Overcome Bouts With Doubt
Overcome Bouts With Doubt | December 12th
Before a boxing match, the ring announcer traditionally states, "This bout is scheduled for 12 rounds." By definition, the word "bout" refers to a fight. Interestingly, we also use the same term to describe a recent illness. For instance, you might say, "I just recovered from a bout with the flu."
In a similar fashion, everyone experiences seasons in life when we struggle with doubt. Even the humble and righteous Zechariah experienced doubt. After receiving the news that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son in her old age, Zechariah did what anyone might 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 earlier, Gabriel made divine appearances, as recorded in the book of Daniel, 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. On the flip side, 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.
In a similar fashion, everyone experiences seasons in life when we struggle with doubt. Even the humble and righteous Zechariah experienced doubt. After receiving the news that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son in her old age, Zechariah did what anyone might 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 earlier, Gabriel made divine appearances, as recorded in the book of Daniel, 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. On the flip side, 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.
Recent
Archive
2025
June
God's Forgiveness And Our Failures Faithfulness And Flag DayFollowingPraying About Panic And PainEncouragement Is Necessary Oh, Be Careful Little EyesGod's Promise To Those Who Wait | June 19, 2022 Protect Your TorchTrust God To ProvideGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Kindness CountsAre You Weakening Your Conscience?Maintain A Healthy Conscience Show Mercy Even When People Are MeanRelease Control Of Your Circumstances
July
August
September
October
God's Miraculous PowerYom Kippur, The Jewish Day of AtonementWaiting On God For DirectionTrust God, Not Your GutWinning The Battle Of WorryPrayer Of MosesBlessing of ForgivenessHelp From HeavenHandling Family Drama God Is A Dependable Source of Strength Getting In God's PresenceWe See A Battle, The Lord Sees Our Victory | October 20, 2025Discouragement Is Curable Seeking God's Blessing | October 22, 2025Waiting Can Wear You Out God's Timing Is TrustworthyLive By God's Power Give God First Place In Your ScheduleMonday Morning Beliefs God's Promises Help With PanicThink Before You TalkThinking Like A Servant Pursue Good, Not Evil
November
All Saints DaySurrender Your AgendaThink About Releasing Your Stress Seeking God's Peace On Election DayCarry One AnotherServing Behind The ScenesGo On A Walk With God Prayer + Action = Results What To Do When You're Down Thankfulness for Veterans Oh Lord, I Pray, Deliver My SoulBaptism Represents Commitment Don't Take Your Faith And Freedom For Granted Complaining Is Bad For Your Health Do You Have Foot-in-Mouth Disease?Be Wise With Your Words Take The Road That God ApprovesTrust God To Provide Forty Days To Finish WellEnter God's Gates With GratitudeTake Time To Count Your BlessingsBring Encouragement With You On ThanksgivingThankfulness Is A Game ChangerFAITH, FREEDOM AND THANKSGIVINGBlack Friday PerspectiveLet Your Reviews Reflect Gratefulness Overcoming Chronic Complaining
No Comments