When used as a noun, Webster says of doubt that it is “a wavering of opinion or belief; a condition of uncertainty.”
But what about doubt in spiritual areas? Yes, even Bible-believing Christians sometimes doubt precisely what God says is so in His Word. Many of God’s servants have had periods of doubt. In fact, Satan works hard to discourage and make God’s people ineffective in their life and ministry.
John Knox, a great Scottish reformer, confessed that at times he experienced doubts of the very promises of God. Increase Mathes, a staunch Puritan spokesman for God, admitted in his diary that he was sometimes tempted to be an atheist. One more example of the above is Martin Luther, the great reformer. Sometimes for a week at a time, he confessed, he had periods of doubt.
What can we do when we have times of doubt? First of all, we must never choose to reject God’s Word which is truth. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). In other words, He is truth personified. We need to remember too that each believer is in conflict with the devil himself who is God’s enemy and ours also. We need to fill our minds with God and reaffirm our faith in Him.
I like what Dennis DeHaan wrote to help us in times of doubt:
But what about doubt in spiritual areas? Yes, even Bible-believing Christians sometimes doubt precisely what God says is so in His Word. Many of God’s servants have had periods of doubt. In fact, Satan works hard to discourage and make God’s people ineffective in their life and ministry.
John Knox, a great Scottish reformer, confessed that at times he experienced doubts of the very promises of God. Increase Mathes, a staunch Puritan spokesman for God, admitted in his diary that he was sometimes tempted to be an atheist. One more example of the above is Martin Luther, the great reformer. Sometimes for a week at a time, he confessed, he had periods of doubt.
What can we do when we have times of doubt? First of all, we must never choose to reject God’s Word which is truth. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). In other words, He is truth personified. We need to remember too that each believer is in conflict with the devil himself who is God’s enemy and ours also. We need to fill our minds with God and reaffirm our faith in Him.
I like what Dennis DeHaan wrote to help us in times of doubt:
“The devil is subtle, deceptive, and sly;
He’s clever and tricks us to swallow his lie,
But his cunning methods we’re sure to discern
By making God’s warnings our daily concern.”
He’s clever and tricks us to swallow his lie,
But his cunning methods we’re sure to discern
By making God’s warnings our daily concern.”
