Consider: “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Matt. 14.31 – nasu).

Doubt is not the absence of faith, but a lack of faith. Those of “little faith” doubt; those who have no faith have nothing to doubt – there is a difference, you know. Our problem is that we are not always honest with ourselves about our doubts. As Christians, we should be aware that doubt has the potential to overthrow our faith completely.

Some doubt because of the overwhelming weight of life’s struggles. It might possibly be a lack of employment, the loss of a home, the loss of a loved one, or even the loss of one’s health. A myriad of things can become overwhelming and if we are not attentive, deep doubt creeps into our hearts and destroys our faith.

Some doubt because of broken trusts. People let them down.  The church let them down. Disillusioned, deceived and disappointed, they lose trust and faith in others and in God. Even their beliefs have let them down. They don’t know who or what to believe anymore.  So they become cynical and unwilling to trust anyone.

The flames of emotions have burned others, emotions they can’t seem to control: passions, malice, jealousy, paranoia, fears, feelings of hostility and depression. They ask, “God, Why won’t you do something and help me?” They hear no answer and doubt that God even cares. This is tragic!

Doubt comes to others who are overwhelmed with a godless, pseudo-science that continually bombards them with anti-God propaganda. They begin believing the lies of evolution, and Godless humanism. They begin to doubt that God is in control or that He even exists. Complete faith is replaced by marginal doubt.

Is there a solution? Can the dimly burning wick be restored into a full flame again? Can those who are trapped in the cage of despair ever be freed and be put back on their journey again?

Yes! “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Who have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”  (Psa. 73.21-26 – niv). [-Adapted, BTW]