7 Questions to Ask Yourself When Your Faith Wavers

[Chad]

The short book of James contains practical advice for those whose faith fluctuates because of difficult circumstances (James 1:1-8). When we start doubting, we’re driven and tossed about like the surf of the sea. James says a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways and should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. To be double-minded is to go back and forth in our thinking. We may begin with strong confidence in God, but as time goes by and the difficult situation continues, we may start to doubt that He will do what He’s promised.

Doubting and questioning are not necessarily the same thing. Questioning is seeking to gain further information or understand whether we’re accurately hearing from the Lord. Doubting, on the other hand, involves believing what we think, see, or feel rather than what we know God has said. It’s natural for us to question or doubt when we’re suddenly overwhelmed by a distressing event. In these times, we should ask ourselves the following questions:

• Where do these doubts come from?
• Has God ever failed me in the past?
• Didn’t the Lord promise to meet all my needs (Phil. 4:19)?
• Did He give me the Holy Spirit to enable me to believe Him and do whatever He requires of me (John 16:13)?
• Did He not promise to be with me at all times (Heb. 13:5)?
• Is anything too difficult for God?
• Will this unbelief bring me a lifetime of regret?

What kinds of situations typically tempt you to doubt the Lord? In these moments, return to this list of questions and remember: God will do what He’s promised, and He’s worthy of our trust.

This article is adapted from the Sermon Notes for Dr. Stanley’s message, “Why Do We Waiver in Our Faith?”