Week 6: Remain Faithful (Even when there are doubts)
Proverbs 3:5-8 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. [7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. [8] This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Mark 9:21-24 NIV
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. [22] “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” [23] “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” [24] Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Jude 1:22 NIV
Be merciful to those who doubt;
Reflective questions:
- Can you tell the difference between having doubts vs having a lack of faith?
- Reflective upon your current living, who do you first consult when You are in doubt?
A side tip: we can do topics study in the bible to see what God says about the subject of concern, and be willing to surrender to His teaching.
- When You have doubts, would You choose to embrace God and come forward for reassurance, comfort and correction?
Or would You retreat from God, not realizing Your precious personal relationship with God is brought with the blood of Jesus?
That nothing can separate You from God?
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] 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.
- Have you put this promise to test? That by surrendering to God, you will have everything you ever need.
Matthew 6:33 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Dear heavenly father,
You told us that it is impossible to please You without faith (Hebrews 11:6)
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
And that faith is the confidence in our hope and our assurance for what is promised by God. ( Hebrews 11:1-2)
Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. [2] This is what the ancients were commended for.
Oh our Lord, and Savior
At times we are weak in faith and in need of your assurance.
But let us get comfort that even the twelve apostles have their times of doubt, yet you commission them to share the gospel till the end of the earth. (Matthew 28:18-20)
And look, almost every one of these men was martyred for their faith.
Their faith is much bigger than these momentary questions and fears might suggest.
Because their faith isn’t defined by any specific moment of doubt.
Faith is the act of obedience despite our fear, doubts and inconvenience.
Jesus, You understand our doubts and instead of reprimanding us, You choose to restore us, give us sure of assurance and commission us to do greater things, give us more responsibility.
You have shown us that You have confidence in the faith that has been kept alive in You
That through Your Work in us that we will become a good vessel.
We will be able to reflect the light we saw in You and bring that light to people around us.
Where You to draw those people in through the Gospel we share with them.
For you have said that You will complete the Work You started in us.
Philippians 1:6 NIV
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Lord, may we have greater faith than Thomas? That we do not need to see the nail mark in your hands to believe in what You preach. (John 20:24-29)
For You are trustworthy and faithful to Your Promises.
You are an unchanging God. (Psalm 102:27)
Psalm 102:27 NIV
But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
And Your loves never failed. (Psalm 136:26)
Praise the Lord.
Psalm 136:26 NIV
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
Lord, help us to overcome our unbelief! Let us follow the boy’s father’s example to humble ourselves to seek Your Sovereign Rescue and Refuge (Mark 9:21-24)
Mark 9:21-24 NIV
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. [22] “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” [23] “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” [24] Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
God, sometimes we have our doubtful moments like Peter who You called to walk on water and came to You. (Matthew 14:28-31)
That we are in need of Your Mercy and Grace, the way You lift Peter back on the boat safely without harm.
And we are forever grateful because of Your faithfulness
In the bible, You tell us we can trust in You. (Proverbs 3:5-8)
Proverbs 3:5-8 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. [7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. [8] This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
And Lord, we believe in You
For through our walk with You by relying on You and nothing else, You have shown us Your Grace, Merciful and Faithfulness.
Thank you, Lord
We can cast all our worries and anxieties on You for You care for us.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
And we can rest assured that You will be able to meet all our needs.
Philippians 4:19 NIV
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
May we trust and rest assured of the power of a prayer that is prayed with faith.
That we can move the mountains with Your Mighty Hands if we choose to believe (Matthew 21:18-22)
Pray all in Christ’s Name. Amen.