Encouragement for When We DoubtSample

What’s Influencing You?

Doubt, like a shadow, often creeps in, casting uncertainty upon our faith. It can persist for various reasons. We’ve explored the impact of difficult circumstances, limited understanding, and misplaced expectations on doubt. Now, let’s delve deeper into how the world’s influence can contribute to our wavering, using John the Baptist as a poignant example.

Just as we are shaped by the culture that surrounds us today, John grew up in a world that had certain beliefs and hopes regarding the Messiah’s arrival and mission.

Although John operated with God’s revelation and served as His prophet, he likely had a sense of the prevailing messianic expectations of his time. These expectations clashed with John’s limited understanding, creating tension when Jesus’ ministry did not align with them.

Isn’t this a struggle we encounter as well? We bring our preconceived notions to the Scriptures, often influenced by our upbringing and cultural surroundings. Our understanding may clash with God’s truth, leading to confusion and doubt. The world whispers its doubts into our ears, and we must discern the difference between its voices and the unchanging Word of God.

Misguided influences from the world can distort our understanding of God’s will. Society may suggest that serving Him should shield us from opposition, or that living righteously will earn us universal approval. Yet reality is often different. We face criticism and rejection, which can make us question our faith.

We must turn to the unchanging truth of Scripture to overcome the world’s influence on our doubt. We need to trust His sovereign plan and seek His wisdom above all else. When doubt creeps in, and the world’s voices grow louder, remember that God’s love remains steadfast. He is ever-present and guiding us through life’s challenges.

When the world’s whispers grow deafening, let us echo the centurion’s sentiment, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). The world’s influence may be strong, but our compassionate God knows our frailty and is willing to strengthen our faith.

Let us choose faith over doubt, firmly anchored in the Bible. That’s what John did, and his disciples were motivated to report to Jesus after his death. They knew the Lord’s enduring significance. May our lives bear witness to it today, even in a world filled with doubt and confusion.

This devotional was based on a sermon by Richard Caldwell. To listen to this sermon and an episode of the Straight Truth Podcast related to this message, visit our website https://straighttruth.net/should-christians-doubt-their-faith/