THE SEASON OF DOUBTING GOD
Growing in the Season of Life
Apostle Paul:
“We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though [we] badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (GN)
THINGS THAT CAUSE US TO DOUBT GOD…
Lack of necessary information – Overwhelmed by Confusion – Physical & Emotional Stress – Fear – Hurt – Rebellious Heart – Divided Heart – Critics – Circumstances – Conscience
HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR DOUBTS
1. ADMIT YOUR DOUBTS.
Example: John the Baptist
“When John heard in prison… what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, `Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” Matthew 11:2-3
Thomas
“… The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.” But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.” John 20:24-29
2. GET INFORMED.
God: “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. ‘Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.'” Jeremiah 29:13 (MSG)
“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)
3. REST AND REFRESH.
“Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.”
Exodus 34:21 (NIV)
4. PRAY FOR UNDERSTANDING.
“… Lord, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24
“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.” James 1:5
“But when [he] asks, [he] must believe and not doubt, because… [he] who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6 (NIV; MSG)
5. CHOOSE TO TRUST.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)
“My thoughts are completely different from yours,’ says the LORD. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8 (NIV; NLT)
“For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 (NIV; NLT)
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20