What steps can we take to strengthen our faith when facing doubt like the scribes? Seeing Doubt in the Room “Now some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking in their hearts, ‘Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ ” (Mark 2:6-7) The scribes sat inches from a miracle yet wrestled with inner skepticism. Their quiet questions echo our own when faith wavers. Scripture offers clear, practical steps for moving from silent doubt to settled trust. Step 1: Name the Doubt, Don’t Hide It • God already knows your thoughts (Psalm 139:1-2). • The father in Mark 9:24 blurted, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” and Jesus met him there. • Honesty clears the fog so truth can shine. Step 2: Draw Near to the Person of Jesus • The scribes stayed seated; the paralytic pressed in. Choose the paralytic’s posture. • Hebrews 12:2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” • Open the Gospels daily; let His words and works confront your questions. Step 3: Review the Evidence of His Authority • Mark 2:10-12 shows Jesus backing His claim with a visible healing. • John 20:30-31 reminds us the signs are recorded “so that you may believe.” List His credentials: – Prophecies fulfilled (Isaiah 53; Micah 5:2) – Sinless life (1 Peter 2:22) – Substitutionary death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) – Present work in your own story Step 4: Immerse Your Heart in Scripture • Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • Practical tips: – Memorize key promises (Psalm 119:11). – Read aloud; hearing reinforces belief. – Journal insights to anchor them. Step 5: Ask God for Wisdom and Certainty • James 1:5-6 urges us to request wisdom “without doubting.” • Philippians 4:6-7 promises peace that “guards your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Step 6: Share the Journey with Believers • Hebrews 10:24-25 calls us to “encourage one another.” • Confessing struggles in trusted community turns isolated doubts into shared growth. • Stories of answered prayer and changed lives feed faith. Step 7: Obey the Light You Already Have • John 7:17: doing God’s will clarifies truth claims. • Small acts of obedience—serving, giving, forgiving—let you experience His faithfulness firsthand. Step 8: Guard Your Mind Against Unbelief • 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We demolish arguments … and take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.” • Limit voices that magnify skepticism; amplify voices that magnify Christ. • Ephesians 6:16: raise “the shield of faith” through continual, conscious trust. Step 9: Remember Past Faithfulness • Psalm 77:11: “I will remember the works of the LORD.” • Keep a gratitude record—answered prayers, providential timings, lessons learned. Yesterday’s mercies ignite tomorrow’s confidence. Living the Lesson When doubt whispers like it did in the scribes’ hearts, move, speak, and think in the opposite spirit. Acknowledge the question, fix your eyes on Christ, feast on His Word, pray for clarity, walk with His people, obey promptly, guard your thought-life, and recall His faithfulness. These steps, empowered by the Spirit, turn inner skepticism into resilient, anchored faith. |
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