HELP ME WITH MY UNBELIEF!

 

I was thinking about DOUBT this morning. 

I got a visitor yesterday that had many questions about history, evolution, and scripture. I loved it. They were legitimately trying to piece things together in their mind. They were trying to reconcile the difference between what they were taught in school, and is widely accepted in academia, and the BIBLE. This person was almost apologetic about the doubts they had.

ONE thing I want people to know is that GOD is perfectly fine with your DOUBT, your seeking, and your desire to reconcile scripture. 

Doubt is a part of the natural growth in our faith. I love this scripture:

"Keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8, NLT)

Many often view this verse as God answering prayers. But, I also think it applies to our seeking knowledge and reconciliation in our faith journey. I am never more excited than when I get a chance to talk to people about their doubts and their genuine desire to KNOW GOD and his ways. 

I though about this in my reading this morning in Jude:

"And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives." (Jude : 22-23, NLT)

We should show great compassion and love (mercy) toward those who are seeking and have doubts. It is not sinful to have those doubts. Jesus did not condemn Thomas when he had doubts in John 20:24-29. In Mark a father was seeking healing for his son and he asked Jesus to help him with his UNBELIEF. Doubt and seeking answers are the direct path to growing as a believer. As YOU GROW you will be able to help others grow. That is why, even though I personally have very few doubts, I continue to seek answers. I want to be able to help others in their unbelief.

But the scripture in JUDE tells us to be cautious. We do not want to get "sucked into false beliefs." We need to remain vigilant guarding our hearts from the sinful thinking that is promoted by the enemy. Be CONFIDENT in what the BIBLE says, even when you do NOT completely understand it. 

I praise GOD for how he reveals his word, his story, and his love to us.