Christians make decisions believing that this decision must be God’s will. Sometimes, however, doubt sets in and off we go on an emotional roller coaster ride. What seemed clear and unmistakable is now questionable. Why does that happen?
The scripture tells us repeatedly that the just shall live by faith. Our culture defines faith as a wild leap in the dark. W.E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines faith as a firm persuasion or conviction brought about by hearing.
People form convictions based upon what they are listening to. Christians are to become firmly persuaded or to form convictions based on what the Bible says. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
I know a young man who decided to try sky diving. I remember him saying that as he left the plane, his body was crying out; what have you done to us? It is easy to make a decision about doing God’s will. It is altogether something else to actually take those steps. Just as the young man said his body cried out against his actual jump from the plane, so the Christian’s natural man (indwelling sin) cries out against our spiritual decisions (Romans 7). The remedy for us is to abide in Christ by walking in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly. Letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly gives believers confidence.
A part of the Christian’s armor, as listed in Ephesians 6, is the shield of faith. The apostle Paul instructs us in verse 16 as follows: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. If we have doubts about our decisions concerning God’s leading in our life, we should check our shield of faith. Are we listening, understanding and obeying God’s word? The shield of firm persuasion and conviction will enable us to stand by our spiritual decisions.
God has promised in His word that if we ask anything according to His will, He will do it. We need to check our motives. Is it God’s will we are seeking or is it our own will we are seeking? Be honest. We can convince ourselves of anything.
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:9-13
When we have doubts, it could also be that our faith is being tested. Remember that testings do not add to our faith, testings reveal and refine what faith we have. Do we need to be in the Word?
Note: God’s word is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). The Holy Spirit is the author of Scripture (II Peter 1:21 ). The Holy Spirit will draw us to God’s word. Satan will drive us away from it. When we have doubts, are we being drawn or driven? It ultimately depends on how we respond to the doubts.
……..let the word of Christ dwell in you richly….….