The first recorded instance of doubt in God’s Word was in the Garden, when Satan asked Eve, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” At that moment, Satan established a pattern of deception he would use in the past and future. Because God can’t lie––He is all truth! (“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Numbers 23:19). He (God) uses His Word and the Holy Spirit to guide us. When we doubt His Word or don’t spend time in His Word, we become subject to Satan and his desire to kill, steal, and destroy..
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” I Peter 5:8-9
Throughout history, when men, nations, or churches doubt the Word of God, then there is a spiritual decline—often leading to idolatry and immorality, as well as failed families, businesses, and countries! This all starts with doubt––doubting God’s Word! The biggest, oldest trick in Satan’s bag of tricks is to pull the doubt card. If he can get a person like Eve to doubt what God says through His Word, then that person’s life will slowly start to fall apart like a set of dominoes! God is very clear: His Word is there to guide, protect, and prosper His children.
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9
Satan, who is the opposite of God, comes as a deceiver. Did God really forbid sex before marriage? Look what you’re missing! Did God really want you to honor your spouse? Did God really say lying is wrong? And so on––Eve, come on and eat this fruit. Look how nice it is. We were created in God’s image, not in Satan’s! God is our Creator, not Satan! God desires to have a relationship with His children and see them prosper. Satan hates God’s creation and wants to destroy, distort, and derail the plans of God, and this starts with Doubt! Doubting whether you should spend time reading the Bible (God’s Holy Word), praying with Him, doubting His goodness, or doubting God is in control! When we doubt, we move away from His Truth and absolute certainty towards falsity and limitation!
As men, we need never to doubt the Word of God! Through God’s Word, He spoke everything into existence: stars, moon, sun, and earth. Imagine the sun or the ground you stand on doesn’t exist. We would clearly reject that thought! Now, imagine the simple thoughts that are whispered in our ears by Satan, causing us to question God. Does God really not want you to eat the fruit? Look how good it looks! (“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”) Ephesians 6:11 When we doubt, we begin to set forth instability. The double-minded man is unstable in all his ways! As men, we are created to have the character of God––stable and sound! Remember that a house built on sand will eventually fall because the sand shifts, causing the foundation to weaken and the house to collapse!
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27
If we build our house on God’s Word with no doubt, we will not only stand, but we will also be a shelter for others! Just don’t Doubt!
Have a blessed Thursday!
Stephen L. Thomas