Overcome Bouts With Doubt

Before a boxing match, the ring announcer traditionally says, "This bout is scheduled for 12 rounds." By definition, the word bout refers to a fight. Also, we sometimes use that same word to describe a recent sickness. For example, you may say, "I just got over a bout with the flu."
Similarly, every one of us goes through those seasons of life when we have bouts with doubt! Even the humble and righteous Zechariah doubted. After receiving the news that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son in her old age, Zechariah did what any man would do; he questioned the angel, Gabriel:

Luke 1:18 says, " 'How can I know this?' Zechariah asked the angel. 'For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.' 19 The angel answered him, 'I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.' "

You get the feeling that Gabriel was annoyed and astonished that Zechariah questioned this fantastic news. Gabriel responded by basically saying, "Do you know who I am? It's me, Gabriel, God's chief of angels!" About five centuries prior, Gabriel made divine appearances recorded in the book of Daniel in Chapters 8 and 9. He interpreted visions and revelatory news concerning end times and the promised Messiah. Now this famous angel is tasked with heralding the announcement of two of the most significant births in world history.

In Gabriel's response, we see that he appealed to Zechariah's thinking. Far too many people try to separate intellect from the actions of faith. However, in God's spiritual plans, the mind is very much connected to our relationship with Him. We extinguish our unbelief by wrapping our minds around Biblical truths and past provisions. Conversely, fear drives us when we let our emotions lead.

Therefore, prayerfully ask God to change your mind. Ephesians 4:23 says, "Let the Spirit change your way of thinking." The key to allowing the Spirit to transform your thinking is to surrender. As you give yourself to the Lord, He will provide you with more clarity. Then, by God's grace, you will believe in God and His ways more profoundly—your faith will increase.