How can we overcome doubt when faced with unexpected spiritual experiences? The Moment of Startle: Luke 24:37 “They were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.” The risen Lord suddenly appears. Instead of instant joy, the room fills with confusion. That single verse captures the jolt we feel when God moves in ways we didn’t expect. Doubt often follows shock—but it doesn’t have to stay. Recognizing Doubt Without Shame • The disciples loved Jesus deeply, yet fear still surged. • Doubt is not disloyalty; it’s a doorway Christ is willing to walk through. • He addressed their alarm immediately: “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?” (Luke 24:38). Grounding Ourselves in the Word • Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). • When the unusual unsettles us, the written Word steadies us. • Relevant anchors: – Isaiah 55:8-9 — God’s ways higher than ours. – Psalm 119:105 — Scripture lights our path. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — All Scripture equips, even for moments we never saw coming. Examining the Evidence God Provides • “Touch Me and see” (Luke 24:39). • He invited the disciples to use their senses—sight, touch, hearing. • Today God supplies confirmation through: – The historical reliability of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). – Changed lives around us (Acts 4:13). – Personal encounters aligned with biblical truth (1 John 4:1-3). Receiving His Peace • “Peace be with you.” (Luke 24:36) • Jesus speaks peace before He answers questions. • John 14:27 underscores the same promise—His peace is not as the world gives. • Intentionally pause, breathe, and welcome that peace before analyzing the experience. Processing in Community • The two from Emmaus “found the Eleven and those with them, gathered together” (Luke 24:33). • Community prevents isolated misinterpretation. • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to meet together, encouraging and clarifying. Moving from Doubt to Worship • Once convinced, “they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:52). • Worship cements confidence. • Mission flows next—Acts 1:8 links the risen Christ to empowered witness. Practical Steps for Moments of Spiritual Surprise 1. Admit the shock to Jesus—He already knows. 2. Search the Scriptures related to what you’re experiencing. 3. Look for tangible confirmations He may be providing. 4. Receive His peace in prayerful stillness. 5. Talk it through with mature believers. 6. Let the outcome move you to worship and faithful action. Encouragement to Hold Fast Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” Every unexpected encounter can strengthen, not weaken, that certainty when we handle it the way Jesus guided His first amazed followers. |
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