Faith Through Doubt: Embracing Our Spiritual Journey
Summary
In my recent sermon, I shared a deeply personal journey of wrestling with doubt and insecurity, and how these struggles led me to a profound understanding of faith and identity in Christ. I began by recounting a time in Zambia when I felt overwhelmed by a sense of inadequacy and imposter syndrome. Despite my doubts, I was compelled to find my identity in the Lord, which became a turning point in my spiritual walk.
I narrated an experience of preaching in a Zambian village, where, despite feeling unqualified, I obeyed God's call to speak. The result was a powerful move of God, with over a hundred people coming to salvation. This experience taught me that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, and that obedience is key to experiencing His power.
I also shared a harrowing story of transporting a dying woman to a hospital, where, after she was declared dead, I prayed for her in obedience to God's prompting. Miraculously, her vitals returned, only for her to pass away again shortly after. This incident left me grappling with the purpose of such a miracle, but I concluded that it was a moment meant to strengthen my faith and trust in God's sovereignty.
Throughout the sermon, I drew parallels between my experiences and the biblical account of Thomas the disciple. Like Thomas, I faced moments of doubt and questioning, but also like him, I found that these moments can lead to deeper conviction and a stronger faith. I emphasized that doubt is not the antithesis of faith, but rather an integral part of its development. It is through wrestling with doubt that we can come to a place of genuine belief and trust in God.
I concluded by encouraging the congregation to approach God with honesty and openness, ready to receive His grace and mercy. I reminded them that faith is a journey, not a destination, and that it is characterized by continual seeking, growing, and trusting in God through every season of life.
Key Takeaways:
- Doubt can be a catalyst for spiritual growth. When we face our insecurities and inadequacies, we are driven to find our true identity in Christ. It is in the moments of our greatest weakness that God's strength is most evident, and our reliance on Him deepens our faith. [01:16:54]
- Obedience is a powerful act of faith. Even when we feel unqualified, God calls us to act in obedience. It is through this obedience that we witness God's power at work, not only in our lives but in the lives of others. Our willingness to step out in faith, despite our doubts, can lead to transformative experiences for ourselves and those around us. [01:18:57]
- God's sovereignty is beyond our understanding. The miraculous return of life to a woman who was declared dead, and her subsequent passing, serves as a reminder that God's ways are higher than ours. Such experiences challenge us to trust in God's perfect plan, even when it doesn't align with our expectations or desires. [01:20:45]
- Faith is not the absence of doubt, but the means to push through it. Doubt is a natural part of the human experience and can lead to a more robust and resilient faith. By embracing our doubts and seeking answers, we can build a faith that is not easily shaken. [01:13:06]
- Our conviction in Christ leads to a demonstration of our faith. When we declare, like Thomas, "My Lord and my God," we move from a place of questioning to a place of certainty and action. This conviction propels us to live out our faith boldly, impacting our lives and the lives of those around us. [01:30:28]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 20:24-29 (NIV)
> Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
2. Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
> Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
3. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
> But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Thomas's initial reaction when the other disciples told him they had seen the Lord? (John 20:25)
2. How did Jesus respond to Thomas's doubt when He appeared to him? (John 20:27) [01:24:44]
3. What does Psalm 23:4 say about God's presence during difficult times?
4. According to 2 Corinthians 12:9, how does God view our weaknesses?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Thomas needed physical proof of Jesus' resurrection to believe? How does this reflect human nature? (John 20:25) [01:24:44]
2. How does Jesus' response to Thomas's doubt provide a model for how we should handle our own doubts and the doubts of others? (John 20:27) [01:24:44]
3. In what ways can Psalm 23:4 provide comfort during times of doubt and insecurity?
4. How does the concept of God's strength being made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) challenge our understanding of faith and reliance on God?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome? [01:08:35]
2. Thomas's story shows that doubt can lead to a stronger faith. How can you create a safe environment in your small group or church to discuss doubts openly? [01:10:16]
3. The sermon mentioned that obedience is a powerful act of faith. Can you think of a situation where you felt unqualified but chose to act in obedience? What was the result? [01:17:19]
4. How can you apply the lesson from Psalm 23:4 in your current life situation? What steps can you take to "walk through" your valley rather than setting up camp in it? [01:24:02]
5. The pastor shared a story about praying for a dying woman in obedience to God's prompting. Have you ever felt prompted by God to do something that seemed beyond your capability? How did you respond? [01:20:57]
6. How can you remind yourself of God's sufficiency and strength in your moments of weakness, as described in 2 Corinthians 12:9? [01:24:02]
7. Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God," marked a turning point in his faith. What would it look like for you to make a similar declaration in your life today? How might it change your actions and decisions? [01:25:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Doubt as Spiritual Growth
Doubt is often seen as a weakness, but it can be the very thing that propels one into a deeper understanding and reliance on Christ. When feelings of inadequacy and insecurity arise, it is an opportunity to seek one's true identity not in personal achievements or the approval of others, but in the unchanging love and acceptance of Christ. In moments of weakness, when one feels least capable, that is precisely when God's strength can shine through the most. It is not about being perfect or having all the answers, but about leaning into God's grace and allowing Him to work through human frailty. [01:16:54]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to trust in His strength rather than your own abilities?
Day 2: Obedience as a Testament of Faith
Obedience to God's call, especially when feeling unqualified, is a profound act of faith. It is not about personal competence but about God's ability to work through a willing heart. When one steps out in obedience, despite doubts and fears, they become a conduit for God's power. This can lead to transformative experiences, not just for the individual but for those who witness God's work through their acts of faith. Such obedience can result in unexpected blessings and a deeper conviction of God's faithfulness. [01:18:57]
1 Samuel 15:22b (ESV)
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams."
Reflection: What is one step of obedience you can take today, trusting that God will work through your willingness to act?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Sovereign Plan
The mysteries of God's sovereignty can be perplexing, especially when His actions defy human understanding. The temporary restoration of life to a woman who was declared dead, followed by her ultimate passing, serves as a reminder that God's plans are not always aligned with human desires. Such moments challenge believers to trust in God's perfect wisdom and timing, even when it is difficult to comprehend the reasons behind His actions. It is a call to submit to His sovereignty and to find peace in the knowledge that He is in control. [01:20:45]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when God's plan differed from your expectations, and how did you learn to trust in His sovereignty?
Day 4: Doubt as a Pathway to Resilient Faith
Doubt does not signify a lack of faith; rather, it can be the soil in which a more resilient and enduring faith is cultivated. It is natural to question and seek understanding, and this process can lead to a faith that is not easily swayed by the challenges of life. By embracing doubts and seeking God for answers, one's relationship with Him can grow stronger and more authentic. It is through this honest grappling with questions that a deeper conviction and trust in God are formed. [01:13:06]
Jude 1:22 (ESV)
"And have mercy on those who doubt;"
Reflection: What doubt or question can you bring before God today, asking Him to deepen your faith through it?
Day 5: Conviction in Christ Inspires Bold Living
Declaring one's faith in Christ, much like Thomas did, moves a person from uncertainty to a place of bold conviction. This declaration is not just a statement of belief but a commitment to action. It is the foundation upon which a life of faith is built, influencing every decision and interaction. With a firm conviction in Christ, believers are empowered to live out their faith courageously, impacting not only their own lives but also those around them with the love and truth of the gospel. [01:30:28]
Hebrews 10:22-23 (ESV)
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: How can your conviction in Christ shape one specific action you take today?
Quotes
1) "Doubt is not a sign of weak faith, but an indication that the faith is alive and wrestling with the realities of life. It is in the struggle of our doubt that we often find a deeper meaning and a stronger relationship with God." [01:13:06] ()
2) "Your doubt does not disqualify your faith. The devil tries to use your doubt to drive you away. God can use your doubt to draw you to himself. Your doubts do not disqualify your faith." [01:15:00] ()
3) "My doubt and my inadequacy and my insecurity led me to the security to find who I am in the Lord. But the effect came because of the cause, which is the doubt that I had in myself." [01:16:54] ()
4) "I remember writing in my notes, I said, God, all I'm going to do is I'm just going to obey in this moment. When I get up there, it's not me speaking, it's you speaking through me because there is no part of my flesh that feels capable to do this on my own." [01:18:57] ()
5) "I have to act in obedience, right? And there's no part of me that feels, again, qualified or equipped to do this, but I'm going to act in obedience. I'm going to use faith." [01:20:45] ()
6) "Faith is not a destination, but a journey. It is not about having all the answers or never experiencing doubt. It is about continually seeking, growing and trusting in God through every season of life." [01:24:08] ()
7) "Thomas exclaimed, my Lord and my God, my Lord and my God. Do we know what this statement is? This statement is a declaration that satisfies the doubt that he had prior. I will not believe. I will not believe to my Lord and my God." [01:26:05] ()
8) "One of the biggest revelations I've had in my life is that life has so little to do with what I see and so much more to do with what I believe. If I only believe that which I see, I will never be enough." [01:32:19] ()
9) "The act of coming to Jesus is not about having everything figured out or being free from sin and doubt. It is about approaching him with honesty and openness, ready to receive his grace and mercy, allowing him to transform our lives." [01:34:04] ()
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