When Doubt Overtakes a Believer's Life

At times we are uncertain when making a decision, especially when it concerns something important. For example, we wonder whether we should quit our job and start our own business. Whether to continue or end a romantic relationship with someone. Whether to love someone who seems unworthy of love. Or whether our plans, already accompanied by prayer and hard work, will bear fruit.

In most cases, the main cause of doubt is unbelief. We are not sure that the decision we make will bring benefit, solve problems, create positive change, or be good for our future.

Are you currently doubtful about living as a believer? What should be done to overcome it?

Beginning to Sink Because of Doubt (Matthew 14:22-33)

Doubt comes in many forms. Not everyone can immediately feel sure of God's presence in the difficult seasons of life. Some hesitate to do what is right, for example reporting cheating in group work. Perhaps some wonder whether they really need to obey God's word when it feels hard to carry out, for example forgiving others.

If you have been a Christian for years, yet sometimes experience doubt, you are not alone. I have experienced it, and Peter experienced it too.

Together with the other eleven disciples, Peter did evangelism with Jesus every day. He  saw firsthand the many extraordinary things Jesus did, yet even so, he still felt doubtful. In fact, one of Peter's doubts happened right after he saw the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21).

After that event, Jesus told the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side. When their boat was battered by a headwind, Jesus came to them walking on the water. That unusual sight certainly frightened His disciples. Uniquely, to assure them that He was not a ghost, Peter asked Jesus to prove it by asking that he walk on the water toward Him.

Jesus said, "Come!" Then Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. – Matthew 14:29

Why was Peter “able” to walk on water?

Because he believed in Jesus and kept his focus on Him.

But when he felt the wind, he was afraid and began to sink, then cried out: "Lord, save me!" – Matthew 14:30

Peter began to sink when his heart was doubtful. The blowing wind seemed to make him realize that it was impossible for a human being to walk on water. Yet Peter had already proven that it was possible when he fully believed in Jesus.

Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand, took hold of him, and said: "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" – Matthew 14:31

Often we fail to do certain things not because we are incapable, but because we doubt. We do not trust in God's presence with us, even though time and again He has proven His love to us.

We Can Move Mountains When We Believe  (Matthew 21:18-22)

On the journey back to Bethany with His disciples, Jesus saw a fig tree that had no fruit. Jesus then said that it would never bear fruit again, and at once, the tree withered. Seeing it, the disciples were astonished and wondered how it could happen.

Jesus answered them: "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and thrown into the sea! it will happen. – Matthew 21:21 Through this event, Jesus showed that if we believe and do not doubt, we can surely do many great things. Look at the many inventions that make our lives easier now. Airplanes, telephones, the internet, submarines, things once considered impossible by human beings now exist. Why were the inventors able to make them? Because they were convinced and believed. They remained optimistic even though many people mocked their designs, doubted them, and perhaps even called them crazy.

If those inventors could bring great things into reality, why are we as disciples of Jesus instead pessimistic, afraid, and in the end produce nothing?

Peter, Luke, John, Matthew, Paul, and the other apostles were just like us. They experienced life struggles that were not easy while serving Jesus and preaching the gospel in many places. Yet, because they were convinced and believed, they could do what Jesus did, perform the miracles Jesus performed, and through that, glorify the name of the Lord.

Nothing is impossible for those who believe, because the Spirit of God is also at work among us. For God has given us not a spirit of fear, but a spirit that stirs up power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). Do not let doubt hinder us from acting in truth, both toward God and toward others, in our daily work or in worship. Do not doubt, but believe in Jesus!

*Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every region; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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