Super Practical Ways to Defeat Doubt - The Crosswalk Devotional - November 5

Audio By Carbonatix

Super Practical Ways to Defeat Doubt
By Kelly Balarie

Bible Reading:
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” –  James 1:6-8 NKJV

I sat at the restaurant, menu in hand. Frankly, I didn’t know a restaurant could have so many options to choose from. Trying to decide, I think, “Maybe I’ll get this… No, I’ll get that.” Minutes later, I think, “What about this?”

My friend announces what they’re getting. . .

Hmm… They’re getting that? Maybe I should, too.

Mind like a pinball machine, changing directions a mile a minute –left, right, up, and down. Ahh!  Now I really don’t know what to get. As soon as I decide, I consider the other way...

Frankly, I am in the dead-heat of double-mindedness, or quadruple-mindedness, for that matter…. Ever been there? Doubting? Uncertain? Wavering? Believing the answer is yes, and then wondering if it is no? Wanting to go one way, but questioning if it is right?

Scripture talks to us about double-mindedness and prayer when it says: “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;  he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:6-8 NKJV)

This scripture helps us see that there is power when we move from double-mindedness to decisiveness.  Why? Because decisiveness leads to confidence, clarity, and stability in the Lord. We want these things. And we also want great faith; confidence in the Lord is a key ingredient of faith. 

What does this look like practically?

Instead of saying, “I don’t know if it is okay that I am asking God for this and so I doubt He will do it or if He really wants me praying this,” instead, we can say, “God, I am sure you will answer me about this, even if you come with fresh direction.”  

Instead of saying, “I don’t know if He will do it,” we can say, “God, I know you are more than able. I thank you that you are able. Oh, how I am confident in you and your faithfulness.”

Then, take action -- with resolute determination to trust Him – all the way through.

Now, I know… often, this is more easily said than done. I get it. When push comes to shove, or when life has a rub – it sure can feel hard. 

So, what do we do when doubt tries to creep up again?

Sometimes, we must remind ourselves that even if we get things wrong, God is big enough to make things right. Grace is more powerful than any bad decision or even our best decision!

More important than getting it right is remembering that God can make it right – even when we get it all wrong. Here, we can attach faith to any decision, eradicating double-mindedness to walk in God's confidence. God is able, even when we were not.

For instance, say I prayed and felt peace about buying a car, so I bought it. If, afterward, I feel guilty because I have a sense I spent too much money, I may be inclined to doubt. However, I have the power to stop myself right there by drawing a line in the sand. 

As I draw this line, I can say, “God, I trust you. I choose to trust you, by faith, in the gap of my finances. I remember how you gave me peace when I bought the car. Thank you for that peace. Now, I ask you to direct me in the way you have me go with this car and my finances. No matter what, I am not looking back, but instead, I am trusting you. You will lead me. I am believing, by faith, that you will use this car in special ways, for your glory. I am not looking back, not fearing, and not doubting. I am not going to be tormented. I trust you to help me. Thank you, Jesus!” 

Here, a line is drawn in the sand that says: “Nope, I still trust you, God.” 

God is tremendously glorified, within our sure heart, when we are unwaveringly trusting in His good heart to help us.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do we believe God is good? I’ve noticed that if I don’t trust someone, I will not trust them when they say they are going to do something. It may sound odd, but we can’t say we trust when we don’t trust. We can’t easily follow God if we think He has only bad things in store for us. Why not take a moment and ask yourself if you really trust God? If you really believe His promises? How are you showing it in your life? In what ways are you finding your faith alive and active?

Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/MangoStar_Studio 

Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; be encouraged weekly by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, a cheerleader of faith, is a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly loves seeing the power of prayer in action. She loves seeing the expression on women’s faces when they realize – their God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman. 

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

Related Resource: 9 Confusing Things about God– Answered By a Christian Philosopher

How can God be all-present (omnipresent) and yet be located in the temple and indwell believers? How can God know everything (omniscient) if He doesn't know what it is like to sin? How can God be a necessary Being if it is logically possible He doesn't exist? These are just a few of the tough, philosophical questions Sean McDowell discusses with William Lane Craig.