Dear Saints,
DOUBT
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).
Dictionary.com defines doubt as “A feeling of uncertainty about the truth, reality, or nature of something.” From this definition, doubt could be characterized as emotional phenomenon that leads to mistrust, lack of conviction or confidence about something. Trust, faith, conviction and confidence are foundational to human existence and livelihood. For example, we are able to walk, run and drive confidently on this earth because, we have no inclination of doubt that, the ground will cave in under our feet.
Similarly, doubt must not be part of our Christian lives. Here’s what the writer of Hebrews said; 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 (Hebrew 11:6 NKJV). Though, we believe in the existence of God, however, none of us can claim to have seen him. This is confirmed by Apostle John who said; No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten [a]Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him (John 1:18 NKJV). A passage like this clearly helps us to realize that, doubt can blur our vision of God. Doubt could also dilute our faith in God.
In his writing about doubt, James said: for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind (James 1:6). The waves of the sea are unpredictable in their sizes and time of occurrence. The reason is that, they are controlled by the unseen winds that drives and tosses them. One can safely say that, the waves are at the mercy of the winds which continue to control their directions. Hence, James’ warning to us, when he said; That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:7). The crux of James’ message is that, doubt hinders answers to our prayers. In addition to that, doubt can also affect us in the following three ways;
- DOUBT HINDERS OUR MIRACLES
Jesus couldn’t do any miracle in his hometown Nazareth because, the people doubted him. Matthew wrote; 54 He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” 55 Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph,[a] Simon, and Judas. 56 All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” 57 And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” 58 And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:53-58 NLT).
- DOUBT PREVENTS US FROM BELIEVING IN JESUS
After Jesus rose from the grave, he appeared to his disciples who had locked themselves in a room because, they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. One of his disciples named Thomas was not present when Jesus showed himself to his disciples. He doubted when the disciples told him that, they had seen Jesus. A week later, while Thomas was present with the disciples, Jesus appeared to them. After he had told Thomas to examine the wounds in his hands and side, he then told him; “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29 NKJV).
- DOUBT LIMITS OUR FAITH IN JESUS
On one occasion, while the disciples were in a boat being threatened by fierce storm, they saw a figure walking on the water. They thought it was a ghost. Jesus told them it was he. Peter then asked Jesus to let him come to him on the water. Jesus obliged and Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water; but when he saw the strong waves, he became afraid and started to sink. Jesus then held his hands and told him; “O you of little faith, why did you doubt” (Matthew 14:31b).
Saints, the times we’re living in is very “rough.” The devil has doubled his attacks on Christians from multiple angles. We therefore need to stand firm and keep the candle of our faith burning at all times. Let’s remember the words of God to his people through the Prophet Isaiah who wrote;
27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
And speak, O Israel:
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
And my just claim is passed over by my God”?
28 Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:27-31 NKJV).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
My two new books titled: 1) Christianity As A Way of Life: Reflections on the Epistle of James. And
2) Jesus And The Seven Churches of Revelation.
were launched on Sunday November 24th 2019; and it was a huge success. Thank you for your prayers. These books will help you as study materials for your personal spiritual growth, small group, Sunday School or the whole congregation.
To purchase copies, or any of my books, go to www.charlesmantey.com or email me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or www.shidaanikei.com
My other books titled: Understanding Love: Biblical & Cultural Perspectives, and African Spirituality: Did Africans Know God Before the Arrival of the Missionaries could be purchased from Amazon.com ; www.charlesmantey.com, email me at: cbmantey.com or www.shidaanikei.com.
We will be grateful if you are able to support us financially to continue spreading the gospel in Africa and other parts of the world. You may send your donations by E-Transfer or through our website at www.disciplesrevivalchurhch.org and click on the donation page.
Do check us out on social media for more study materials. Like us on Facebook at disciplesrevivalchurchtoronto or Twitter: @disciplesrevive find us on YouTube as well.
Rev. Dr. & Rev. (Mrs.) Charles & Faustina Mantey
Senior Pastors
Disciples Revival Church
30 Gordon Mackay Road
Toronto, Ontario M9N 2V6. Canada
416-614-7771
www.disciplesrevivalchurch.org
iThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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