Help My Unbelief: How to Overcome Doubt and Increase Faith预览

Day 7: Conclusion

In 2016, I experienced the worst crisis of my life. What I valued most in life was crumbling right in front of me, and none of the things I tried to stop it worked. I fasted, prayed, sought counseling, heard messages, everything. But Heaven seemed shut to my cries for help.

I faced so many questions and uncertainties that many days I couldn’t think straight. My thoughts were on a never-ending loop. For weeks, all I could pray was, “Send Your Light and Your Truth and they will guide me,” yearning, hoping to hear from my Lord (see Ps.43:3 CSB).

And He spoke to me in powerful and intimate ways. But one particular day, as I was driving to church, I felt He literally sent a ray of Light and Truth over me, right there in my car. I began preaching out loud to myself Scripture after Scripture flowing by His Spirit and strengthening my soul. Moved by His Presence, I thanked Him, and with conviction said, “This is it, Lord. This is where my unbelief ends. From now on, I am going to believe You. I don’t know why You have allowed all this pain, but I am going to trust in Your Sovereignty.”

I felt hopeful that day, but quickly realized this was not a once-in-a-lifetime decision. This had to be my decision every day in the years that followed. The days when I felt His Light and Truth flooding my car, and the days when I felt myself drowning in a flood of despair. Those days when I felt numb and sure my eyes had run out of tears. The days when nothing made sense, and the days I felt I could decipher the book of Revelation! I have to choose to believe. Every. Single. Day.

As I faced this process, I realized I had to fight the battle in my mind with strategy, or I would not survive. This process, as often occurs with “caves,” “prisons,” and moments of preparation from the Lord, was also a very lonely time. There are pains and experiences that just can’t be shared.

It was during this season that God ministered to me these truths about unbelief and the three tools or strategies He gives us to face it. I wrote about the topic in a guided journal titled Re3: Reconsider. Refocus. Remember. In addition to the topics we have covered here, I include questions for a deeper analysis of the situation or crisis experienced. They helped me face my trial every day for almost seven years. Little by little, song after song, praying, crying, reading Scripture, and walking at the pace I could, I made my way out of the desert. The Lord turned my lament into dancing and His Words healed my wounds. My Shepherd invited me to the high places and I accepted the call, and when I had no strength left, He carried me.

It’s my hope and prayer that this devotional will help those who are going through trials and hardship find Light and Truth that will guide them across the desert and will inspire worship that is able to transform the darkest valleys into valleys of blessings.

I have developed a deeper sense of compassion for those who suffer and I wish I could sit down and have a cup of coffee with you to listen to your story and encourage you through your trial.

But since that is not possible, I offer you these thoughts, questions, and encouragement so that you too can:

1- Reconsider: What are you allowing yourself to believe, who are you listening to, and what are you accepting as Truth in your life, God’s Word or the enemy’s lies?

2- Refocus: Adjust the lens of your life as often as necessary. When the road becomes foggy, check your focus. Always look at life through the lens of God’s Word and you will reap the blessings of God’s Promises and of choosing righteousness.

3- Remember: Establish reminders in your daily life, talk about God's Goodness and Mighty Works, and remember what He has spoken over you, always according to Scripture. Make provision for your future doubt when you are living in the miracle; keep remembrance stones for the things He does for you.

May we learn to trust God daily for our battles and despite our unbelief using these simple yet powerful tools.

He loves you, my friend. He is “close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps.34:18). Your situation and your pain are real and God understands how you feel. Come as you are. Draw near to Him in your valleys. Pour out your heart, tears, and complaints in His Presence. Keep seeking His Face, keep asking for His Light and His Truth and He will pour them over you. He will shelter you. He will fight for you.

Prayer

Loving Father, I ask that Your Holy Spirit be my Counselor and that Your Light and Truth always guide me; that I may learn to recognize the Voice of my Master, Jesus, and follow You even when I don’t understand where You are leading me. May my thoughts remain focused on You, and my faith be strengthened as I wait on You. May I always have the Peace, Hope, and Joy that only You can give. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.