We All Have Doubts at Times

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 14:31, ” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ “

Background

I think that some of us might be struggling with doubt and a lack of confidence these days. We might be doubting ourselves or someone that we depend upon. Our confidence may be shaken in something that’s important to us or that affects us in a very personal way. But in a very real sense, there is serious concern about things that may or may not be in our control. And that feels uncomfortable, doesn’t it? The doubt feels uncomfortable, and the tension between genuine concern and questioning God feels uncomfortable. It may be causing us to wonder about the strength of our faith, the sincerity of our devotion, or whether God is displeased with something. But at the end of the day, the best news is that we have a Savior who never doubts or lacks confidence.

Application

When He walked on water to the disciples, it didn’t matter that it was His first time, or that it was the middle of the night, or that a storm was raging. He knew that when He stepped off the shore and onto the water that He was not going to sink. He knew it. He never wondered as He got further from land, as the water got deeper beneath Him, if the next step was going to be His last. And when He reached down and pulled Peter up, He wasn’t concerned that they would be too heavy together for Him to get them to the boat. He is a Savior, after all. Now I don’t know the theology around having little faith and doubting, whether one necessitates the other. But I do know the One who knows, and He knows me better than I know myself. I also know my faith has a lot of room to grow. But the truth is, it won’t grow unless I use it. Unless I believe in what I cannot see or control. When I will do that, then perhaps I’ll step off the shore with Jesus instead of trusting in a boat. If I will use my faith, then maybe I’ll remember that faith is what He gave me, not doubt. Using faith can be uncomfortable, but it’s also obedient. And obedience always leads to God’s glory. Isn’t that what we’re all about?

Charge

As we seek Him today, admit your doubt and turn over your lack of confidence and control to your Father. Ask Him for what you don’t have, and believe that He can carry you and calm the storm, too.