CAN GOD HELP YOU OVERCOME YOUR DOUBTS?

Doubt can affect all areas of our life. We can doubt ourselves, we can doubt others, and even doubt God.

My husband and I had not been getting along for a long time. I felt that he was always out at the bars watching sports, while I was home alone, feeling unloved and unwanted. After several lonely years, I began to doubt my husband ever loved me and believed no one would ever love me. We finally decided to divorce. After the divorce was final and I began to date, doubt affected not only my relationships, but even stray dates. It even affected my behavior. I remember a New Year’s Eve weekend. I had two first dates, both with desirable, attractive men. My friends wished me a “great time”. I grumbled “what’s the difference, I’ll never see them again anyway”. That’s how I felt about myself. I could always get the first date but was sure no one would want to see me a second time. I felt I had nothing to offer, I believed I was a boring lump.

I came to doubt my abilities in other ways. I had no identity of my own. I accepted a position working for a very smart perfectionist who I allowed to beat me down every day until I felt that I couldn’t do anything right. I needed the job and couldn’t leave without something else.

I felt powerless to do anything on my own, but I knew enough to pray. Throughout this time I prayed regularly and sought God's help, guidance, direction, and strength. I prayed for deeper trust, faith and peace.

What’s amazing is that I’m not the same person I was when I was being mentally battered and demeaned by my husband and my employer. I have a new confidence. I no longer feel like a boring lump. I no longer doubt myself. I know who I am, and can acknowledge my strengths and accept my weaknesses. I expect to be treated with respect and accept no less.

What caused the change in me? How did I throw off the doubt that crippled me and my relationships? Although it was a process that didn’t happen overnight, I believe it was God’s answer to my long-time prayer.

The Bible tells us that Doubt is not from God. James 1:6 “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;” and John 20:27: 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. “

Matthew 14:27-35: “But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Lord, if it’s you, Peter replied, tell me to come to you on the water. Come, he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, ‘You of little faith’, He said,’ why did you doubt?’. And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the son of God’. ’”

Peter sank when he took his eyes off of Jesus. He started looking at himself and his circumstances. Then Jesus said “Why did you doubt?”

Why do WE doubt? Perhaps we doubt because we are looking at our circumstances instead of relying on Jesus to calm the storm and keep us afloat.

Do you believe that God can help you to overcome your Doubts? If so, why not ask Him? You might be happy to find a new confidence, self-assurance, faith and trust emerge.