In Touch 07-19-04

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Monday July 19, 2004
InTouch Early Light Devotional

The Struggle With Doubt
James 1:2-8

In a popular children's story, a little train engine said repeatedly, "I think I can. I think I can." This character was trying to replace doubt with faith. Our doubts appear when we are uncertain about something, and they serve as a shaky platform from which to act. Belief, on the other hand, provides better footing for forward movement, and when that faith is in our Savior Jesus Christ, it affords a solid starting point.

For us who follow Christ, doubt does not fit who we are. We are to walk by faith, being firmly convinced of the truths of God. But most of us struggle with doubt, don't we? A primary cause of our predicament is that we do not firmly believe God's Word. Some part of our thinking remains unconvinced, which results in doubt. Our lack of certainty shows up in how we question whether God loves the "real us" despite His repeated assurances. We also wonder if He forgives us this time even though we have the testimony of His Word.

Deficient comprehension of Scripture causes misunderstandings of who God is and what He has promised. When we do not bring sin and guilt under the cleansing power of His truth, they fester in our lives. Our focus on godly priorities wavers, and previous failures start holding us back. In each case, doubt is allowed to grow and our struggles continue.

God alone can transform our faltering into faith. Why not start trading in your garments of doubt for God's clothing of confidence? They will look good on you.

Are you looking for an outreach that will inspire your children to grow in their faith? Visit Teen Connection (www.teen-connection.info), the official teen outreach of In Touch Ministries. Be sure to check out the latest interviews with Atlanta Braves' pitcher Russ Ortiz and Dove award-winning band, downhere.

For free one-on-one mentoring online from Dr. Charles Stanley, visit
www.charlesstanleyinstitute.com.