In Exodus 3, we have the story of Moses and the burning bush. Here Moses has some serious doubts about his abilities. He asking God, more than once, if there isn't someone better. Does God toss him aside and go look for someone else? Does God even get angry? The answer to both of these questions, of course, is no.
In Judges 6, the Lord wants to use Gideon to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites. Gideon not only doubts that he is up to the task, but that it's the Lord talking to him. He ask for several signs, which the Lord provides. No lightning strike, no belittling, no yelling.
In John 20, Thomas doubted and was given proof. In Matthew 28, the eleven remaining disciples went to Galilee to see the risen Jesus, but Scripture tells us that even then some doubted.
The thing I keep seeing? In not one of the cases does doubt disqualify. God still expected them to carry out what He had planned. He helped them move past their doubts into belief. Belief in Him and belief in what He could do through them. It didn't seem to diminish their effectiveness either. Moses did lead the people out of Egypt and Gideon defeated a vast army with only 300.
I also see a patience in God that is incomprehensible. How many times does He have to prove Himself? Gideon asked for no less than three signs. The disciples had been with Jesus through most of his ministry on Earth, and still they doubted. I get impatient with my children if I have to ask them to do something more than once or they aren't doing fast enough. God knows we are weak, but He refuses to accept it. Instead, He works on us so we don't accept it either!
When doubt is present, we have two choices. Run from what we are called to do, or run to the One has called us to do it.
Has doubt ever paralyzed you to the point of inaction?
Good stuff, my friend! Love the challenge here- that we don't have to shy away from our doubt, but can instead turn to God with it. He's such a good God.
ReplyDeleteThanks, broseph! Can always count on encouragement from you!
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