‘Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt…you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV)
Doubt, when used as a verb, is defined as the following: ‘to call into question the truth of: to be uncertain or in doubt about’ (www.merriam-webster.com).
In 1st Samuel 30, David and his men were faced with a crisis situation when they returned to Ziklag, all their possessions were destroyed, and their families were taken captive. The Word of God tells us that, when faced with this challenge, David strengthened himself in the Lord. He did not panic; he remembered God’s faithfulness and promises. This helped him avoid succumbing to despair, doubt, fear, or distress.
Like David, we will experience extremely difficult situations in the various seasons of our lives. At times, we worry, and excess worry leads to doubt. However, as we navigate times of adversity, we must find the strength to activate our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ through prayer, fasting, and reading the Word of God, so that we may be overcomers and make the right decisions (Philippians 4:6-7).
Faith, on the other hand, is defined as ‘complete trust or confidence in someone or something or a strongly held belief’.
The words of the song “Why worry when you can pray,” written decades ago by John W. Peterson (1949), are very encouraging and applicable today. Two verses say:
Why worry when you can pray?
Trust Jesus, He will be your stay.
They remind us to trust Jesus, rest fully on His promises, and pray.
Let us, in times of uncertainty, strive to eliminate the fog of doubt, unbelief, and fear by embracing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is ready and willing to dwell in the heart of anyone who wants to accept Him today. He comes to make a difference through His transformative power. Do you believe?
Read:Romans 4:20; James 1:6-8
Bible Reading Guide:Proverbs 7:1-5; Luke 1:1-25; Leviticus 26:14-46; Leviticus 27