A Prayer to Allow Doubt to Strengthen Your Faith - Your Daily Prayer - March 7

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A Prayer to Allow Doubt to Strengthen Your Faith
By: Laura Bailey

Bible Reading:
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:37-39

Listen or Read Below:

I have always been someone who asks why.

Why are we going this way?

Why are we doing this?

Why did you want me to do that?

I want assurance that the result is worth it before I invest my time, energy, and resources. This isn’t a bad strategy for business or life in general, but it's not great when it comes to our faith.

My lack of faith related to the unseen and my proclivity to doubt what cannot be easily explained led me to a dark season, where I not only doubted my salvation but also began to question, “Can God be trusted?” 

Unsettled by this, I dove deep into the Bible to convince my head of what my heart already knew. Even on the days I was able to accept I was a child of God, my thoughts were still troubled by unbelief. “Am I doing enough for the Lord? Why do I keep struggling with sin?  Is God disappointed in me because I keep falling short?” 

After a particularly tumultuous night, I decided to see my pastor.   As I sat before him the next day, the table shook as I could not calm my shaking leg. I didn’t get a single word out before I burst into tears. Through uncontrollable sobs, I shared, “How do I know with absolute certainty God is real? How can I have complete assurance that I am saved? And how can I have peace that I am doing what He desires?”  

“Laura, you have to make sure that in your pursuit of knowing God better, you aren’t falling into the trap of trying to figure Him out. There are aspects of our faith that we must accept without having all the answers. We have to choose to trust God, to put our hope in Him,” my pastor counseled. Until that day, I’d never considered that what was driving my study was the desire to figure out God, have all the answers, and be like God. I wanted God to prove He was worthy of trust before I would fully commit to surrendering and submitting to Him. 

As we continued to talk, my pastor shared that it's okay to ask questions, it’s normal to have seasons of wrestling, and it’s even OK to ask, “Why?” This was so encouraging for me to hear. But, at some point, we have to move past the desire to know all the answers and, as the writer of Hebrews shares, have confidence rooted in hope and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). 

At the encouragement of my pastor, I continued to study Scripture to guide me in my pursuit of assurance of my salvation. This time, I approached it from a different angle. Instead of treating the Bible like a magic eightball, I asked, “What does this teach me about God?” Not only can God be trusted, but nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:39). In His mercy, God sent His son to save us (Romans 12:1), and through His continued act of grace, He gave us the Holy Spirit to grant us divine assurance (Romans 16:25). 

I still find myself asking, “Why?” and there remain multiple questions I must avoid prolonged pondering over. However, instead of the unknowns casting doubt, they’ve served to highlight that even without answers, God can be trusted. I didn’t write this book from a place of complete healing; I still have good days and bad days. But once I could release the need to have all the answers and surrender to the One who does, I was able to experience the blessed assurance knowing that I was secure in Christ.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, let me grasp that doubt is neutral; it is neither good nor bad. Let me approach my doubt with curiosity rather than judgment. The answer is not to dismiss, push away, or ignore my doubts, questions, and struggles with faith.  Instead, let me engage in a conversation with a stance of curiosity, "What is my doubt here to teach me about You, Your character?" Let these questions lead to an increased intimacy with You. 

You can handle my doubts, questions, and unbelief. You are not a master puppeteer forcing me into obedience. You grant me free will. I can walk by faith or walk away. May I, amid the doubt and uncertainty, put my faith (no matter how shaky) in You—because You are for me.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/BulatSilvia 

Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.

She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com connect on Facebook and Instagram. 

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