Have you ever had a doubt that hindered you from believing in God's best for your life? If you said yes to this, then know that you are not alone in facing faith-damaging doubts.
One of the most famous examples of a doubting man is Jesus' very own disciple Thomas, who after hearing that the Lord had already risen from the grave, still doubted and said "[u]nless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe" (John 20:25). He knew that Jesus already made miracles, and that the other disciples would not lie to him about the Lord's resurrection, but still he doubted.
Doubts can shipwreck your faith, but don't lose hope because they can be overcome. Remember, Jesus showed himself to Thomas after that to let him touch His wounds. Indeed, God wants us to "stop doubting and believe" in Him (v. 27) and goes to extraordinary lengths to help us.
Here are three doubts that can damage your faith life, and what you can do to overcome them.
1) "God doesn't love me."
This wrong belief entirely cripples your faith. Yes, "all men have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23), but the truth is that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).
Why would Jesus die for us? It's because "God so loved the world (that means you and me) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (see John 3:16). There's nothing that can change that.
Knowing and understanding that God loves you despite all that you've done is a matter of faith. "Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins" (Eccl. 7:20), but in spite of that, God has loved us with an everlasting love (see Jer.31:3). Believe it!
2) "God can never forgive me."
This is another lie. You might be thinking that what you've done or how you've lived is downright unforgiveable. Know that on the cross, "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them" (2 Cor. 5:19). He was intent in making sure that you would have a way back to Him. How?
Christ died for the forgiveness of our sin. And whether it sounds crazy to you, know that His blood is powerful enough to atone for all of your sin. By this, know that you can approach God and grow in your relationship with Him.
3) "I will never amount to anything."
Don't believe that. In Christ, we have all that we need to live a life of godliness and abundance. He has you covered.
God has promised that he "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jer. 29:11). You read that right. He wants to give you a future - and a beautiful, safe-in-His-arms one at that.
You've got to take hold of that promise. Believe that whatever happens, God plans what is always best for you. He will surely do His part, and expects that you keep your eyes on Jesus while doing yours.
