Who Else Doubts God Sometimes?
Let’s talk about doubts about God, today.
We’ve all had them, whether we readily want to admit that or not. It’s natural to do it, since God’s working is so out of our ability to understand on so many levels–He is infinite in His knowledge of time & history… past, present, & future.
What Do You Do About Them?
So, what do we do about them?
I’ll tell you what I used to always do growing up—stuff them.
That’s right. I saw my doubts flutter across my mind, felt guilty for feeling/thinking it, & then just tried to pretend they weren’t there at all.
I will be the first to tell you, don’t do that… you’ll always regret it at some point.
Stuffed doubts tend to grow underneath & can create even bigger problems down the road for you.
So then what do you do with them if you can’t ignore them?
The Oldest Trick in the Book
Well, let’s start by saying that doubts are not only natural to mankind, they are also the oldest trick in the book for Satan—Garden of Eden story ringing any bells for you on this?
“Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1) (emphasis mine)
He twisted what God had commanded about not eating from that one tree, to undermine God’s authority & make it seem an outlandish, unreasonable thing for Him to command, by clumping in every other tree to exaggerate his point to Eve.
And he does the same to us…
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Doubts Once Consumed Me As I Sought to Hide Them
Let me begin this section by reminding you that the following doubts, while are common to cross a person’s mind at some point, are ALL laced in deceit (LIES).
“Did God really tell you you could never have ANY fun? What kind of life is that?”
“Did God REALLY tell you to spend your time reading an old, boring book? As if that will help anything?”
“Did God really do all of those harsh judgments written in the Old Testament? Wouldn’t that make Him evil & someone to avoid?”
“Did He really say you shouldn’t do what feels so natural & right to YOU? Does He even know what He’s talking about?”
The questions go on & on, & I have wanted to buy into them almost every time a new one shows up. That’s why the guilt… & the avoidance.
God Already Knows Your Doubts & He Can Help Set the Record Straight
But let me comfort you with something right now… You are safe with bringing your doubts to God.
He understands we have limited foreknowledge & limited wisdom & limited understanding. He understands that we grew up believing differently than what His Word tells us is best for us.
And He KNOWS how to help you with those same doubts & every other one that sneaks in & threatens to take over.
Don’t Pull Away… Draw Near
You see, when I once hid them away, trying to ignore them, they would fester & sprout & grow as doubts against God in my heart. They made me pull AWAY from God, which is what Satan wanted all along.
But God is compassionate & loving & kind. He is all-wise & all-knowing. He can HELP you sort through those doubts & to set you free with a big dose of TRUTH to wash them away, even when you see no possible way.
Twu Wuv, It’s What Bwings Us Togevah Today
Look at what the Bible tells us about TRUE love (or, & tell me if you get this reference–TWU WUV) in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (emphasis mine)
Now compare that with 1 John 4:8: “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (emphasis mine)
God IS love.
Now read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 again with this in mind & tell me whether you believe that God will receive your doubts with kindness, understanding, & HELP.
He Beckons Us Closer
You see, the biggest thing I had always been missing when my doubts sprung up was that God was okay with me admitting they were there.
And not only that, but He wanted to help me know the Truth with which to replace those very lies.
I can’t begin to tell you how many doubts about God I have had in my lifetime & I am no longer ashamed to admit that. I venture to guess that I am not the only one.
So, This Is What I Know Now About Doubts
So, what I know about doubts is this:
- They exist in (most likely) every single person at some time or another.
- Satan puts a lot of those doubts there to distract you & to deceive you to push away from your only source of TRUE hope & Truth & love.
- God understands that we will have doubts & welcomes us to bring them to Him for help & understanding.
Knowing these things, how do we handle those doubts while still honoring God & not pulling away from Him like Satan wants?
Suit Up
Here are some helpful weapons to use against the doubts WHEN they come:
- Being aware that they’re a cunning & ruthless tactic of Satan & that he is known as the Deceiver.
- Not hiding from them, but rather admitting them to God & asking for His help either to understand the TRUTH to counter that doubt, OR to learn how to TRUST Him regardless of whether or not you can grasp the Truth (because, let’s face it, there are things about God’s plans that span beyond our lifetime & understanding & therefore, we may never see exactly how something fits in God’s plan, but we can know that He has one & that it’s a good one & that it’s also meant for our good & the good of all mankind.)
- Staying consistent in reading the Bible & learning a deeper view of WHO God is, so that when those doubts come, you are planted more securely in a broader perspective & are less easily rattled by those springing doubts.
- Memorizing God’s Word, even bit by bit, tucking away Truths in your heart to act as a sword & shield against doubts that try to knock you down. Be ready!
- Asking a pastor or Christian mentor whom you trust their discernment or knowledge of God’s Word & ways better than you do, who can give you perspective on it deeper than maybe what you see on the surface of that doubt.
- Lastly, & most importantly, STAY CONNECTED to God by talking to Him frequently, asking for His wisdom, direction, peace, strength, courage, hope, comfort, etc. Connect yourself with Him & cultivate that trust by spending time with Him. Not just in following rituals, but by talking to Him about your worries, stress, anger, hurt, doubts, hopes, aches, plans, loves, relationships, etc. EVERYTHING. Let Him in & let Him help & let Him teach you to love Him more by Him showing you more of how much He loves YOU.
Embrace God’s Willingness & Ability to Help You Face Your Doubts Head-on
Don’t run from doubts. Don’t let them fester.
Face them head on & embrace God’s willingness & ability to help. He knows where that doubt is coming from & He has the wisdom to reassure you or teach & grow you into a better understanding.
He can handle it. Trust me.
So, run to Him, always, in all things, & talk to Him without ceasing.
HE is where your hope comes from.
So shine HOPE by taking those doubts to Him & getting them sorted out & dealt with BEFORE they become a problem, or even as healing, clean-up, & growth AFTER they already are a problem. Either way, He’s got you, babe.
Coming Next Week
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As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.
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A Note from Michelle:
If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3
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Ramala Bracelet Set
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Artisan Information:
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