How To Overcome Doubt

G. Campbell Morgan was a British preacher, scholar and author of the latter 19^th and early 20^th century. He had already dedicated his life to ministry by age 19. However, he developed some doubts about the Bible.

Morgan relates the writings of various scientists and agnostics disturbed him (e.g., Charles Darwin, John Tyndall, Thomas Huxley, and Herbert Spencer). As he read their books and listened to debates, Morgan became more and more perplexed.

What did he do? 

He cancelled all preaching engagements, put all the books in a cupboard and locked the door, and went to the bookstore and bought a new Bible. He said to himself, “I am no longer sure that this is what my father claims it to be–the Word of God. But of this I am sure. If it be the Word of God, and if I come to it with an unprejudiced and open mind, it will bring assurance to my soul of itself.”

The result?

That Bible found me!” said Morgan. The new assurance in 1883 gave him the motivation for his preaching and teaching ministry. He devoted himself to the study and preaching of God’s Word. 

Doubt has sunk the greatest of men. Literally! The Gospel writer records an occasion when the disciples were on a boat one night on the sea of Galilee. Suddenly Jesus appeared to them. Walking on the water! The ever impetuous Peter requested that he be allowed to walk on the water to meet Jesus. To which, Christ said, “Come!”

Matthew then records what happened.

And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matt 14:29-31)

Peter began well. He was excited. Focused. Faithful. And Peter did walk on the water. But doubt did him in! He took his eyes off Jesus. His focus was diverted to the obstacles and elements. The wind. The waves. His confidence gave way to doubt. And his faith turned into fear.

Doubt can drown you. In life. In business. In relationships. And in your Christian walk.

Since Faith is the road to big things, hence doubt will do everything possible to gain inroads.

Doubt questions, Why did God do this to me?

Doubt wonders, What if it doesn’t work? What if I fail?

Doubt accusingly asks, “Why does God allow this terrible tragedy to occur?

Doubt incriminates God by saying, “Where was He when I needed him?

Doubt skeptically impugns, “Who do you think you are? You can’t do it?

Doubt creeps in through the cracks and in sinister and snide ways, tells you that you are not good enough, not strong enough, not worthy enough.

When doubts arise hold tight to your faith.   Indeed, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17)

When doubts arise hang on to your hope.   Your Hope is an anchor of the soul. When the winds of doubt blow, anchor deep in God’s promised hope.

When doubts arise cling to the love of God. He is a faithful, forgiving, loving Father.

Don’t drown in doubt. Let God find you through His Word

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman