Christian Living

---

Doubt is not the result of having too little faith. It is the opposite. Doubt steals and diminishes our faith. After all, “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1)” Doubt steals that certainty from us. What causes doubt? A lack of knowledge – or a failure to remember what you do know. Unfortunately most believers don't know God's Word near well enough and how can they trust in a promise they don't know or don't know is for them? Someone might say, “I know God's promises for this and that and I was still plagued by doubt.” You may have remembered His promise for your situation but have you remembered that, “God is not partial (Romans 2:11)” to others over you and that, “God's promises are yes in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20)” and that “His gifts and His call are irrevocable (Romans 11:29)” so that you can't lose them. Even when we remember God's promises for our situation we can doubt that they are for us but the Scriptures say that they are.

Of course more than knowing His Word you have to know God so that you can be certain that you can trust Him. This comes through Scripture, prayer, and personal experience. You can only rely on the word of someone you know. The better you know God the more confidence you'll have in His promises to you. As you get to know God you'll be able to recognize the promises He gives you for each situation, whether it is a promise of deliverance or if it is simply, “My grace is sufficient for you (2 Cor. 12:9)”.

Not all of God's promises are for all circumstances. I’m sure that when Paul prayed to be delivered from whatever it was that plagued him, certainly he had Scriptures he was standing on but God had something else in mind and gave him a new promise to stand on (read that 12th chapter of 2 Corinthians). We have to remember that God's ways are not the same as our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). In every situation we need to ask God what promise He wants us to stand on and He will show us. Once you know what God has promised to do for you in your current situation, then doubt will have no influence on you because you will be able to say to it, “This is the promise that God has given me. I know Him and I know that He will do as He has promised.” And He certainly will because God watches over His Word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12) for, “it will not return to (Him) void but will accomplish the purpose for which (He) sent it (Isaiah 55:11)”.

So whatever situation you're in right now pray, “Lord, you know my circumstances and You alone know Your plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11). God, I want to trust You in this and not be plagued by doubt so I’m asking You to light my path with Your Word (Psalm 119:105) and to direct my steps (Psalm 37:23). Show me where to go, what to do, and the promises You have for me to stand on right now. Speak to me Lord, I’m here to listen and obey. Thank You for answering me in this as I know You will since You have said, “If we ask anything according to His will He hears us and... we know that we have what we asked of Him (1 John 5:14-15)”. Here I am Lord...”

And then be still and listen. Write down the Scriptures that come to mind and anything else you feel Him say to you. Keep it with you so that you will remember what He's promised to you.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE AS A MEMBER OR VISITOR