Nov 8, 2020
Dealing with Doubt
By Louie Marsh, 11-8-2020
Introduction: 4 pictures then…
2 out of every 3 Christians admit to experiencing a season of spiritual doubt. More than a quarter of Christ-followers still find themselves doubting. The most common response to spiritual doubt? Quit attending church (46%)
Look around you this morning. 1 out of every 4 people you see is struggling with spiritual doubt – right now.
1) Doubt is a fairly COMMON experience.
“17And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17, ESV)
Faith - Committed to affirming something is true
Unbelief – Committed to denying something is true
Doubt – No commitment because I’m not sure.
“27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”” (John 20:27, ESV)
2) I need to recognize and deal with it IMMEDIATELY.
“6But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6, ESV)
“26Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26–27, ESV)
“23So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23–24, ESV)
3) You deal with doubt by RUNNING TOWARDS God, not away from Him!
“Wrong Way” Riegels
On January 1, 1929, the Golden Bears faced the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, USA. Midway through the second quarter, Riegels, who played center on both offensive and defensive lines and who was then playing in a role similar to that of the modern defensive nose guard or nose tackle, picked up a fumble by Tech's Jack "Stumpy" Thomason. Just 30 yards away from the Yellow Jackets' end zone, Riegels was somehow turned around and ran 69 yards in the wrong direction. The following describes what transpired from Riegels perspective:
I was running toward the sidelines when I picked up the ball," Riegels told The Associated Press. "I started to turn to my left toward Tech's goal. Somebody shoved me and I bounded right off into a tackler. In pivoting to get away from him, I completely lost my bearings.” — Roy Riegels
“22And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”” (Mark 9:22–25, ESV)
“15but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)