HELPFUL DOUBT

Faith is not without understanding. To believe without seeing is not faith without understanding. There is an exposure and knowing of things that takes us to new levels of understanding. It can also take us to new levels of faith.

One of the ways this happens is by doubt. Doubt isn’t always the opposite of faith anymore than fear is the opposite of faith. Sometimes it is the fulcrum of faith. Doubt can pry us and pull us and bring us to faith as well as pull us away from faith. But faith that is formed without experiments and trials is untested. Often doubt is just such a test.

James the Apostle wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” We must ask in faith and confidence. The reason for this is because in asking we are admitting and acknowledging that God can meet our need. The asking is what takes faith. That is faith even when rocking like the sea with a mind full of doubt.

“Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” Jesus