Do you ever struggle in your faith? Do you ever doubt what God can do? Do you ever question God’s ways?
You’re not alone. In fact, you’re in good company!
For the past few weeks, I’ve been preaching from Hebrews 11 and looking at the faith of our spiritual ancestors. In this portion of Scripture, we find many of the great names recalled and explained to us as a model of faith (by which they were commended by God as righteous and used by God for His purposes).
When we see the faith of these men and women, we might be tempted to think that their faith was something “superior” or something reserved for an elite class of special people… but that’s not true.
In fact, Scripture specifically points out the sins and failures of our spiritual ancestors; it also tells us of their fears, questions, and doubts:
- Abraham’s faith led him to follow God’s calling into a foreign land,
BUT Abraham’s fear led him to lie to Pharaoh about his wife.
(Genesis 12) - Sarah’s faith received the power to conceive in her old age,
BUT Sarah laughed and questioned when she heard the promise of a son.
(Genesis 18) - Gideon’s faith conquered an overwhelming army of Midianites,
BUT Gideon’s doubts needed several signs and proofs before he would step out.
(Judges 6-7)
Our spiritual ancestors were just like us; they believed AND they struggled.
It’s good to know you’re not alone.
It’s even better to know how God responds to our fears, doubts, and questions:
Mark 9 tells us of a desperate father who brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus and His disciples for healing. After the disciples are unable to help him, the father begs Jesus for help and Jesus replies, “anything is possible for him who believes.” In desperation and utter honesty, the father cries out, “I believe! Help my unbelief!”
This man admitted to Jesus that he had belief AND unbelief – how does Jesus respond? By healing his son. There is no harsh rebuke, there is no rejection, there is no condemnation.
Instead, there is compassion, kindness, and healing. Why? Because this man came to Jesus HONESTLY – with his belief (no matter how small) and his doubts (no matter how large).
So, what should you do with the fears, doubts, and unbelief in your life? Be like the desperate father in Mark 9; bring it Jesus, lay it before him honestly, and ask for His help. You will not be rejected for your struggles (no matter how large); you will be received for your faith (no matter how small).
Remember, faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20).
May God richly bless you in His Son,
Dr. Aaron George Glover