Thursday, September 6, 2012

Doubt Isn't the Opposite of Faith


Doubt isn't the opposite of faith.
It's part of it.
It's the hard and messy part of it.
Doubt is the part that grows my faith.

Have patience for the promises. This phrase rolls over and over in my head. 
My impatience makes me ask "When Lord?" 
I know the promises of God over my life. I believe.


Then why oh why do I doubt? And then feel so badly for doubting. What does my thin patience say about my faith? Does it mean that my faith is thin as well? But then I remember even the disciples doubted at times. Isn't that how we remember Thomas - as the doubter?

During those questioning moments I dig deep into this big beautiful Book that is His love letter to me.

And He speaks.

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
John 20:27

It's like He is saying to me
"Go ahead and poke. Ask the questions. Seek me. But don't lose faith. Keep believing!"

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen;
it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Hebrews 11:1

Oh how much easier it would be if I could see. You know...have the whole map in front of me. Then I am reminded that my faith and confidence is in Him.

So He gently leads me to this promise.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.
“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11

Reminded again. His plans are good. Always.

Now to Him Who, by His power that is at work within us, is able to carry out His purpose and do superabundantly, far over and above all that we dare ask or think infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams.
Ephesians 3:20

 Reminded again. Not only are His plans good, but they are more than I could imagine or dream.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 27:14

Reminded again. It is by His strength that I can wait. Not mine.
Reminded again to wait. Patiently.

This is how my faith gets stronger with doubt.


35 comments:

  1. Beautiful post, Wendy. Thanks for sharing those verses. I am always uplifted when I read the Word of God. And I really like the version of Jer. 29:11 you used. I'm so grateful that God always wants good for us, even if that means hard or challenging times!

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    1. Thanks so much Malisa! I too am so encouraged when He speaks through His Word. Sometimes it is hard to see that those challenging times are good for us too. That He is growing us in those times. Blessings!

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  2. It's like He is saying to me
    "Go ahead and poke. Ask the questions. Seek me. But don't lose faith. Keep believing!"

    This one speaks to me. So glad I saw it today. Dropping by to show you some Monday Love!

    Michele @ http://lovejoyjunction.blogspot.com/

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    1. So glad you dropped by today friend and that it spoke to your heart. Blessings!

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  3. Loved this post. Great reminder that He loves us "far and above" all we could imagine!

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    1. LuAnne...so true! How we should all come to know how deep and wide His love is for us. Blessings!

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  4. Thank you for sharing. It is something I needed to hear.

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    1. Oh Amanda so glad it spoke to your heart. Love when He does that...lets us hear exactly what we need to hear when we need to hear it. Blessings!

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  5. Wendy! You have no idea how this spoke to me. As in, it could have been written *just* for me. Thank you so much. I doubt. I am impatient. And I question. Oh how I need to turn all those doubts and questions into faith. Pray for me?

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    1. Girl...I swear we are sisters separated at birth :) I pray for you each day sweet friend and know that He is doing a mighty work in you and through you. It is a beautiful thing to witness. Blessings!

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  6. What a great reminder! Doubt IS part of faith! Otherwise, how would we grow? Thanks for linking up to the CHQ blog hop! Hope to see you back next week!

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    1. Thanks so much Jill! Such a blessing to join you at the hop! Have a wonderful week friend! Blessings!

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  7. Beautiful words. There are times I have found myself praying "I believe, help Thou my unbelief." And I know He hears and honors that prayer.

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    1. Thanks so much Rose! Thankful that He hears our prayers. Blessings!

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  8. stopping in from PD...very encouraging post...love the scriptures...have a great Monday~

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  9. Love this Wendy! I've felt bad in the past when I've doubted things about God and the bible. But I know that is just my inquisitive mind. If God didn't want us to have the answers I "doubt" he would have given me curiosity! :) Thanks for shedding light on this!

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    1. Thanks Mindy! I know what you mean about feeling bad when you doubt. I am so thankful that during those times He assures me that doubt is part of my growth. That I learn more in those moments. Blessings friend!

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  10. Just resting in the fact that it is all up to Him is the hardest, yet "best" part of my faith journey, Wendy. I'm learning, ever so slowly, to let Him do the work and trusting ahead of time that He will. You've captured that truth so eloquently here. Thanks for the reminder and encouragement!

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    1. Beth I am learning that too. To trust in Him without understanding sometimes. Blessings!

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  11. What a timely and encouraging message. I have faith but I find myself doubting as well. Asking the question when? As you have said. I would love a big sign post pointing the way but the unknown and trusting is the only way ahead. Yet as you also say, God wants and knows what is best for us. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Oh I am right there with you friend. Sometimes I wish I had the map, but am learning to trust in making that journey step by step. Not so easy for the planner in me. Blessings!

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  12. Beautiful post, can't tell you how much I needed to be reminded of everything you said today. Thank you & thank you for linking up at Motivating Monday on CEO of Me too!

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    1. Thanks so much Misty! Love spending Mondays with you! Have a fantastic day friend! Blessings!

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  13. So beautiful Wendy!! What an awesome word, thank you for reminding me. He is good always.

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  14. Go ahead and poke....oh how I love this.
    What a beautiful post! I read it awhile back and tried to comment, silly kindle...
    but it's still with me, so had to stop by today, friend.
    Hugs to you! Thanks for stirring my soul.

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    1. Thanks so much Nikki! Hugs right back my friend. Blessings!

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  15. Doubt strengthening faith, what a great way to think about it. Yes, questioning has helped me to dig deep, seek to understand, and embrace faith. Thanks for these ideas, Wendy. I'm coming to you from CEO of Me:)

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    1. So blessed to connect with you Mandy! Blessings!

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  16. He is big enough to accept our questions. I know I wouldn't want a God I had all figured out. Well, then, He wouldn't be God! Thank you for linking up to Playdates this week :)

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  17. Such good thoughts, Wendy. I think we just get in our own way when we want to pretend we don't have doubts and questions; bringing ALL to Him, in faith, brings blessings!
    Featuring you at tomorrow's heart+home :) xo - lauren

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    1. Thanks Lauren! I think for me I would feel bad for doubting and questioning like it was a reflection of my faith. What I realized is that it's not only ok, but He uses those moments to grow me. Blessings my friend!

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  18. 'Doubt is the part that grows my faith.' I've never heard it expressed quite this way. So Beautiful! So profound! And I love the idea of poking around! Asking questions. But keeping up the faith. Thank you for your wisdom on NOBH!

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