. God wants you to be assured of your right standing with Him. I am breaking the commentator guidelines here again, but please go to peacewithgod.net and prayerfully read and listen to what is said there, John. I want you to make sure that you are in a true relationship with God, and that website can help you know that. As for your emotions, we all struggle with our feelings, but we walk by faith, not by sight (or feelings). Feelings can’t be trusted. Our emotions are the most untrustworthy part of us. God wants you to stand on His word which is Truth. I know that you have said that you struggle with depression, and that most likely plays a huge part in the way you are thinking and feeling. Please seek medical help, Christian counseling, or whatever you need to get to a healthier you, John. No one here can possibly address all that you are going through, and that is not the purpose of this forum, but please know that we care about you. There is help and hope for you, John. Praying that you will find it.
johnswanson on September 1, 2016 at 8:33 pm
I’ve gone through those steps to Salvation many times. They just don’t seem to explain it for me. I am being treated for depression and I am taking medication. I was much worse before. I pretty much agree with everything you’re saying. But there’s nothing that can make it go to my heart other than God’s grace. Perhaps that will happen eventually. I will continue to pray for it. I must be doing something right because my wife and I just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. And our kids turned out okay. Thank you for your response and God bless you.
gagirllive on September 1, 2016 at 8:38 pm
God bless YOU, John. And Happy 50th Anniversary to you and your bride! Wow…you have much to praise the Lord for, John.
hsnpoor on September 1, 2016 at 7:16 pm
John, you know you’ve got to get this settled, right? Have you heard the Gospel message, at some time, and there was something within you that rose up to meet it? Have you asked and answered what is this life all about if there is no God? Have you approached God with your heart as well as your head? One of the reasons I’m a Christian today is purely intellectual (not the main one, but one). It occurred to me that if the Gospel message were NOT true, but I chose to believe and align my life accordingly, what would I have lost in that transaction? For me, the answer was nothing of value and I would have, in fact gained something of value; a good life well lived. If on the other hand, the Gospel message were true and I chose to disregard, ignore and not embrace it, the consequences of that decision would be horrific and eternally so. I’m not a Rocket scientist, but the decision for Christ seemed like a no-brainer. And, once made, it was pretty much out of my hands because the Lord took that mustard seed of faith and began to work and grow in me for His good pleasure. It’s been about 25-years for me since that decision was made and I’d like to say I don’t have any doubts. But I know that’s not true because of some of the decisions I make and things that I do that don’t honor Christ. But I have no doubts that there is a God and that I am not now and never will be Him. Who can look at the beauty & complexity of this world (creation) and doubt that there is a God? Who but God could make a tree or you or me?
johnswanson on September 1, 2016 at 7:29 pm
You are indeed blessed. My wife and I have gone to the same Baptist Church for almost 30 years. My wife is a member but I never joined. I didn’t want to have to deal with the deacons questioning me. I went to the pastor for advice once in 1991. He gave terrible advice so I never went back for advice again. I know intellectually there is a God. I also know intellectually that he will save me. But my emotions don’t believe it. There’s nothing to be done. I will just wait for death and hope for the best after that happens. God bless you.
hsnpoor on September 1, 2016 at 11:40 pm
John, as long as the blood runs warm in your veins there is much to be done. I promise I will pray for you earnestly and diligently and you pray for yourself. God has already saved you, the life ring is there. You have only to grab hold of it. Don’t let some mere men keep you from the foot of the cross. Christ died that you might live and know exactly what happens after death. Don’t turn your back on that gift. It’s the best gift you’ll ever get in this lifetime. You can and shall do this.
corgimom on September 1, 2016 at 10:23 pm
Dear ODJ family, I have been so disturbed and saddened that no one posts responses to the wonderful devotionals — and I am not very glib, literate, nor an extrovert, so I often don’t have anything to add to the wonderful devotions — until today I came back to the page and realized that evidently the forum family posts after I have logged off for the day! I log on about 5 a.m. Eastern Time (Ohio) so I must be an early reader. It is wonderful to see the forum family responding and encouraging one another via this site! Keep up the good work and know that you all are in my prayers!
gagirllive on September 2, 2016 at 8:32 am
Too funny, corgimom! Five a.m. is a bit early…even for us on the east coast where the sun rises first. Our beloved Wise One (aka Gary Shultz) doesn’t even post that early. 🙂 It is a joy to walk this journey with all of you wonderful saints of God. I look forward to meeting every one of you. Grace and peace to you, corgimom!