How can we strengthen our faith when faced with doubt, as seen in John 9:18? John 9:18—A Snapshot of Doubt “The Jews still did not believe that the man had been blind and had received his sight until they summoned his parents.” (John 9:18) When others questioned the miracle, the healed man held his ground. His response offers a pathway for strengthening faith whenever skepticism presses in. Recognize Doubt Without Panic • Doubt shows up even when God has acted plainly. • Scripture treats the event as literal history, assuring us that real faith can expect real opposition. • Hold fast: “Faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) Recall God’s Proven Work • The man remembered his blindness and new sight—his incontrovertible evidence. • Personal history with God fortifies current trust. • Psalm 77:11-12: “I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.” Anchor Your Mind in the Word • Romans 10:17: “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • Daily reading keeps God’s promises louder than outside voices. • Simple practice: read a Gospel narrative aloud, thanking God for each recorded miracle. Speak Your Testimony Boldly • The healed man repeatedly declared, “I was blind, but now I see.” (John 9:25) • Sharing testimony solidifies personal conviction and encourages listeners (Revelation 12:11). • Write your own “I once was…, but now…” statement and rehearse it. Remain Connected to the Body • Doubt isolated the man; later Jesus sought him out (John 9:35-38). • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to gather for mutual encouragement. • Practical step: invite a trusted believer to read and discuss Scripture together this week. Obey the Light You Have • Jesus told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam.” (John 9:7) The man obeyed before seeing. • Obedience unlocks fresh assurance. James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Take the next clear step God has shown, even if uncertainty lingers about the bigger picture. Worship Through the Questioning • After his faith was tested, the man responded to Jesus: “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped Him. (John 9:38) • Worship shifts focus from doubt to the character of God. • Sing a Scripture-based hymn or psalm aloud; let truth resound in heart and mind. Following these patterns from John 9 keeps faith vibrant, resilient, and firmly rooted in the unchanging Word of God. |
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