Matthew 14:23-31
And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on
the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the
wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to
them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea,
they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of
good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You,
command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out
of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the
wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out,
saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and
caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
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If you read closely, Peter actually walked on water. No other besides Jesus has done this in recorded history! He surely had faith taking those first steps, but his faith faded in the middle of his walk as we often tend to do in times of trial or a sudden change in our lives. Doubt can come about in the life of a Christian from many angles and reasons. Its a life reality we are stuck with having to face and overcome with the Lords help if we would continue walking in the light, even in the middle of the storm. But everybody is different. Some are more trusting than others. Some are unable to trust at all. John 20:24-25. We want "to know" our next move or decision on our own strength, rather than leaning on God and His Word to guide and direct us.
Some life situations producing doubt can include:
- We may believe we should have a trouble free happy life.
- Lord, you said you would never give me more than I can handle, I'm past the breaking point.
- I know this is your word Lord, but that articulate nonbeliever says its myths and fables.
- I am a Christian serving you Lord, why is my life falling apart?
- I don't believe in God because he wont let me do the fun things I want to do.
- How can I know Jesus really rose from the dead? Nobody took a picture of it.
- Stress and fatigue from just doing too much causing spiritual doubt.
- Having an incorrect theology (do good get good, be bad get bad) Job 4:7.23:3-7.
- Getting deeper and deeper in sin. John 3:19-20.
Some lies the devil tells us that keep us stuck in doubt:
- Ignore your doubts, just hope they wither and die by suppressing them. Psalm 15:2
- The devil will say, "You see, you question everything, your not really a Christian." Gen 15:5-8
- Failure to face our doubts by not seeking sound council with wise and loving brethren, James 5:16
Click this player to hear a great podcast by brother Mark on why we have doubts, and how the lies Satan tells us keeps us stuck in doubt.
