We all have doubts, times when we’re not sure if something is true. But doubts aren’t really the problem. It’s how we respond to the doubt. Our reaction to the doubts is what really makes a difference in our lives.
This blog post is my reaction to our pastor’s sermon on 4/23/23. You can listen to his sermon here.
19On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
John 20:19-20
The coolest thing about this scripture is that the door is locked. The disciples are afraid that they may be arrested or beaten as followers of Jesus. So essentially they are hiding. But all of a sudden, Jesus is there! Did he just walk through the door or materialize in the room? Seems like something out of Star Trek. The Bible doesn’t really explain how he got in the room.
Jesus found the disciples hiding, afraid to face the people. But how does Jesus find us. How does he find you? What are you afraid of? I think he would greet us in the same way he greeted his disciples…
Jesus could have scolded them for going into hiding. Where were they when he needed them? But he greeted them with the words, “Peace be with you!” And he said it with enthusiasm because there’s an exclamation point to show it.
Our doubts occur when what we expect to happen, doesn’t or what shouldn’t be happening does.
This doubt is not meant to be a permanent condition.
I have doubted my abilities most of my life. Never really feeling good enough or popular enough. I am by nature an introvert. I’m not really sure how I have landed in the positions of leadership that I’ve been in most of my adult life. I taught for 36 years, putting me in a role of speaking to classes and colleagues alike. Sports have always been one of my favorite pastimes. Finding myself in positions where I had to take a last second shot that determined the outcome of a game that was in the third overtime. Doubt comes when you feel the pressure to perform and things aren’t going smoothly. I was a pitcher on my college softball team. Very much in control of the game, but when you’re throwing balls instead of strikes, it’s easy to lose all confidence even though you know you can do it.
But, what happens when we doubt ourselves so much that we don’t even try because we’re afraid to fail? We’d rather be disappointed than defeated.
We can stay safe and not put ourselves out there by taking a chance of failure. But what about the time that God puts something on your heart and you don’t follow through on the task he’s given you. You may not have faith in yourself, but to deny Christ? I may be weak, but I find strength in his promises. So, I push out of my comfort zone again and again because I’m led by the Spirit.
Doubts keep us uncommitted. Keep us from the good things that God has in our path. Satan likes to disrupt our lives by planting these thoughts in our mind.
If we let fear hold us back, we’ll never reach our potential.
Jesus will take you as you are, he just doesn’t want you to stay that way!
The disciples stay behind a locked door. Their leader whom they’ve spent 3 years with has just been killed, the government is against him, the church feels threatened by this Jesus that doesn’t come like the conquerer they were expecting, the mobs and Roman guards all threaten their safety!
Ten disciples in the room. Judas has killed himself over the guilt and shame of what he’d done and Thomas is not in the room. Jesus enters a locked room miraculously and greets them with peace.
The fears are real to them, but Jesus doesn’t care about our fears because he knows the truth. He has already destroyed all the things that stand in our way of an eternity in heaven. However, it’s difficult to see things in a spiritual perspective when your life is feeling threatened.
What are you afraid of? Change? Surrendering fully to God? Losing control of a life you really don’t have control over?
The risen Savior is not here just to serve us, he’s here to resurrect us! We are to live a life of purpose with a plan and power. Now live it!
Our fears are no match for a resurrected Savior. He can do great things that we can’t imagine. He overcame storms, fed thousands from one kid’s lunch and had baskets of food left over.
What’s my take away? I’ve dealt with doubt and I still do. Every week I ask God to help me prepare for our service with the songs he wants us to sing. But it’s so much more than singing songs. Our goal is to lead the congregation to a place where they’re able to receive what the Spirit has for them. I used to wonder if that ever happened. But I can see the Spirit in the room and the way that the people respond.
Satan’s voice isn’t as loud as it used to be, but he still rears his head occasionally. Thank goodness that God is louder and I know he’s with me.
Where God Leads 