Although I have been a Christian for many years, at times, I still struggle with doubt. Not doubt about who Jesus is and what he accomplished in his life, death, and resurrection, but doubt about myself. Doubt and anxiety about my progress and performance as his follower.

A few weeks ago, I was again wrestling with this doubt. In the middle of the night, the Holy Spirit brought these words to my mind: “It is God who justifies.” I knew immediately where these words came from. They are part Paul’s comforting words given to followers of Jesus in the 8th chapter of Romans. To be justified means to be declared innocent and made acceptable.

The message to me was that I needed to stop worrying about my “performance” and instead of focusing on my failures focus on Jesus’ faithfulness.

This is the confidence that Paul said he had about followers of Jesus: “There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears” (Philippians 1:6 MSG).

Among the greatest doubters, in Jesus’ day, was Thomas. He was not present with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them after being resurrected. When they told him that that had seen Jesus, he said, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe” (John 20:25 ESV).

What was Jesus’ response to this doubting disciple of his?  He loved him so much that he gave him the evidence that he needed. To me this is immensely comforting. It tells me that my doubt is one-sided. God has no doubt about what he will accomplish in and through me. And even my faith is a gift from him.


It was only a one-sided doubt

It was only a one-sided doubt.
The Father was not surprised when Jesus rose from the dead.
From before creation, He had planned that great event.

It was only a one-sided doubt.
In Jesus’ mind there was no question about who would be the Victor
He had never allowed Satan to over-power him.

It was only a one-sided doubt.
The Spirit was not amazed on Easter morning when the SON arose
He was completely prepared to fulfill Christ’s promise to his Church.


Today, I choose to relinquish doubt. 

I place my confidence not in my record of “perfect” faith but in his record of proven faithfulness.

I declare that I was saved by his death and  that I live by his life.

I reaffirm Christ’s victory. 

 


In Honor of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Moss and land and rock and tree,
Do you know Christ’s victory?
Do you know that death is spoiled?
Do you know that Satan’s foiled?

Birds and flowers, things that creep,
Awaken now from your sleep.
Rise and sing in joyful song.
To Jesus Christ, praise belongs.

Sun and moon, stars in the sky,
Do you know who reigns on high?
Do you know who conquered sin?
Do you know where God has been?

Mountains, clouds and rivers deep,
Let praise echo from your steeps.
With angelic hosts above
Witness to redeeming love.

Men and women, children all,
Will you heed creation’s call?
Will you seek God’s kingdom now?
Will you too, before him bow?

 4/1984 Jane Ault

3 Responses

  1. How reassuring to be reminded that God ALWAYS completes what He starts. I have always felt like a “work in progress” . How wonderful to know that my Father will “finish” me through His love!

    1. Thank you for your comment, Debbie! Seeing the beauty that he is producing in you causes me to deeply appreciate God’s work!

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