Every day is a new beginning. In other words, today is the
first day of the rest of your life, don’t screw it up. Each day is a new day to
practice making wise choices.
Many wait until a New Year comes to make resolutions. That’s
not a bad idea. But it’s actually day-to-day living that eventually helps us
live better lives year to year. However, day-to-day living cannot fully rely on
our resolve because our resolve just isn’t good enough. God in His infinite
wisdom knows we need extra help living our daily lives and fortunately He
provides it.
Sometimes life is so burdensome that it’s hard not to get
discouraged. But God tells us not to lose heart. Things may not appear to be
going so well, but 2 Corinthians 4:16 tells us, “…inwardly we are being renewed
day by day.” Re-new means to make new again.
Each day is a new day. Each day is an opportunity to renew
our resolve. This is important to keep in mind when those New Year’s resolutions
don’t reap the results we hope for. It’s day-to-day living that helps us live
better lives year to year.
When we fall, we get up and face a new day. Each day we take
up our cross and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). God gives us what we need to make it
through each day—our daily bread (Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3). Paul said he died
daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). He recommitted to the sacrifice Jesus made for Him
daily. God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).
Consider this… Each
day we put off our old self and put on our new self (Ephesians 4:22-24). And we
keep putting it on day after day after day after day. It’s not a one-time deal.
One final thought… Try repeating this at the beginning of each new day: “Today is the first day of the rest of my life!” Then don’t screw it up. If you do, then start over again the next day. Nobody said that life would be easy.
People
keep or observe Christmas for a few reasons. For adults, it’s a time for
families to get together. For parents, it’s a time to give gifts to their
children. For children, it’s time to get presents. For Christians, it’s all of
these plus a time to celebrate the birth of Christ.
The birth
of Christ is very significant. Yet, long before His birth there was something
wonderful – the promise of His coming and the promise of redemption for mankind
which was all foretold in Scripture.
Psalm
130:7-8 told us, “O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is
unfailing love and with Him is full redemption. He Himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.”
Jeremiah
23:4-6 said a day was coming when God would raise up a king who would reign
wisely and do what was right. His name would be “The Lord Our Righteousness.”
Isaiah
9:6-7 told us, “Unto us a child will be born, to us a Son is given, and the government
will be on His shoulders. He will be called: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah
11:2-5 said the Spirit of the Lord would rest on Him, and the spirit of wisdom,
understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, fear of the Lord. He would not judge
by what He saw or heard but with righteousness.
Over 300
prophecies were fulfilled through the birth of Jesus, His life, His ministry, His
death and resurrection. Not just the promise of Christ’s coming was revealed in
Scripture, but the details of how it would take place. This miraculous event
was not some afterthought, but totally planned by God.
He would
be from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10/Luke 3:3), a descendant of Abraham
(Genesis 12:3/Matthew 1:1), Isaac (Genesis 17:19/Luke 3:24), Jacob (Numbers
24:17/Matthew 1:2), Jesse (Isaiah 11:10/Romans 15:12), and David (Jeremiah
23:5-6/Matthew 1:1).
He would
be born of a woman (Genesis 3:15/Galatians 4:4), a virgin (Isaiah 7:11/Luke 1:26-31),
in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2/Luke 2:4-7), worshipped by shepherds (Psalm 72:9/Luke
2:8-15), and honored by kings (Psalm 72:10,17/Isaiah 60:3/Matthew 2:1-11). The
slaughter of children (Jeremiah 31:15/Matthew 2:16-18) and flight to Egypt
(Hosea 11:1/Matthew 2:14-15) were foretold as well. The list goes on and on.
Christ’s
birth was significant! It was so significant that the world splits history, calendars,
and timelines into two segments: BC which means before Christ and AD which
means “in the year of our Lord” indicating after Christ was born.
To show
the significance of Christ being born, an angel was sent by God on the night of
His birth to announce His arrival (Luke 2:10-11). “Do not be afraid, I bring
you good tidings of joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you
this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Sounds like a reason
to celebrate to me!
Christ is
the Savior for all, so I don’t worry too much about those who keep Christmas
without focusing on Christ. They may not even know Christ yet. However, they
are actually celebrating a holiday about Christ’s birth. They may
try to say that’s not what they are celebrating, but how can they get around
it? Christmas literally means Christ’s Mass. So, ironically, whether people
want it to or not, it commemorates and celebrates Christ’s birth!
Consider
this… The true gift of Christmas won’t be found under a tree, but in the
presence of Jesus in our lives. That’s why, as we celebrate, we thank God for
this indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). This gift of Christ was sent not to
condemn us, but to redeem us (John 3:17). His name is Emmanuel which means God
with us. We never have to be afraid or feel alone again.
One final thought… Christ is our good tidings of joy, sent for all people – from the poorest shepherd to the richest Magi! To me, that’s something to celebrate!
The Bible
says it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). Although it is more
blessed to give, there are times when it is blessed to receive as well.
Some
people are too proud to receive anything from anybody. They don’t want to feel
obligated to another person. They don’t want others to think they need anything.
Some of these people are generous givers, but don’t know how to receive.
Some
people can’t even receive a sincere compliment. Instead of just graciously
saying, “Thank you,” they make up excuses as to why they don’t deserve the
compliment. It’s as if they think if they accept the compliment, they aren’t
humble enough. Or they immediately try to reciprocate with another compliment
which is usually insincere because they are only reciprocating, not really
giving a genuine compliment. Let’s face it— some days our hair really does look
good so when some bald guy says, “Hey, I like your hair style!” we don’t need
to say, “I like yours, too!”
Just as
giving should be part of our lives, so should receiving. When we can’t receive
genuine, heartfelt gifts, appreciation, help, or compliments from others, we
rob them of blessings.
Jesus was
the greatest giver. He gave up His life for us. But did you know Jesus knew how
to receive as well. When Mary anointed His feet with expensive perfume, He
accepted it graciously (John 12:1-8). The disciples were shocked because the
ointment was worth a lot of money and could have been sold to help the poor. Yet,
Jesus accepted this gift in the spirit it was given.
Jesus
taught the disciples a lesson in serving others when He insisted on washing
their feet at the Last Supper (John 13:14-15). However, this was a lesson in
receiving as well. Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet, but Jesus said
that unless Peter received this act of service from Him, Peter could have no
part of Him (John 13:4-10).
God has
gifts for us to receive, but sometimes we refuse to accept them. God wants us
to receive forgiveness of sin. We already have it, but we need to acknowledge
and receive it. Unless we do we will never be able to experience the fullness
of a relationship with Him.
Consider this… Jesus could have fed the
multitudes with manna from heaven. After all, it had been done before. Instead,
he let a little boy give up his lunch and share what he had with others (John
6:5-14).
One final thought… We should always give with an
open heart. We need to learn to receive the same way.
Scripture
says it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). How many of us are
givers?
At first
we may think scriptures about giving only refer to giving money to the church. While
it’s true that many passages do speak of this kind of stewardship, the biblical
principle of giving runs much deeper – such as giving cheerfully and generously
of everything God has given us.
For
example, in Old Testament times people were expected to give 10% or a tithe of
everything they earned back to God. In the New Testament they were encouraged
to give, but no fixed amount was given. They were exhorted to give according to
how God had prospered them or how much they loved God. The decision was theirs
to make. However, they should bear two things in mind. They should give cheerfully,
not out of a sense of obligation or reluctance (2 Corinthians 9:7) and they
should give generously. If we “sow” sparingly, we will “reap” sparingly (2
Corinthians 9:6). In other words, we shouldn’t expect God to be generous with
us if we aren’t generous with others. This applies in all areas of our lives.
God
expects us to give to others because God has given to us! Every gift and
blessing we have come from God and God expects us to share them all with others
(James 1:7). Jesus gave instructions to His disciples in Matthew 10:8: “…freely
you have received, freely give.” When we share what God has given us with
others, it glorifies God.
Giving is
a basic biblical principle for every aspect of our lives. We should be giving
to God, plus we should be giving and sharing what God has given us with others.
What can we give to God who has everything? Here are some ideas…
Our love
Our trust
Our thanks
Our praise and worship
Our bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)
What have we freely received from God that we can share with others? Here are some ideas…
The good news about Jesus Christ
Acceptance
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Comfort
Forgiveness
Hope
What can we give to others? Here are some ideas…
Our time
Our talents
Our energy
Benefit of the doubt
Our prayers
A smile
Encouragement
I’m sure
we can all add to these lists.
Consider this old adage… We make a living by
what we get out of life but we make a life by what we give.
Studies
show that givers improve their overall mental health, have a more positive
outlook and improve relationships with others. So be a giver. It’s a
win/win/win scenario. It’s good for you. It’s good for others. God loves it!
One final thought… Remember these words of Anne Frank: “No one has ever become poor by giving.”
Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace…”
Years
ago I heard a sermon about this verse. The preacher wasn’t totally advocating a
“name it and claim it,” “blab it and grab it,” or “health and wealth” gospel,
but he did give the impression we should boldly ask God for what we want and if
it’s good for us, good for everyone around us, and just plain good – God will
give it to us.
Well,
that’s what I did… and guess what? God didn’t give me what I wanted. Imagine my
disappointment! My faith was a bit shaken because I felt like I was taking a
giant leap of faith to make a request boldly. I also felt like my lack of faith
prevented me from getting it.
Is
our faith a bit wobbly when God doesn’t give us what we want – when clearly we
know it would be the best for everyone concerned?
Ah…but
do we really know what is the best for everyone? We may think we do, but maybe
we don’t. God sees all and knows all. Only He knows what is best for everyone!
Is it our lack of faith that prevents a request, or God’s faithfulness to doing
what is best that makes the difference?
So
what does it mean to come boldly before the throne of grace?
Actually
this passage isn’t about our boldness – at least not the kind of boldness we
associate with this word – like being brash, brave, or daring. The whole
passage is letting us know we can have an intimate relationship with Jesus
Christ, our High Priest. We have direct access to Jesus Christ! We don’t need
to go through another person like a priest, a minister, a guru, a psychic, or
an angel to get to God. This direct access thing is a big deal and was not really
possible for the common man before the death of Christ.
In
Old Testament times, the High Priest was the mediator between God and the
people. Only he could enter the Holy of Holies in the temple (Hebrews 9:7). The
Holy of Holies was a special place, considered the earthly dwelling place for
God’s presence. A veil or thick curtain divided it from the rest of the temple,
where man could dwell.
However,
when Jesus died for our sins, that veil or curtain was miraculously “rent” or
torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50-51). God no longer dwells in temples
made of hands (Acts 17:24). The way to God the Father is not through the temple,
but through Christ His Son, because Jesus is now our High Priest (Hebrews
10:19-22).
And
Jesus, our High Priest, came to earth, lived among us, and totally understands
everything we go through (Hebrews 4:14-16). He feels our pain. He knows our
weaknesses and temptations. So when we talk to Him, He “gets” us! He
understands us. He knows where we are coming from.
Therefore,
we can come “boldly” before Him.
The
Greek word for boldly here is “parrhesia” and it means to be frank, outspoken,
and even blunt. We can tell Jesus exactly how we feel. It’s not about making
bold requests we want God to fulfill like some big sugar daddy in the sky. It’s
about being honest without fear of reprisal. It’s about pouring our hearts out
to the One who understands and having confidence in Him to do the best thing
for us. We come boldly to Him so we can obtain mercy and find grace to help us
in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Consider this… We don’t have to
worry that we are praying in the wrong way, at the wrong time, or with the
wrong stance. We have a High Priest who looks beyond all that to our hearts.
God doesn’t want to punish us; He wants us to realize how much He loves us!
One final thought… You see, it’s not our faith or lack of faith that makes the difference in our prayers; it’s God’s faithfulness!
Psalm 118:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. For His mercy
endures forever.”
Psalm 100:4, 5 says: “Be thankful to God and bless His name. For the
Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures forever.”
Every day is filled with opportunities to be thankful. How much more
should we focus on God’s blessings at this special time of year? Here’s a
little prayer to get your started…
Lord, we would like to thank You for meeting our needs everyday – for food and shelter and clothing. And for the many extras You provide that we so often take for granted.
Lord, thank You for our families and friends who help make our lives complete. Thank You that even when we are miles away from our loved ones that we can be bound by the cords of Your love.
And Lord, we thank You that we live in a country where we are free to worship You and to read Your word.
And thank You Lord for hearing and answering our prayers. For being the one set of footprints in the sand that carry us when our burdens weigh us down.
And Father how we thank You for Your son, Jesus Christ, who is the “Light of the world.” When we turn to Him, He floods the darkness of our souls with the Light of Your love.
Thank You that Jesus not only died for our sins, but that He is alive today and at Your side. That He is our friend and brother and makes intercession for us.
And Lord we thank You that Jesus came into this world and made our hearts His home as our wonderful, merciful Savior – our precious Redeemer and Friend.
Thank You for all that you have given us as Christians. We have the Holy Spirit who is Your presence in our lives, the Bible that is a light unto our path, and Christian friends who encourage and help us.
We thank You Lord that we can face tomorrow with hope because Jesus is living for us today.
O Lord, how truly rich we are because of You. We
aren’t coming before You now to ask for anything, but we just want to praise
and worship You and thank You for ALL that You mean to us!
In Jesus’s name we dedicate this prayer of thanksgiving to YOU!
Amen
Consider this… “If the
only prayer you say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” ~Meister Eckhart
One final thought… It is good to give thanks unto the Lord (Psalm 92:1).
Procrastination is the name of the game and in my last blog
you learned that I am very good at it. So good, in fact, I decided to continue
with that theme. I have a myriad of excuses for not doing what I know I need to
do, and they have served me well. Here are a few…
“I’ll wait until I’m in the mood.” Being “genderly” prone to
mood swings, I use this for my advantage.
“I’ll do it tomorrow.” Known as the “mañana syndrome,” I believe in never doing today
what I can put off until tomorrow.
“I’ll do it
tomorrow if….” Known as the “contingent mañana syndrome,” this
allows me to put a stipulation on whether or not I actually will do it
tomorrow. For example: “I’ll do it tomorrow if the sun is shining” or “I’ll do
it tomorrow if it is raining” or “I’ll do it tomorrow if half my street has
sunshine and the other half has rain.”
“I work better under pressure.” This really is a half-truth.
I will work under pressure, but I won’t work better under pressure.
“I don’t know where to begin.” I get overwhelmed if the
project is big. This could lead to depression, so the easiest thing is not to
start at all.
“It’s too hard.” Not being one who likes a challenge, I
prefer to take the easy route, especially if I would have to get out of my
comfort zone. When the going gets tough, I take a nap.
“It takes a special kind of knowledge and know-how that I
don’t have.” Sure, I could actually learn something new, but why when I am so
comfortable not learning something new.
“It’s too time-consuming.” My time is so valuable that I
don’t want to waste it doing anything too profitable. It might keep me from the
more important things like surfing the net, playing video games, or watching
mindless TV.
“I might mess it up.” If I don’t succeed at this, everyone
will consider me a failure. My logic is simple: How can I fail if I never do
anything?
“I need to have some fun.” A little escapism never hurt
anyone. I deserve a break today. It will help me clear my head so I can start
fresh.
“I need to relax.” I’m so tense! Perhaps I’ll read a little
or listen to some music first. Then I’ll get started.
“I’m
lazy.” I know this kind of negative self-talk is unhealthy, but there’s no
arguing with the truth. Actually, I love being lazy. Some people get bored
easily, but I never tire of doing nothing.
“A
lion might kill me.” I rely on this excuse heavily because it’s biblical. Proverbs
22:13 (NLT) says the lazy person is full of excuses, saying, “If I go outside,
I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!” Well, I know I’m lazy, so I’d
better lay low.
Procrastination
is the one thing I’m really, really good at! However, just because we’re good
at something doesn’t mean it’s good for us! We can be good at robbing banks,
but eventually the law will catch up with us. Procrastination catches up with us,
too! Our time runs out – and time cannot be regained. Procrastination not only
robs us of our time but also our money, our productivity, our families, our
friendships, our sense of worth, and our relationship with God.
Procrastination
can make us lazy (Proverbs 13:4). Procrastination can keep us from putting
first things first (Matthew 6:33). Procrastination can keep us from moving
forward (Philippians 3:13-14). Procrastination can pull us away from God (James
4:17).
Consider this… God says to use our time
wisely (Ephesians 5:16). We shouldn’t put off until tomorrow what should be
done today, because tomorrow may never come.
One final thought… Today, right now, this moment is what we’ve been given and we need to make the most of it (Proverbs 27:1).
My ability
to procrastinate amazes me. You might say I’ve mastered the art of
procrastination— and I don’t recommend it, but I do have to deal with it. I can
find more things to do to keep from doing what I need to do than anyone I know.
Idleness is not my problem. I stay plenty busy, but I stay busy doing things I
don’t need to do. Like the definition, I am the classic example of “putting off
intentionally and habitually doing what should be done.” Sometimes I abhor
myself for this trait so I will share my train of thought that leads me astray.
For
example, as I wait for motivation to write, I might repeat some pithy sayings designed
to motivate me to get started. I repeat them to myself as I sit at my computer with
these results:
“The
journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.” WOW! Just thinking about a
thousand-mile journey makes me tired. You know, I didn’t get much sleep last
night. Maybe I should take a nap and get started after I feel refreshed.
“To start
is half the battle.” Oh, that reminds me that I wanted to record that
documentary they are showing tonight on PBS about the Battle of Gettysburg. I
better go set the DVR right now before I forget.
“Steady,
slow, and consistent can accomplish more than brilliant spasms of work.” Brilliant!
Yes, I want this thing I’m writing to be brilliant, but my mind doesn’t seem
real sharp right now. I bet if I played a game of computer Solitaire it would
sharpen my senses. Keeping the mind active helps ward off Alzheimer’s, you know.
“How do
you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!”
That reminds me I skipped lunch. Maybe I should make myself a sandwich. Better
yet, I’ll just pop out and get a burger. Where is that coupon I had for a
dollar off the combo? After I eat, I’ll feel like working.
“Life is
like a coin you can spend anyway you want, but you can only spend it once.” Maybe
I should put all those coins I’ve been saving in that Mason jar in those little
nickel, dime, and quarter wrappers, take them to the bank, and see how much I
have. I could use the money to buy my burger.
“Don’t put
off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Where is that to-do list I was
making for tomorrow? I just thought of a few more things I need to put on it. Better
put them on the list now before I forget. I just love checking off things on my
to-do list when I get them done. But what did I do with that list???
“No farmer
ever plowed a field by turning it over in his head.” You know, my Uncle John is
a farmer. He’s pretty old and I haven’t talked to him in a while. I think I’ll
give him a call. I always feel so inspired after we chat.
“The road
to hell is paved with good intentions.” Where is that Steve Greg book I was
reading about hell, anyway? Maybe I should read a little of it. Hey, if there
is anything that will motivate me, it’s thinking about going to hell. Motivate
me???? What is it I’m trying to do? Sorry, I lost my concentration. What was I
talking about? Oh yes! Procrastination!
Then I
think of this quote by St. Augustine: “God has promised forgiveness to your
repentance, but he has promised tomorrow to your procrastination.” Now that’s
pretty pithy! And here’s another one that works well for me: “Just do it!”
Consider this… We can never redeem all the wasted
time (Ephesians 5:16) so just do it! Do it now!
One final thought… I found this on the internet while
procrastinating. Old habits die hard.
Most
Christians want to serve but don’t know how to avoid spiritual burnout in the
process. To be honest, I’m not sure I know how to avoid it either. At one time
or another we all try to “work” our way to righteousness on the spiritual
treadmill, desiring to reach some lofty vision we see as the ultimate Christian
experience.
We must
guard against becoming modern day Pharisees. “Work” oriented goals tend to make
us feel just a little superior to others. Keeping a mental list of what we need
to do to attain righteousness leaves us living more under law than grace. If we
fall into the personal performance trap, it won’t be long before we run out of
steam. Performing godly tasks on our own strength instead of God’s can lead to
burn out. God’s flame is eternal and never burns out. Our feeble flame can
definitely burn out.
Depression,
stress, and burnout can have overlapping symptoms, but actually fall into three
different categories. Depression is usually linked to a loss and a person’s
lethargic inability to face life. Stress produces hyperactivity— emotions
become overactive, and the person literally wears out and gets exhausted. But
with burnout, there is a lack of motivation and drive – not because of a
weakened, physical condition but because the will to do anything is gone. Ideals
and hope are lost. There is no excitement about life. The joy in the journey is
gone. In other words, “What’s the use?”
Can good,
serving Christians suffer burnout? You better believe it! Burnout can be the
result of too much service for the wrong motivation. So we must ask ourselves
why we do what we do.
Are we
trying to impress others? Many try to please others, seeking approval and
fearing criticism. Therefore, they have trouble evaluating where their time is
best spent or setting up boundaries. They can’t say “no” to others. When their
efforts don’t reap the results they hoped, they get disheartened and
discouraged. When they can’t live up to their own expectations or the
expectations of others, they feel like failures. However, these are not God’s
expectations.
Are we
serving in an area that brings us joy? When we minister in areas that match our
gifts and talents, we can feel as if we are meant to do this. Some are
perfectly happy there, but others get tired of doing the same old thing and may
decide to try another area of service – some new endeavor they feel excited
about – something they want to learn. They hesitate, fearing others will not be
supportive, so they don’t move on. Or worse, people guilt them into thinking if
they don’t do their current job, no one will. However, God does not want us to
serve out of guilt, but joy.
Are we
working for God’s glory? We should be working for God’s glory – not ours – nor
just for the good of others. We cannot be the spiritual nourishment for others.
Needy people can drain us dry. While it might be fine to let someone lean on us
for a short time, the ultimate goal is to get them to lean on God. We can’t do
this for them. And if we are trying to do it for them, we are not doing it for
God’s glory. We’ll be doing it on our own strength or steam. It’s better to
rely on God’s strength and teach others to do the same.
Consider this… We can spend a lot of time and
effort doing things for God He does not require us to do. Workaholic Christians
rarely find time for the most important priority – relationship with the living
God. Once a relationship develops, the motive of service becomes love, not
obligation. It’s not how much we do that counts; it’s why we do what we do. We
need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Our lives need to be God
centered, not work oriented.
One final thought… Our flames are feeble, but God’s flame is eternal and never burns out.
Can one be a Christian and have doubts? I think so.
Exactly what are doubts? One definition is “feelings of uncertainty.” Most Christians have feelings of uncertainty from time to time – especially when facing trials. God doesn’t always give us what we want when we want it, so we might doubt His love for us. Doubt itself is not a sin. Actually, it’s better to face our doubts than pretend they don’t exist.
That’s what David did. He talked his doubts over with God, and he was fairly bold in letting God know how he felt. Just read the Psalms. “How long will you forget me, O Lord? How long will you hide yourself from me?” (Psalm 13:1-3) “Why do you stand so far off, O Lord?” (Psalm10:1) “Why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1) This was David’s way of asking God to help his doubt. And God always did. We can tell because of the conclusions David reached. All those Psalms end with David acknowledging God’s greatness and trusting His mercy, judgment, salvation, goodness, and love.
Just because we doubt doesn’t mean God doesn’t love us. God loved David. He even said that David was “a man after mine own heart” (Acts 13:22).
What about John the Baptist? He had testified that Jesus was the Son of God (John 1:29, 34). Yet when Herod threw Him in prison, he must have had a little element of doubt. He sent messengers to Jesus to ask, “Are you really the one who was to come, or do we need to look for someone else?” (Matthew 11:2-3) Jesus was not upset by the question. He didn’t chastise John. He told the messengers to go and reassure John (Matthew 11:4-6). Then Jesus told the crowds there had never been another man born of women greater than John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11). That’s pretty high praise for one who had a little doubt.
Peter had not expected Jesus to be arrested, so he had some doubts. Why else would he have denied Christ three times (Luke 22:54-61)? And after Christ’s crucifixion, all the disciples were disheartened and had a few doubts. They didn’t fully understand God’s plan yet. When the women reported Christ’s resurrection, the men thought they were “telling idle tales” (Luke 24:11). Peter ran to the tomb to see for himself.
Then a little later Christ appeared to the disciples. However, Thomas wasn’t with them, so he had some doubts. He said he wouldn’t believe it until he personally saw the print of the nails in Christ’s hands and touched His scars (John 20:24-29). Eight days later Jesus came to Thomas and let him touch His scars. This was not a rebuke. It was Jesus helping Thomas on his spiritual journey. Thomas humbly responded with, “My Lord and my God.”
Jesus didn’t say, “You bad, bad disciples! How dare you doubt?” He was patient and loving towards them. And He is patient and loving towards us.
When Christ appeared to the eleven disciples before His final commission, we are told they worshipped Him, but some doubted (Matthew 18:16-17). Christ had already appeared to them a couple of times, so why doubt? Aren’t we kind of like that? God does so many wonderful things for us but sometimes we still kind of doubt Him when He doesn’t respond the way we think He should.
Now here’s what I find interesting. This scripture indicates they all worshipped Him even though a few doubted. The Greek word here for doubt is “distazo” which means to hesitate and think two different ways at the same time. Maybe the doubters thought, “WOW! There He is. But wait. He was crucified and died. How can this be? But it is!” However, no matter what they thought, they worshipped Him.
Some say doubt is the opposite of faith. I’m not so sure. After all, courageous people have fear; they feel fear but do what is right anyway. I think faithful people can also have doubts. However, their actions are based on their faith or what they believe, not their doubts. Our Christian faith must be deeper than our doubts. All those disciples worshipped Jesus in spite of any wavering some may have felt.
Consider this… Our doubts do not alter the existence of God. God isn’t like Tinkerbell who relies on us to chant, “I do believe, I do believe, I do believe” for Him to spring to life. God exists whether we believe it or not. Jesus loves us whether we believe it or not.
One final thought… Doubts arise from feelings of uncertainty or things we can’t be sure of. Well, we can be sure of God. If we keep our eyes focused on God, we won’t have a lot of time left to doubt. Remember the example of Peter walking on the water. He started to falter when he took his eyes off Jesus (Matthew 14:29-31).
