Have Mercy on the Doubters

via TJC

Beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt....- Jude 1:20-22What is Truth? - How can this be? - Help my unbelief! - This is a hard saying; who can listen to it? 

The above statements are just a few made by Biblical characters. There are many of us who, after we gave our lives over to Jesus Christ, eventually had that trust in Him shaken and on the verge of being overthrown. Yet the stability of our faith cannot be known unless it is tested in the crucible of doubt. And no one is immune.

As a young, new disciple of Jesus, I was often impatient with those who had doubts about Him. ‘Adam’, also a new disciple whom I met at church, seemed to always have doubts. He would ask questions regarding authoritative statements Jesus made. After a few years of his annoying questions, I had become impatient with ‘Adam.’ I could not understand this Doubting Thomas's outlook.

However, as my own walk began to encounter seemingly insurmountable roadblocks, I found myself having doubts, just like Adam. The loss of a newborn son rattled my confidence. Being overlooked for a promotion and then an election outcome not measuring up to my expectations gave the opportunity for great doubts to rise in my heart. 

Thankfully, God had mercy on me and my doubts. He was with me in my sorrows and befuddlements. If He is merciful enough to endure my puny doubts, could I not bear with my comrade, who has his own questions? 

Daily Battle Order:

Let us recall the days of our own hand-wringing doubts so that when we encounter those who are wrestling with God’s faithfulness, we can patiently walk with them. Practice mercy. Bear with those who are weaker in their faith. Practice the discipline of silence as you give room for the Holy Spirit to speak to those who have doubts so they may be built up in their holy faith.