Doubt Your Doubts

The Key to Strengthening Your Faith

...For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out

at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.

James 1:6 (AMPC)

Doubt and unbelief can be big problems for Christians. They are negative and discouraging, and they cause us to make poor choices, which also make life difficult.

Doubt causes us to think things like, Does God really love me? or, Did God really say that? If we’re full of doubt, we’ll catch ourselves saying things like, “I wish I had a better life,” or, “I wish things would turn around someday for my kids.”

James 1:6 (AMPC) paints such an accurate picture of doubt. It says, ...For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.

When we struggle with doubt and indecision, it feels like we’re trying to go in two different directions at the same time. And it’s tormenting to be torn between two places, not able to decide what we really believe.

It’s in those moments we have to choose whether we are going to believe God or the enemy...God or our feelings...God or what people tell us...God or our circumstances.

When doubt comes against us, we have to lift up our shield of faith. Ephesians 6:16 (AMP) says, Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Fear and doubt are just some of the ways Satan attempts to throw us off our game and keep us from walking in God’s good plan. So, when the enemy begins to throw his flaming arrows of doubt at us, we need to lift up our shield!

One major way to stay in faith is to open our mouth and say what God’s Word says, rather than speaking words of doubt or complaining about the problem. When we’re indecisive, it’s so easy to walk around saying, “Man, I just don’t know what to do. I wish I knew what to do.”

Instead, speak words of faith! Say things like: “God speaks to my heart and shows me the right way to go” (Psalm 32:8). “I am bold and decisive—I acknowledge the Lord, and He directs my steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Always remember, the opposite of doubt is faith. How do we believe God and live by faith? Romans 10:17 (NKJV) tells us how: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. God’s Word is medicine for our soul and the food we need to keep our spirit strong. It has inherent power to change our lives when it is mixed with faith.

So, doubt your doubts! You can respond to the thoughts the enemy brings to your mind with the truth of God’s Word. You can feed your faith with the Word, rather than feeding doubt with lies. And when you spend time with people who feed your faith, it will encourage your faith in God.

Study Tip: Read the following scriptures: Matthew 14:22-33; Joshua 1:9; Mark 9:21-24; Matthew 21:21. What do each of these passages teach us about doubt? How does Jesus respond to doubt?

Walk It Out: Doubt is a form of fear, and the enemy uses doubt to prevent us from enjoying the life God has for us. It’s okay to express our doubts, fears, and unbelief to God—He knows what they are already! Take a few moments to talk with God about some of your doubts. Ask Him to strengthen your faith and help you to trust Him in a greater way.