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Monday, July 15, 2024

Hebrews 11:1 - Faith and Doubt

 Hebrews 11:1

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Faith and doubt—two forces we often struggle with—seem like polar opposites, but have you ever thought of them as companions? The tension between faith and doubt is a natural part of our Christian walk.

Faith, by its nature, requires a leap into the unknown. 

Faith asks us to believe in something we can't tangibly prove or understand, which often leaves us teetering on the edge of doubt.

Doubt can feel like a gust of wind threatening to knock us off balance. But what if we saw doubt not as an enemy but as an ally in our spiritual growth? Think about the disciple, Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas.” He doubted Jesus' resurrection until he saw and touched the wounds himself. Jesus didn’t scold him; He offered His hands and side and said, “Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27). This didn’t weaken Thomas’ faith; it strengthened it.

John 20:28:  Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

Doubt pushes us to dig deeper, ask tough questions, and seek profound answers. 

James 1:5-6: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt." 

We aren’t called to suppress doubt but to seek wisdom through it. God often uses our questions to draw us closer. Wrestling with doubt makes our faith more authentic and deeply rooted, like gold refined in fire.

A faith that never faces doubt remains fragile. A tree that never faces strong winds might look impressive but lacks deep roots. Faith that has weathered storms of doubt stands strong and resilient. By facing doubt head-on, our faith learns to rely on God’s promises. 

Romans 5:3-4: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." 

Faith and doubt are part of the messy journey of life, reflecting our yearning for truth and a deeper connection with God. Having doubts and seeking answers is part of growing in faith. Embrace the tension between faith and doubt. Let your questions lead you closer to God and your uncertainties drive you deeper into His word. 

Psalm 23:4: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

It’s not about having all the answers but trusting in the One who does. Faith and doubt together can lead us to a more genuine, resilient, and profound faith.


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