Doubt
by Jim Person
Why do we doubt? Most often it comes from a breaching of our trust from past experiences. Thomas was labelled as ‘doubting Thomas’ because he wanted evidence to believe. How often I see Christians looking for signs today. Why do they seek evidence by a sign? I think so that they are able to trust in God’s promises.
I personally have trouble trusting Jesus for my family’s provision, even though He has provided for our needs so many times. It’s crazy that I struggle with God meeting our needs, but each time our savings get low and our bills get higher, I stress and worry. I know the Scriptures that say something different, that tell me I need to trust in Jesus. But still it comes, still it consumes, and still it overwhelmingly covers my thinking.
What is faith? Paul tells us in Hebrews 11:1 ‘Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see’ (NLT). Maybe we should ask, “What is reality?”
For years God emphasised Proverbs 16:25 to me, ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, but it’s end is the way to death’ (NIV). Are you and I doing what seems right to us? Are we scheming or striving to change our reality?
Are you ready to stop this and let your faith show the reality of what you are hoping for? Jesus wants us to ‘see’ the evidence of things ‘we cannot yet see’ in the reality of our lives. It is in Him. It’s through Him that we can be set free to trust and not doubt.
Prayer: Jesus, help me to see through Your eyes. I want to believe in Your ability to provide for me even when everything around me is saying the opposite. Help me to not doubt You. Thank You, Jesus, for caring for me. Amen.
Jim Person Jim grew up in Alaska and from a small child commercial fished every summer with his family. God called him, his wife Tanya, and their four children to move to Hungary as missionaries in 2003. God then led him to join Ellel Ministries in 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where he is now serving with the Ellel USA team. Jim and Tanya have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom. They also love mentoring the existing and developing Ellel teams wherever God leads them. Jim also has a real gift for working with the land to create a beautiful and welcoming environment.
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