DITCH THE DOUBT
By Carolyn Dale Newell
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind
James 1:6 NKJV
Leukemia and bone marrow transplants are pretty scary stuff. Even before my husband was given 12-18 months to live, I was doubtful God would heal him. After Timmy decided the transplant was not for him, my doubts increased. He had no peace about the transplant, but I had no peace at all. I was a young Christian, and I was afraid to trust God’s will because I feared He would allow my husband to die.
When you hit a brick wall, God often redirects you, and that is what happened with us. A clinical trial for an experimental drug opened up, and God used that drug not only to save Timmy’s life, but the lives of many others.
My faith has increased since those earlier days. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Like any Christian, I want to please my heavenly Father with complete trust.
Why do we doubt? We may not fully understand the depths of God’s love, provision, and power. Some question God as to why trials come into our lives. Others become angry. Unchecked, doubt can keep us from praying.
If you are struggling with doubt today, you are not alone. Once we realize what an affront doubt is to God, we can work on our faith. FAITH – “For All I Trust Him”. That little word, “all”, means no doubt, not a single one! That occurs when we believe God is working for our good and His glory. We must desire God’s will, but we also must trust it. Faith grows when we slam the door on doubt.
MEMORY VERSE
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6 (NKJV)
OPEN YOUR BIBLE
Read James 1:5-8. What does the doubtful person expect from God? Can you remember a time when you felt like the ocean waves: one time you trust God to answer your prayer, but the next time you were doubtful?
THE NAMES OF GOD
El Emunah – The Faithful God
“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;” Deut. 7:9 NKJV
Our Father is El Emunah, the faithful God, even when we are not faithful, He is always faithful. When we doubt that He will answer our prayers and we are anxious about the circumstances, He is still faithful to His promises. When we think about God as El Emunah, it should provoke trust in us – trust that our faithful God will hear our prayers and answer.
WALKING THE WALK
Recall your trials and how God has been faithful. Ask God to increase your faith – your trust in Him.
Our Father,
You are so patient with us. Forgive us when we doubt and don’t trust You like we should. You are our loving Father who only wants good for us. Fill us with Your desires, and remove selfish ones. That way, we can pray without a single doubt that You will answer. Amen.
If you liked today’s devotional, you will love “Incense Rising: 60 Days to Powerful Prayer” https://www.createspace.com/6267879
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Originally posted on July 31, 2020 @ 3:25 am