Doubt and Faith are mutually exclusive, but…
Even if you’re a Christian, I’ll bet you’ve experienced doubt and faith at the same time. It’s OK to admit it because it’s part of your human flaws. Yes, I said it…you have flaws. Everybody does. And those flaws can let doubt seep into your mind and affect your day, your decisions, and your dreams…even though you’ve expressed a true faith in the One who made you. I’m not talking about the skepticism kind of doubt. I mean the doubt you have in yourself or your future.
Why do you suppose that kind of uncertainty or insecurity creeps into your life? Could it be something you’re doing? Or not doing? I have a couple of points I’d like to share with you. First, I want you to know it’s not an unforgivable sin to have trepidation in your life. But it can grow when you focus on it instead of the solution. Second…
Doubt and faith are talked about a lot in the Bible.
Doubt is often referred to as fear, or a lack of courage, or unbelief. And whatever way it’s presented, the solution is always presented as faith. God wants you to have courage. He wants you to be powerful and loving. And He gives you the tool to get the job done…His word. His word is also called “the sword of the Spirit.” It’s not a visible sword made of brass, iron, or steel. It’s invisible…and yet it’s sharp enough to “divide soul and spirit.” Wow, you wouldn’t think that was even possible, would you?
OK…what does all this mean? Why am I talking about it…right? I just want you to know that if you find yourself bouncing back and forth between doubt and faith, it means you’re doing something wrong. Not evil, but wrong. You’re trusting in yourself. You’re leaning on your own limited understanding. And you’re not trusting in the Lord with all your heart.
You can have success in your life without trusting in the Lord. But what profits will you enjoy if you gain the whole world and lose your soul? Most millionaires and billionaires go to hell. I’m not picking on wealthy people because most poor people are going to hell, too. The point is…most PEOPLE are not going to Heaven. For one stupid reason. They choose not to go. If you have any doubt about where you’ll go if you die today, I suggest putting your faith in Jesus. Without Him, the most you’ll ever be able to do is make a series of…
False Moves
I seem to make so many false moves.
So many have misunderstood.
I guess I must expect the worst results,
And I’d deal with them, if I could.
False moves, like shadows, fall behind.
You might go look for them, but they’re difficult to find.
False moves, like liquor, bring a sense of doubt.
So hard to live with, and so easy to live without.
I always seem to see the empty spots
And fill them up with simple words,
But when I think I’ve got the right idea,
It disappears like Autumn birds.
I sit and dream of traveling so far,
And then I end up standing still.
Part of me says that I will make it.
Part of me says I never will.
False moves”
© 1978 Tony Funderburk
Since I referenced Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, I’m gonna share a link to my own lyrical perspective on that book of the Bible. It’s called “Rhyme and Reason in Ephesians.” Get a digital copy from your choice of stores:
https://books2read.com/u/baEaeP
Stay tuned,
