Why Did You Doubt?

Matthew 14:31 (NKJV) And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Why did you doubt? As I was reading this scripture it made me think about how often we void our prayers by doubting the outcome. We base our belief in God's faithfulness by our past experiences or the current circumstances. Faith on the other hand has nothing to do with human facts. It's completely based on knowing the promises of God and trusting in the relationship we have with Him. It's knowing without a doubt that He is faithful to do what He's promised!

Let's face it, a stranger can make promises to us all day long, but until you know that person, you'll have no idea if you can truly trust them. God's promises on the other hand are etched in stone. They are permanent and cannot be altered. What He promised thousands of years ago is still true. The keys to activating them is faith in action. You could receive a notice that you've won a new car, and you can even believe it, but it won't be yours until you go to the dealership, sign your paperwork, and take possession of it.

There's so much that's been purchased for you... yes... the price has been paid in full by the torn flesh and shed blood of Jesus, but how often do we try to handle things by our own means?

There's many lessons and much growth that stems from trials, it's also training ground for strength, tenacity, warfare, and victory. God said in His Word that He's given US the authority over all the power of the enemy. Stop allowing him to intimidate you with fear and doubt. Begin to use your sword (Bible) to defeat him and take back what is rightfully yours! You were designed with purpose and authority!

Don't waste your time with spiritual mediocrity. Become all that He's called you to be and accomplish what He's called you to do! There's testimonies of God's goodness and miracle-working power that the world around you is waiting to see, hear and experience, but it won't happen until we contend for our faith and believe God against all opposition. That includes the battle that goes on in your own mind. Sometimes you need to read the Bible out loud until you drown out the voice of doubt. Don't back down! It's not over! Regardless of how things look or feel you'll win the battle if you continue trusting God, stop doubting and don't give up! Remember, He's incapable of lying, if He said it, you can believe it!

Numbers 23:19 (KJV) God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

James 1:6-8 (NKJV) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Isaiah 54:17 (KJV) No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (MSG) And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and He wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.