Every Friday I join a community of bloggers for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt, five minutes. Unedited. The prompt this week is …Â Doubt.
A quick flip to the dictionary brings this meaning to the word “doubt” … “to be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely; hesitate to believe” (dictionary.com). But it was this definition that grabbed my thoughts … “to distrust.”
We all experience doubt now and then. However, I don’t want to live a life where I doubt God; where I distrust Him and what He is doing in my life.
The Bible gives us reports of those who doubted God.
Abraham and Sarah doubted they would have a son in their old age. “Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” (Genesis 17:17, NASB).
Gideon doubted God could use him. “He said to Him, “O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15, NASB).
Thomas is known for needing proof Jesus was alive. “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25, NASB).
With each person, God did not distance Himself from them due to their doubt. In fact, quite the opposite – He drew near to them. He entered the conversation to state His will, to fill them with courage, to bring comfort, and to assure them He was with them.
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, NASB)
May we take our questions, our doubt,
to the One who will address them
and draw near to us.
I don’t doubt God’s use for me,
nothing really gets me down,
because I am, and fain shall be
the Good Lord’s dancing happy clown.
Floppy shoes and bright red nose,
a tiny bicycle to ride,
and I will find you, Heaven knows
(really, do not try to hide)
for your laughter is my meaning,
I am defined by your bright smile.
Good vibrations are my gleaning,
silliness my chosen style,
and in the end, the all in all,
God really loves a good pratfall.
I agree, it’s so encouraging that we can take our doubts to God, knowing that he will deal with us gently.
Amen.
Love your thoughts on Doubt, thanks for sharing
Just stopped by from FMF #17
Much appreciated.
I was just teaching my confirmation kids about Sarah and Abraham and how they doubted. We had a great discussion. I’ve missed you all
May they always remember the discussion and the lessons which it brings.
Beautiful. FMF # 26
Joanne, so wonderfully spoken.
FMF#27
Thanks for sharing these encouraging words.
Our sermon this morning was about trust versus doubt and also used Abraham as an example.
(visiting from #33)
This brings me comfort because sometimes I am plagued by doubt.
“With each person, God did not distance Himself from them due to their doubt. In fact, quite the opposite ”“ He drew near to them. He entered the conversation to state His will, to fill them with courage, to bring comfort, and to assure them He was with them.”
I’m so grateful you found comfort in these words. Our doubts will not separate us from the love of God. He draws nearer to us, and in so doing, dispels the doubt.
I’m so thankful that God doesn’t turn us away when we doubt. It’s often when God draws me in closer. Thanks, Joanne!