Overcome doubt

Image by Glen's Pics via Flickr

"Overcome doubt" By Diane Webb

John 14: 6—"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me."

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to achieve life. There is no other life outside him. He is life itself. It is interesting he says to "follow me" first. Is it possible to follow the way of Jesus yet not totally believe until later? Is it necessary to believe first before you can begin to follow Jesus? Some of the disciples seemed to doubt periodically even after following Jesus for quite some time. They don't expect him to be able to multiply the loaves and the fishes (Matthew 14: 16, 17). Peter doesn't really believe he can walk on water even when he is doing so (Matthew 14: 30). They don't give the impression they expect much after the crucifixion (Luke 24: 13-35). So, it appears it is possible to follow Jesus and still doubt his truth. It takes following Jesus AND believing in Jesus' truth to have a meaningful life on earth and life eternal. Doubt is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for many people. They have doubt in themselves, doubt in others, doubt in their purpose, doubt in tomorrow, doubt in scripture, and doubt in God. Once doubt begins to creep in, it will grow and distort the truth. Since Jesus is the truth then doubt distorts our view of Jesus. To doubt is to lack confidence or to be unsure of something—to question the factual basis. It is the need to always see proof—like Thomas who had to see the scars in Jesus' hands before he would believe (John 20: 24-29). It's similar to what a lady use to say when explaining why it's a waste of energy to try and prove love. She said, "Love is like God—you can't see it—you just have to believe". In other words, believe, enjoy, and quit trying to prove one way or another. God is love so trying to prove God is no more productive than trying to prove love. To try to prove something indicates you have doubt or you are playing into someone else's doubt. Did walking on water really prove anything to Peter? Didn't he later lose his faith and deny Jesus anyway (John 18: 27)? Didn't he doubt Jesus was still in control in the fulfillment of scripture? Had not Jesus told his disciples what was going to happen (John 12: 32, 32)? Did seeing the nail scared hands really help Thomas? What did he go on to do after the ascension? He does not seem to be as active as the other disciples who finally did believe without doubting. Even Peter eventually stopped doubting and what a difference there was in the way he lived after that. Doubt interferes with truth it does not strengthen truth as doubters mistakenly believe. It is not helpful and is based in fears or insecurities. Any effort to overcome doubt by proving something only leads to more doubt. Doubt is only overcome by faith—just believing. Putting faith in Jesus 100% will erase all fear and insecurity. With belief in Jesus—what Jesus says—we are able to see the whole picture. We need not doubt or fear because we understand what is in store for us after life on earth. He promises, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14: 2). So, all we have to do is follow Jesus' way, believe the truths he shared (without doubt), and we will have eternal life because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

My heavenly Father, help me ignore all doubt. Help me believe what Jesus has said 100% without allowing any room in my mind or heart for doubt of any kind. Give me the words to strengthen me against doubt so I can follow Jesus' example on earth and live with him forever in eternity. I ask in Jesus' name, Amen.