Faith and Doubt

Recently, I’ve been studying the book of Genesis and what has jumped out at me is how while Abraham is known as the Father of Faith and he’s known for being willing to sacrifice Isaac, he was still a man who doubted God along the way in certain areas of his life. It was the doubt of Sarah having a baby that led to the birth of Ismael (Gen 16:1-4). More than once, it was Abraham’s fear of being killed that led him and Sarah to lie about their relationship leading rulers to believe they were only brother and sister (Gen 12:10-20; Gen 20). 

On the other side of that, it was his belief in God that led to him leaving his family behind and going to a place that God would show him (Gen 12:1-7). It was his belief in God that kept him from taking anything from the King of Sodom (Gen 14:22-23). It was his belief that God keeps His promises that led Abraham up that mountain to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22:1-19). How are there two sides of this man, Abraham? Faith and Doubt. 

Like Abraham, I find myself in the same situation. Now, I’ve never created an Ismael and all the issues that brought (at least I don’t think I have), but I have definitely had my doubts about whether and when I was to move on something I had heard from God. I’ve also moved without seeking His guidance and it’s been an absolute mess. What about you? 

Do I believe God? Yes! Do I believe His Word is true? Absolutely! But I struggle with my role in the plan and sometimes I wonder if God really has me or if I need to do something on my own. Every time I do, it doesn’t turn out well, but sometimes I forget that He cares for me (1 Pet 5:6-7)…..that He is working all things for my good (Rom 8:28). Sometimes I get ahead of Him and want to push things along because I’m tired of waiting on His timing. 

Thank God for grace and mercy or I would have been destroyed by my own devices. As the father of the boy, with the mute spirit, said, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” I sometimes forget that all things are possible to those who believe (Mark 9:17-27). It’s so easy to get distracted by what is going on around me or what I want to accomplish, that I sometimes lose sight of God. 

I get so busy with the work that I lose sight of the Master and His plan for me. Yes, we were created to do good works (Eph 2:10), but not in the absence of the One who sent us. This is one more reason to keep our mind stayed on Him. If we stay focused on Him and His direction, the works we do will be for His glory and we won’t get distracted in the midst of them. As we focus on Him and not what’s happening (or not happening) around us, our faith and our relationship with Him will grow. 

I can say I have more faith than doubt and I’m growing more every day. What about you? Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief.