We often think of doubt as a bad thing. Can there be even a shadow of a doubt in the mind and heart of a Christian after we have known the love, mercy and grace of God? Not only is the answer to that question yes; God uses our little doubts and skepticism to keep us humble and relying on Him. Time and time again we see human doubt in the face of God’s blessing.
Abraham and Sarah laughed to themselves as they were told by an angel that they were going to have a son and that son would make Abraham the father of a great nation. How could an old man and woman have a child? (Genesis 8:9-15)
Moses, while watching a bush burn without being consumed and hearing the voice of God, still asked, How can a man who can’t even talk without stuttering be God’s spokesman and lead His people out of Egypt? (Exodus chapter 3)
When an angel told Gideon he had been chosen to lead God’s people to victory and freedom, his first reaction was. How can I, a member of the least family of my tribe and the least person in that family do such a great thing? (Judges 6:11-16)
A teenage girl was visited by an angel of the Lord and told she had been chosen to give birth to God’s Son. Instead of saying, “That is so cool,” Mary’s first reaction was, “How can that happen?” She may have been inexperienced and naïve, but she knew what it takes to get pregnant and she had not had that experience yet. (Luke 1:26-38)
I used to think it was a contradiction when the man seeking healing from Jesus for his son said, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:17-27) The truth is, even though we know God can do the impossible, our human minds still ask, “How?” As we read the end of each of those stories I listed, we see how God kept His promises every single time.
Let me add a modern story that happened this week. I have been having greater and greater difficulty getting out of my Lazy Boy easy chair and onto my walker. My sisters in Christ started looking for a chair with a power lift to help me stand. My first doubt was, “How can you find such a chair that I can afford?” Then they found one a woman was willing to donate to me. Although she lives about two miles from me, the chair was in her basement and is very heavy. My next doubt was, “How can I possibly find a way to get it to me?” I contacted the community outreach pastor at my church and he arranged for movers to get it to me. This chair which God has provided for me that I’m sitting in as I write this continues to exceed my greatest expectations in spite of my doubts.
My brother or sister in Christ, don’t ever feel ashamed to have doubt. Just cling to God’s promise and then sit back and watch God turn your “How?” into “Wow!”