As a youth ministry we’re doing a series called, “Barrier Breakers.” It’s all about how Jesus has broken any and all barriers that would keep us from accomplishing what God has planned for us to do.
Here is a post Susan Davis, one of our life group leaders, wrote after she spoke on breaking the barrier of doubt.
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Doubt: to be uncertain of, or lack confidence in. The question is, can doubt ever be good?
In reality we all doubt, don’t we? We doubt if we will be able to ever go back to college, we doubt we will ever be rich, or win the lottery, we doubt we will ever meet the one God has chosen for us to marry one day. We all have some doubt about something, but as a follower of Christ there are things we never have to doubt.
So I say never doubt
#1 The fact that God has called YOU.
#2 The fact that God will use YOU.
#3 The fact that there is a unique purpose for YOUR life.
Are you convinced of these things yet, no, well let me help you understand. The problem is if we feed our little doubt seeds they will grow and blossom into full blown unbelief. Then our unbelief will keep us from ever receiving what God has planned for our lives.
Did you catch that? God has a plan for YOUR life, yes YOU.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV)
Ephesians 3: 20 “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think”
Not only does God say He has good plans for YOU, He says He can do infinitely more than YOU think He can. I don’t know about you but I don’t want my doubt to rob me of that, just sayin.
Now don’t feel bad because you’re a doubter, we all are. Even the disciples of Jesus doubted.
Matthew 26:56 tells us that at the point of Jesus’ arrest all of His disciples deserted him and fled. Does someone who is filled with faith run away in fear, I don’t think so.
John 20: 24-28 tells the story of “doubting Thomas”. Thomas wanted proof. He wasn’t the only one in the bible who wanted proof.
Judges 6: 36-40 tells the story of Gideon. He also asks God for signs and proof.
So what do you do with this doubt? The challenge is using our doubt in a constructive way that will allow God to use it for our good, like he did for Thomas and Gideon.
Faith: Belief that is not based on proof. A confidence or trust in. (opposite of doubt)
The true cure for doubt is faith. Stay true to your belief in Christ. Be honest with God about how your feeling, trust me He already knows. But even better, He knows exactly what you need to grow your faith too.
Are you asking God a question or are you questioning God?
Doubt is inevitable, we are human after all. Sometimes we will ask God for proof and signs, like Gideon and Thomas. God was patient with them doing what they asked, and He will be patient with you. The desire of God is not to keep providing proof and signs in your life, because this will only lead to asking God for more signs and proof. The desire of God is to grow your faith, a faith that does not require proof, a faith that builds a confidence and trust in Him.
What freedom to live a life without doubting!
Remember…
#1 God has called YOU
#2 God will use YOU
#3 God has a unique plan, just for YOU.
When God is for you, who can be against you?