Unequivocally, those with faith in God must contend with doubt from time to time (Mark 9:24). What is most important is how we respond to doubts particularly when they target our salvation. Casting doubts into the believer’s mind is easily one of Satan’s most effective weapons as evidenced in Genesis 3 when Satan introduced Eve’s mind to doubt. Think about it for a minute…if Satan is able to cause us to doubt our salvation, or to create a lack of confidence in His Word, then his spiritual attacks are able to gain traction, which cause us to become more vulnerable to temptations.
From my own personal experience, doubts that are not addressed immediately will gain a foothold in the Christian’s life, and the longer we allow them to fester inside our minds the likelier we are succumb to temptations. Therefore, don’t procrastinate! Destroy doubts before they strengthen and fortify themselves in your mind. Because faith is the polar opposite of doubt, it is therefore logical to say faith is what it takes to overcome doubt. Romans 10:17 contains the answer for where we go to increase our faith.
Romans 10:17 tells us:
17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
The word about Christ simply means God’s Word, where all Christians must regularly study to ensure constant alertness since the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour(1 Peter 5:8). In addition to several other benefits, regular time spent in God’s Word equips us with a solid understanding of what Jesus did for us in the past on the Cross, what God promises for us in the present, and what we can expect from Him in the future. Holding fast to the aforementioned knowledge from God’s Word empowers believers to act in faith rather than out of doubt.
When God’s Word is not as easily accessible, what also works is simply taking the time to engage in intimate prayer time with God where we speak to Him as well as where we seek to intently listen to what He has to say. Moreover, the meditation of any memorized Bible Verses is very beneficial towards periods of doubt. The most effective verses are likely the ones which focus on Jesus’ unconditional and sacrificial love as displayed on the Cross by dying for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). It is also important to always confess any/all sin(s) weighing on your heart because they may be something fueling these doubtful tendencies. Lastly, having regular fellowship, ideally accompanied with Bible Study, with other like-minded believers is integral. Not only is being apart of a smaller faith-filled community(beyond weekly church attendance) an essential part of the Christian life, but this fellowship group helps keep the faith of Christians energized and alive. As a result, this acts as a powerful means to combat any doubts when they arise.
Dear Lord,
I pray that we as Christians all stand firm and fully assured with the salvation You have graciously provided to Your children through faith. Help us to earnestly seek to doubt all of our doubts by drawing close to You in faith through reading Your powerful Word, always seeking to maintain an intimate relationship with You, and keeping our faith energized through the regular fellowship with other believers. Lastly, help us to take comfort in knowing that even when we are faithless, You remain faithful, for You cannot disown Yourself (2 Timothy 2:13). In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Please Note: Elements of this article were taken from http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-doubt.html found in my first paragraph, the Romans 10:17 connection, and thoughts around what the Bible equips us with. All of which are put into my own words as best as I could.
Theological Reflections 