More Doubt: More FaithSample

Can Doubt Be My Frenemy?

Bizarre but true, doubt can serve as a good friend, even though it usually feels like an enemy. It’s a matter of perspective and how we handle it. While Satan uses doubt to destroy us, God can use doubts to develop us. Here are several benefits that doubt can produce:

• Doubts can deepen our dependence on God.
• Doubts can drive us out of complacency as we eagerly search for answers. 
• Doubts can cultivate Christian humility within us as we realize that everything isn’t so black-and-white after all. Doubt has a way of softening the rigid, inflexible literalist. 
• Doubts can help us relate to other doubters with more compassion. Jude even reminds us to “have mercy on those who doubt.” 
• Doubts can equip us to be a sharper Christian apologist in our quest for answers.
• Doubts can help us grow in Christian discernment as we sift through what to believe and what not to believe.      
• Doubts can serve as a necessary reminder that our battle is not against flesh and blood. The root of this soul war is spiritual. And it’s very powerful. Indeed.
• Doubts can create in us a greater longing for heaven, for that day when our doubts will vanish. Paul said, “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully.” What a      day that will be! 

It’s no wonder some have referred to doubt as not just a friend but also a gift. The gift of doubt. Imagine that. It sure doesn’t feel like a gift, does it? We must learn to embrace doubt as our frenemy. The friend side of this word urges us to find the benefits of doubt and the enemy part reminds us that doubt can break us, if we let it.

Rest your mind a bit and give yourself permission to enjoy some of the simple things of life again. Don’t worry about all your unanswered questions and trying to solve all of life’s mysteries. There’s more to life than that. Rather, give your doubts a bedtime and put them to sleep. Otherwise, they’ll keep you up all the time. Shelve your doubts. Or even starve them. This isn’t a copout; it’s a respite. Later, when you feel mentally and emotionally ready, you can reengage. Don’t worry, your doubts will be waiting for you, but this time in a nonpossessive way. Weaken the power of your doubts by refusing to overly obsess over them. It’ll make a difference. Trust me.

Reflections

• Weaken the power of your doubts by refusing to overly obsess over them.
• Ponder how you can use doubt as a positive in your life