FROM DOUBT TO HOPE
Greg and Nannette Robinson
Today’s Scripture: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1, ESV
Theme: When we move from doubt to hope, and hope to faith, we too can walk in faith like Noah, Sarah, Jacob, Rahab, and many other saints before us.
Recently, we were having dinner with two of our dear friends. During dessert, we began to reflect on those unique times in our lives when God placed an opportunity in our paths that initially created some doubts and trepidation. There were times where through prayers and small steps of faith, those doubts turned to hope, drawing us closer to Christ and creating a greater sense of God’s presence in our lives.
Our friends shared with us about how a career opportunity--which required a very uncomfortable move--became such a significant chapter in their family’s history. The experiences, the relationships, the church family, and promotion that God faithfully provided their family transformed them individually and collectively in so many positive ways. As we were eating delicious cheesecake, Joanne shared how during that time, she was invited to join the Stephens Ministry at their church. She professed that this was a bit out of her comfort zone but could not deny God’s prompting on her heart. Through prayer and encouragement from her husband, the initial doubt she felt was soon replaced with hope of what a meaningful and purposeful experience this could be. In an act of obedience, Joanne committed herself to the training and responsibilities of a Stephens Minister. This began a significant journey of faith where God taught her how to care and relate to others, grow in her faith, and walk beside those in crisis and grief. She later became the leader for the Stephens Ministry at their church. Today, she and her husband continue their ministry of encouragement as they walk beside and serve others in need.
CONFIDENTLY WALK IN FAITH…
It’s so inspiring to hear stories like this and how God transforms and blesses those who are obedient to His calling. We, too, can confidently walk in faith. We have so many examples and biblical assurances of God’s blessing on many of the faithful saints that came before us. By faith, Noah built an ark and saved his family. At God’s prompting, Abraham left the comforts of home to gain God’s inheritance and his wife Sarah conceived a baby well beyond her childbearing age. Through faith, Jacob turned away from his deceitfulness, allowing God to finally prevail in his life. Rahab was transformed from a harlot to a woman of courage and faith.
Make it Personal: Jesus said that if we have the faith of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. Paul writes that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Are you struggling to take that first step of obedience and faith today? What is God prompting you to do? What areas of your life is He wanting to transform? It’s natural to have doubt, but don’t let doubt hold you back from God’s blessings! Ask God to turn your doubt into hope. Allow hope to inspire you to take that first step in a journey of faith where God’s spiritual transformation and blessings can become your testimony.
Pray: God, in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit, I ask that You reveal Your will for my life in every opportunity and struggle. Where I need to be transformed, let me begin that journey of transformation. Where I need to move past my doubt to Your calling upon my life, give me hope and faith. Give me the inspiration and strength that I need to begin my journey of faith toward Your divine will for my life. Amen!!
Read: Philippians 4:13; Mathew 17:20; Philippians 4:13
Weekly Memory Verse: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1, ESV