Winning the WarSample

## WINNING THE WAR OVER DOUBT We live in a world where doubt is never far away. Doubt tends to occur when a person is between belief and unbelief. It involves uncertainty, distrust, or lack of assurance of an alleged fact, action, motive, or decision. We do not live in a problem-free, make-believe world. Even as Christians, there are times when things happen that cause doubt to creep in. John 20:24-29 tells the story of Thomas’ doubt when the disciples reported that they had seen Jesus after His death. Like Thomas, many heroes of the Bible experienced times of doubt. Noah doubted his ability to build the ark. Moses doubted his ability to take on Pharaoh and free God’s people. Gideon doubted God’s call on his life. Sarah doubted God’s promise that she would have a child. Mary doubted the message she received from the Angel Gabriel. Struggling with God’s instructions did not mean that they lacked faith. In contrast, their struggles with God were a sure sign that they had faith. If they had no faith, there would probably be no struggle. If we never struggle, it will be difficult for our faith to grow. Biblical faith can withstand doubt and even be strengthened by it. Doubt impacts all of us. If doubt challenges us and we do not act, our doubts grow, but if we challenge our doubts with action, then we grow.  There are times when life’s circumstances may cause perplex unsettled, confused, or nervous feelings. In times like these, it is imperative to remember that you are a blessed child of God and God has more He wants to do with you; do not doubt that. If you are struggling in any area of your life, know that God loves you and truly cares about you and things will get better. Avoid scaling down your dreams, minimizing God's plans for your life, giving up on what has been in your spirit, doubting who you are, or doubting your connection to God. He is your Father, protector, provider, sustainer, and you are His child. He is the source of everything that you need. Do not ever doubt that. If you want to win the victory over doubt, trust God with your life, future, hopes, and uncertainties. Trust Him in such a way, that even while you are in doubt, you keep moving, keep going forward, knowing that you have not been canceled out because of our doubt. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." If during difficult days, you feel emotionally bankrupt, socially depressed, and financially challenged, be reminded that God has plans for your life and the plans do not include evil. God is not fragile. He can handle your doubts, fears, worries, and unanswered questions, especially in difficult times. Your doubts will not upset him! Trust him with all your problems despite your doubts!