Moving from Doubt to Faith

“Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’” Lk 17:5 NKJV

Why do we experience so much doubt? (1) Because doubt satisfies our need for self-protection. We don’t like to be wrong, to get hurt, or to fail, so our subconscious reasoning says, “It’s easier not to trust, to lower my expectations so I won’t be disappointed.” But you are disappointed, aren’t you? Why? Because of your doubt. (2) Because doubting comes easy. We don’t wake up in the morning and say to ourselves, “Today I’m going to doubt God.” No, doubt moves into a vacuum, it takes over when we don’t do the right things. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Ro 10:17). If you don’t keep your mind filled with God’s Word you’ll be constantly assailed by doubts. (3) Because doubters are easy to find. Sometimes the people around us dwell on all the obstacles and difficulties, opening the door to doubt. And once that stream starts flowing you get carried along with it. (4) Because doubting is contagious. Doubt is easier to catch than the common cold, and its carriers are words. The Bible says, “You are trapped by your own words” (Pr 6:2 CEV). The words you speak (and listen to) will either build you up or tear you down, increase your faith or decrease it. For example, “What will I do?” versus, “In God’s strength I can handle it.” Or, “It’s awful” versus, “It’s a learning experience.” Or, “I see no way out” versus “It’s not too big for God.” Words are powerful things. They determine your outlook and approach to life. So in order to move from doubt to faith you must start eliminating unscriptural words from your life!

January 26, 2013 | Daily Devotions    Permalink