OVERCOMING DOUBT

 

I would like to start with something kind of funny.  A pastor was completing a sermon on abstaining from drinking alcohol.  With great expression, he said, ‘If I had all of the beer in the world, I’d take it and throw it into the river.’  With even greater emphasis, he said, ‘And if I had all of the wine in the world, I’d take it and throw it into the river.’  And then finally, he thundered, ‘And if I had all of the whiskey in the world, I’d take it and throw it into the river.’  The church was silent. Not a single congregant made a sound.  The music leader then stood up hesitantly and said, ‘For our closing song, let us sing the hymn “Shall We Gather at the River.”’

 

Jesus and John the Baptist

      18 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”  20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”  21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”  24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.

What is doubt?  A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.  Doubt on an emotional level is indecision between belief and disbelief. It may involve uncertainty, distrust or lack of conviction on certain facts, actions, motives, or decisions. Doubt can result in delaying or rejecting relevant action out of concern for mistakes or missed opportunities.  Today the lessons we can learn from this.

 

Some thoughts about Doubt

 

“Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

When in doubt, throw doubt out have a little faith.” E. A. Bucchianeri

“Removing doubt is like removing a blindfold.” Tim Fargo

“Don’t waste life in doubts and fears.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

1.  Even the most powerful and spiritual of people can have doubts. 

 

a.  Sarah and Abraham had been waiting so long when God said it was going to happened they both laughed.  God went ahead with their promise.

b.  Gideon doubted that God could use him to do it. He tested God twice (challenging God to provide proof of his reliability through a series of miracles) before he would believe. God humored him—and through Gideon, God lead the Israelites to victory.

Doubt is the gap between our current faith and perfect faith. If this is the case, we all doubt.

c.  John doubted because of his prison and isolation.  He doubted.  Now notice how Jesus dealt with John's doubt.  He told him the facts.  “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. "

 

How to deal with doubt

 

1.  Jesus never condemned him.  Have mercy on those who doubt.

Jude 22 tells us to “have mercy on those who doubt.” It is easy to judge, condemn, and look down on doubters as if they are second-rate Christians. But to have mercy on those who doubt is to be there for them, comforting and building them up.

2.  Realize doubt is often the birth pangs of deepened faith. this is not a bad thing. We all need to consider that the truths we espouse might be wrong, in order to embrace our faith more deeply. Such doubt often results in stronger faith.

3.  Sometimes we want all the answers.   Peter says we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Life is a journey and step by step.  You learn to trust when you work through your doubt. 

4.  Make the main things the main things.

Paul told the Corinthians he delivered to them things “of first importance” (1 Cor. 15:3). He goes on to talk about the atoning death and vindicating resurrection of Christ as being most central to the faith.  Don't major on the minors.  Paul said his focus was on Christ crucified,  Remember seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.  Keep your prayer life, study of God's word, going to church and telling others about Jesus your priority.  Your attitude and reaction makes or breaks what happens in these times of crisis.

5.  Live according to the faith you still have.

Doubt is not unbelief. Again, doubt is the bridge that connects current faith to perfect faith. And that bridge will stand until our death or Christ’s return. When we go through a faith crisis, though,  live as Christians, repenting and believing the gospel, even if you don’t always feel like Christians.

6.  Doubt your doubts.  For Christians, we can be sure that the central truths of our faith will never be outweighed by our doubt.   Jesus answered John's doubts with facts.  Jesus dealt with Thomas' doubt with reality.  Facts always dispel sincere doubt.

7.  Work through your issues.  If your doubt is because of personal sin repent.  If it caused by people then get the facts.  If you are dissatisfied go deeper into God.  Whatever is causing it deal with it with love, non jugdmentalness and facts. 

 

Be like David when he said.  Why am I so sad?

Why am I so troubled?

I will put my hope in God,

and once again I will praise him,

my savior and my God.

(Psalm 42:11)

 

The main thing is to go to God like John the Baptist. 

The last part here I love.  Jesus spoke highly of John and the Lord sees you as you become.  God welcomes doubt because He know what you will be like on the other side.  God lovingly dealt with Gideon because he saw what he became.  He kept his promise to Abraham because God sees the big picture.  In Thomas' case he saw Thomas in India establishing the church there.  Doubt is Ok for a while but do not let it become you king and country.