How Does God Deal With Our Doubts?
How Does God Deal With Our Doubts? | December 19th
Experiencing spiritual doubt is more common than many people realize. A study by the Barna Group revealed that two-thirds of Christians interviewed experience doubt. Approximately 45% of this group ultimately leave the church. The report also provided insights into where individuals turn when they face doubt. The top response was seeking support from friends and family, at 40%, followed by the Bible at 29%, the church at 22%, spouses at 19%, pastors or spiritual leaders at 18%, books at 15%, and online searches at 12%.
Doubt is a significant and present struggle for many, and people respond in various ways. However, have you ever considered how God addresses our doubts?
To understand this question, look closely at the Christmas narrative. Zechariah and Mary both doubted Gabriel's messages about their sons, but God's response differed. In Luke 1:18-20, Zechariah did not believe that his wife Elizabeth could conceive a child, and for good reason, because she was in her 80s! As a result, Zechariah's doubt led the angel to punish him by silencing his speech during Elizabeth's pregnancy.
However, when Mary doubted, the angel did not punish or even chastise her for questioning him. Instead, Luke 1:34-35 says, "Mary asked the angel, 'How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?' 35 The angel replied to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.' "
Understanding the difference between Zechariah's doubt and Mary's questioning will help you to know how God deals with our doubts. It will also position you to trust God more and effectively respond when doubt crowds your mind. Because a notable example (Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 21:2-4) had similar circumstances, Zechariah, a priest and follower of the Lord, should've leaned on that precedent. In contrast, Mary's pregnancy was unprecedented and involved the Messiah.
Thus, God is fully aware of why we may question His plan and timing. However, if we neglect what He has already said, we are guilty of doubting without a cause.
Knowing this, let's seek the Scriptures for answers and wait on God for clarification.
Doubt is a significant and present struggle for many, and people respond in various ways. However, have you ever considered how God addresses our doubts?
To understand this question, look closely at the Christmas narrative. Zechariah and Mary both doubted Gabriel's messages about their sons, but God's response differed. In Luke 1:18-20, Zechariah did not believe that his wife Elizabeth could conceive a child, and for good reason, because she was in her 80s! As a result, Zechariah's doubt led the angel to punish him by silencing his speech during Elizabeth's pregnancy.
However, when Mary doubted, the angel did not punish or even chastise her for questioning him. Instead, Luke 1:34-35 says, "Mary asked the angel, 'How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?' 35 The angel replied to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.' "
Understanding the difference between Zechariah's doubt and Mary's questioning will help you to know how God deals with our doubts. It will also position you to trust God more and effectively respond when doubt crowds your mind. Because a notable example (Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 21:2-4) had similar circumstances, Zechariah, a priest and follower of the Lord, should've leaned on that precedent. In contrast, Mary's pregnancy was unprecedented and involved the Messiah.
Thus, God is fully aware of why we may question His plan and timing. However, if we neglect what He has already said, we are guilty of doubting without a cause.
Knowing this, let's seek the Scriptures for answers and wait on God for clarification.
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