Why are we sometimes hesitant to face new challenges, especially if the solution involves the sticky prospect of doing something that makes us feel uncomfortable?
Perhaps it's not difficult situations in themselves that create doubt, but rather, it's our unwilligness to stop focusing on the negative outcome we anticipate.
I think we like having a little doubt in our lives, because doubt keeps us safe ... by preventing us from taking action and moving toward the unfamiliar. Like the night Peter stepped from the disciples' boat in the middle of a storm, and began walking across the waves toward Christ. Until what happened?
Doubt happened, and Peter began sinking under the weight of his uncertainty.
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
- Matthew 14:31
After he was crucified, resurrected and appeared to them in the flesh, some of the disciples still couldn't shake off their doubts.
When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
- Matthew 28:17
He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
- Luke 24:38
What did Christ say next? Did he instruct them to watch Dr. Phil? To buy Oprah's new book? To form a study group and discuss an action plan for approval?
No, the answer to doubt comes in one simple word: Believe.
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
- John 20:27
