Spiritual growth happens during difficult times, not in times of ease. How are we supposed to learn to rely on God’s strength if we never do anything that requires his strength after all? I dare say spiritual maturity is at a real low right now. Perhaps one of the reasons that is, is because we are avoiding doubt instead of facing it. Our fears have led to a very basic and rather shallow faith that couldn’t move a pebble.
The world around us has many questions, yet only those who have overcome their doubts can answer them. So naturally the world around us doubts we have real answers when we only offer the blanket answer of Jesus to everything, instead of practical application.
We also will be slow to discover our own failings if we never challenge our faith. Jesus spoke a lot about our false assumptions and our misapplication of scripture. Just read the sermon on the mount. (Matthew 5-7) I’m sure if he came back today, he would have many things to say to the church about how we apply his words. My point is, by challenging our faith we inevitably find ourselves facing our potential presuppositions. Leading us to what we need to work on, and where we need to study. Until we have reason to question our false beliefs, we will continue to hold on to them. So in this sense, it's good to doubt, since it can weed out the heresies. Unless you arrogantly think you have it absolutely all figured out, with no errors in your doctrine at all. (1st Corinthians 8:1-3)
For example, I know a couple that planted a church, and just before leaving one said “I know God is going to put all those ducks in a row for us.” Miracles wouldn’t seem like a miracle if they unfolded under ideal circumstances. It’s only when everything seems hopeless, and it works out anyway, is a miracle evident. The church in question did not take root, so they came face to face with their assumptions on how God really works. They are far more mature for it I’m sure. Even if it was learned the hard way.
That brings up another issue that all those who go into ministry must face. The possibility of confusing our will for God’s. Or confusing pride for faith. Believe me when I say it often takes more faith to swallow our pride and admit our error. Then just keep going out of pure ego. Faith and doubt are not nearly as cut and dry as we try to paint it. That is why we need to pray for wisdom throughout.
It’s been said, that bravery is not the absence of fear, but rather the strength to face fear. Perhaps in a similar way, faith is not the absence of doubt, but the courage to face them. It’s also been said temptation is not sin in itself, it’s giving into that temptation is when it becomes sin. In the same way, it’s not the doubt that is the problem, it’s giving into it.
Do you honestly think Abraham had no doubts when asked to sacrifice Isaac? Do you believe Noah had no doubts while building the ark with so many critics mocking him the whole time? Do you think David had no doubts when face to face with Goliath? Do you think Paul had no doubts after being stoned by naysayers? We don’t think so because they did not give in to the temptation of said doubts. I dare say the only one who never doubted was Jesus himself because he didn't have to believe anything, he knew. As much as we aspire to be like him, we are definitely not Jesus. Yet we have faith that we will be blessed for our continued attempts at Christ-likeness, despite our many doubts along the way.
The Visual PARABLEist
Jesus had to correct his disciples many times, but the only time he showed any anger was when they didn’t even try, not for their many failures. So don't be afraid to fail in your doubt, be afraid of never trying.
“Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.” “Are you still so dull?” Jesus asked them.” -Matthew 15:15-16
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