In Acts 16, the Apostle Paul and Silas entered Philippi. On the Sabbath, they went to the outskirts of town and met a group of women who had gathered. As was his custom, Paul shared the gospel and one lady, Lydia, came to know Christ. It seemed God was doing amazing things in this city. But when God is up to something big, Satan always shows up. For several days, a demon-possessed girl walked behind them shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved” (Acts 16:17). This was true, but she was mocking them. Paul got annoyed and cast the demon out of her, even though he knew it would anger her owners as she made money for them. Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, thrown into a jail cell, and shackled by the ankles. Imagine the pain they were in, not to mention the shame they felt.
Doubts could have easily surfaced in their minds? Why would God allow this to happen when we were doing such a good work? Has God really called us to do this? This story reminds me that it’s easy to believe in God’s goodness and cling to His love when things are going well. It’s easy to talk about Jesus and embrace the full life He offers when everything is falling into place. This night was not going as expected for Paul and Silas. Still, they looked up not out. They trusted in God’s plan.
What about you? Or me? When facing an unforeseen obstacle? When hit with a health crisis, a business venture gone wrong, a loss of a job, a prodigal child, a shattered dream, a huge disappointment, or a great loss? If we’re not careful, these things can make us doubt. Lord, why is this happening when I’ve given you everything?
Are you doubting right now? I know what doubt feels like. Here’s the thing… doubt can make us question our faith or our calling. Doubt can lead us away from God, a place none of us want to be because nothing good happens in that place.
Here are three things that can help us when doubt arises.
Turn to God!
Isn’t it true that in our struggle, we often turn away from God rather than towards Him? While turning to God isn’t always the first thing we want to do, it will be the best thing we do. Paul and Silas turned to God. They sang hymns, prayed, and praised. God is honored when we trust, instead of doubt.
Make a desperate cry to God!
Cry out like the desperate father did in Mark 9:24: “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). In our doubts, this may be all we have to give – a desperate cry.
Go back and read!
The Bible is FILLED with stories and passages about God coming to the rescue of His beloved ones. Acts 16 is one of those. In the midst of the storm and the reactions of God’s faithful servants, we learn a ton about God. He reveals His faithfulness, His love, His compassion, and His grace. We see that He never left them alone, and that He brought good out of the bad (the jailer and his family were baptized that very night). Other inmates may have come to know Jesus as well. So, take some time to read stories of faithful ones who stayed strong in their pain or passages about the character of God.
Let these things guide you if your doubts are bigger than your belief.