5 THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN IN DOUBT AS A BELIEVER

 

Doubting is a normal part of human life.

Even the most serious or mature believers may have moments where they struggle with doubt.

John the Baptist who knew Jesus Christ as God once began to have doubts about Jesus when he was put in prison (Luke 3:19-20).

The situations surrounding John made him begin to doubt Jesus just as many believers still do today.

Read: Open Heaven 21 March 2023 Tuesday

In moments when life causes you to doubt, here are five important things to remember:

 

 

1. Doubting Does Not Automatically Make You An Unbeliever

Doubt is different from unbelief.

While unbelief is an outright refusal to believe, obey and trust Jesus, doubt is many times unintentional and is a feeling of uncertainty, seeking answers especially due to prevailing circumstances.

Doubt can grow into unbelief and eventually make you an unbeliever if you keep it within, let it grow, and consume you.

The best way to deal with doubt is to voice it out and let it be handled through counsel and prayer.
When doubt is handled well, it makes you grow.

Even John the Baptist began to have doubts (Matt 11:1-3)

There are two possible explanations for these doubts. Either John was struggling with the suffering that he was enduring and couldn’t square it with the prophecies of the Messiah that he read about in the Old Testament prophets, or John was doubting the identity of Jesus because he wasn’t fulfilling John’s Old Testament expectation that the Messiah would come bringing salvation and judgment.

 

2. Your Situation Is Temporary. God is Eternal

Many times, doubts rise due to the presence or knowledge of a sad reality.

John the Baptist knew that Jesus would come and had heard the prophecies from the prophet Isaiah that said when the Messiah came, he would come “to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isa. 61:1).

Yet John found himself and prison while Jesus was around and that could have contributed to him doubting Jesus.

Sometimes, it is common for believers to doubt Jesus and His promises on account of their current unpleasant realities.

When this happens, remember that your situation is only temporary.

 

3. You Can Ask God to Help You

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Lord, help my unbelief” This cry by a father was answered by Jesus and is proof that Jesus can help you with doubt and even unbelief.

“And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

John also asked Jesus questions in his time of unbelief.

 

4. God’s Promises To You

Just like John the Baptist remembered God’s promises in Scripture, we must do the same in times of doubt.

When the things we see physically do not match up to the promises of God to us, we must return to those promises, hold on to them dearly, pray, and trust God regardless.

 

5. Jesus Loves You

You must always remember even in moments of doubt that you are greatly loved by Jesus and nothing will change that.

Hold on to His promises for you and He will show up in your life.