Presenting ...
... a weekly letter of encouragement.
August 9, 1993
Good Morning!
DOUBT...A hush word we Christians wouldn't dare utter
among fellow-believers.
But if we are honest with ourselves - and with God, we probably
harbor secret doubts about our faith.
Jesus is not so hard on us as we are on ourselves. In fact,
He honors doubters:
John the Baptist - After courageously blazing a trail in preparation for Christ's arrival
on the scene, John is imprisoned. In his dark moment of doubt he sends emissaries
to Christ inquiring, "Are you the Coming One, or should we look for someone
else?" (Matthew 11:3 Berkeley)
Christ's response: "...There has not arisen anyone
greater than he." (Matthew 11:11)
The father of a convulsed mute doubts Christ's ability to heal: "If you can do
anything...help us...I do believe; help my
unbelief."
Christ's response: The immediate healing of the boy.
(Mark 9:22,24-27)
Thomas - Thomas doubts the veracity of the disciples' claim to have seen the risen
Christ by declaring, "Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put
my finger the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side,
I will not believe."
Christ's response: He appears to Thomas and says, "Reach here your finger, and see
My hands; and reach here your hand, and put it into My side; and be not
unbelieving, but believing." (John
20:25, 27)
The difference between DOUBT and UNBELIEF centers in the WILL:
The unbeliever faces the facts and stiffens his
will with a resounding "No!"
The doubter struggles with the evidence and prays,
"Help me to trust You."
Christ can work with us honest doubters. The hardened
unbeliever is another story.
Have a great week!
Dwight Hill
© Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
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