From Ben – 22 June 2014
This week’s message has come as a surprise to me as it forced me to confront a subject that I have hardly ever considered before. It made me reflect on the very real area of doubt. As I researched and reflected on this subject I have to confess that I too have had moments of doubt and uncertainty over some important areas in the Christian life.
At first I felt uneasy and somewhat guilty, but as I further studied the Scriptures it became increasingly evident that doubts were evident in the life of both Old Testament and New Testament men and women of God. Abraham, Moses and Sarah were all given to doubts from time to time, not to mention Peter, Paul and the early church.
I have come to see that doubt, in and of itself, is not bad, the important thing is what you do with it. Doubt must lead to investigation, inquiry and research. As we gather facts, both from Scripture and science, it will build and affirm our faith. Doubt must not become a dead end, but a bridge to further investigation and discovery. If we honestly look for answers, God will lead us into deeper understanding and faith. I just love the honest faith of the N.T. man who said to our Lord, “I believe, but help my unbelief”
Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith, they keep you awake and moving (Frank Buechner)
Faith doesn’t mean you never doubt, it only means you never act on your doubts (O. Scott)