Free From Doubt

The fact that we are talking Doubt this week at DFF is certainly no accident.  I need this lesson as badly as anyone. 

I’ve had pain in my neck, back, shoulder and arm since September 2010.  It affects everything I do that brings me life, from kayaking to drumming to writing.  The doctors say we can’t fix the core problem, so short of a miracle, I will be fighting this for the rest of my life.

I believe that God has said He will heal me, at least enough to return to the drums.  Even with that promise this has been an emotional roller-coaster ride.  Each doctor visit, each new bit of information, seems to fly in the face of what God has told me.  I believe God’s promise, but I believe the doctors, too.  Which is it?  Which information is true and which isn’t? 

Recently I’ve been reminded of James 1:6-8, “… you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

Ugh.  I am tired of that describing me.  But what do I do?

“Believe and not doubt,” he says.  In other words, CHOOSE, with your MIND.  Feelings come and go.  They are not reliable.  Ultimately I must fight my feelings with facts.  If I fill my mind with the truth of God’s word I can be set free from doubt (John 8:32). 

I believe God loves me (John 3:16).  I believe He has a good plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11).  I believe He gives me His Grace to get through each day (2 Corinthians 12:9).   I believe He is not slow in keeping His promises (2 Peter 3:9).  I believe all of this will work for good (Romans 8:28).  I believe He will use my experience to help others (2 Corinthians 1:4). 

Already those sea waves of doubt are beginning to calm. 

Maybe I’ll be back in my kayak sooner than they think.