Defeating the Enemy Called ‘Doubt’

Daily Devotional: Day 234

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like the wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-7, NKJV).

Today’s passage from James originally talks about asking for wisdom, but the underlying teaching is applicable to all prayer requests. Praying for something is more than just asking. Anyone can ask for something, but not everyone asks in faith. What does it mean to ask in faith? According to James, it means asking with no doubt in your heart (cf. Mark 11:20-24).

James likens people who doubt to the wave of the sea which is driven and tossed by the wind. Such people lack stability and direction. People like that, James adds, should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Faith alone pleases God (cf. Hebrews 11:6). If you want God to honor your prayer, honor Him by eliminating doubt (completely) from your mind.

Faith is a stabilizer. It keeps you steady – steady in your thoughts, your convictions and your actions. Faith is what propels prayer to reach its intended target. Without faith, prayer is a meaningless exercise.

Doubt is faith turned upside down. If you want your prayer to be effective, don’t mix it with doubt.

If you want God to honor your request, your doubt level must be equal to zero (0). Even a 0.0000001% doubt is enough to neutralize your prayer. Doubt has robbed many a Christian of their blessings (ask me how I know that). Doubt slows progress. Doubt sinks success. Doubt stifles dreams and kills vision. Treat doubt as you would an enemy, for it is an enemy. Neutralize it before it neutralizes you.

The good news is, you can defeat doubt for good, in Jesus Name. Identify any sources of doubt and deploy the Holy Spirit power in you to get rid of them. Let’s start with you; yes, you. If a thought of doubt pops up in your mind, immediately address it with faith-filled words (You can say something like, “In the Name of Jesus, I reject all thoughts and imaginations of doubt. Thank you, Jesus, for filling my mind with thoughts of love, faith, hope, peace and goodness.”). If doubt returns a thousand times, reject it a thousand times. That’s how you stay a winner. The real battle of life is within. 

Furthermore, saturate your mind and heart with God’s word by reading (if possible, memorizing) and meditating the Scriptures. Finally, watch the company you keep. People, images and voices (or sounds) around you can help your faith or hurt it. Share your important life dreams, if possible, only with people you know are well grounded in faith and are not prone to panic or doubt. If you are not sure, keep your plans between you and God.

May the Lord elevate your faith and cause His blessings to be upon you! Amen.

For further study: Matthew 14:22-33