Hope FirstSample

Overcoming Doubt

In uncertain times we may tend to doubt. We may doubt that God is good and wonder if He has good plans for us. This doubt can make us anxious and take us to a place of low-grade depression, or even deep depression. When we get to that place, we need to remind our doubt about who our God is and how He works in our world and our lives. We need to remind our doubt of these four things: 

1. GOD'S PLAN IS LONG-RANGE.

Ephesians 1:9-10 says, "And through the revelation of the Anointed One, he unveiled his secret desires to us—the hidden mystery of his long-range plan, which he was delighted to implement from the very beginning of time. And because of God’s unfailing purpose, this detailed plan will reign supreme through every period of time until the fulfillment of all the ages finally reaches its climax—when God makes all things new in all of heaven and earth through Jesus Christ." 

He is not a God that "sets it and forgets it." He is involved with His creation. He is working and moving all the time. He is the chief architect of creation. His plan is detailed and organized. Every nuance is purposeful. Every event happens under His permission and supervision. God isn't surprised by anything. 

2. GOD'S PLAN IS PERSONALLY GOOD.

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." 

God’s plan for us is ultimately good. The Bible says that for those who love God, all things work together for their good. Notice that it says “all” things and not “some” things. Doubt may cause you to think, "I love God, but life is too overwhelming right now. How is that good?" Good may not always feel good at the moment, but it's good nonetheless. God can use hard and ugly circumstances to shape eternally good outcomes in our lives. We can take heart knowing that today’s hardship will not overcome us. God is working behind the scenes for your good. 

3. GOD'S PLAN IS SURE.

Isaiah 55:10-11 says, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it  without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

God creates through His Word. In other words, when God speaks, things happen. When He promises something, He follows through. When doubt tells us that He’s forgotten about His promises, we can have confidence in the Word of God because it's true and sure. Although we may not fully understand the mysteries of God, nothing He says is incorrect or out of place. We will gain confidence when we are assured of His plan.

4. GOD WORKS HIS PLAN BY HIS SPIRIT.

Romans 8:26-27 says, "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." 

When we are confused, anxious, doubtful, and don't know what to pray, we can pray in the Spirit. Simply sit before God in your silence, tears, and cries. We can ask the Holy Spirit to say the words to God that we can’t muster up ourselves. The Holy Spirit is always praying and working on our behalf according to the will of God. We can take comfort in the Holy Spirit, who is always with us and working according to God’s good plan. 

PRAYER

Father, I recognize that You have a plan for this world and a plan for my life. Thank You. I praise You for Your great wisdom! May my faith overcome doubt. May my hope and confidence be in the promises that You have spoken. I focus my attention on You today. I love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.