Doubt can cloud our faith; it is not unusual even for faithful believers. The Bible reveals that great people of faith, such as Moses and Abraham, also experienced doubt about God.
Moses doubted God when He told him at the burning bush that he would lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Exodus 3:11 But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 God answered, “I will be with you.[1]
Abraham doubted God, wondering if he would have a child in his old age. Genesis 15:2 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. 3 You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.” [2]
Why would God include these stories in the Bible? I believe it is to show us that even great people of faith can struggle and, more importantly, that what God says is true and will come to pass. Some people may doubt God loves them or that they are not worthy of being saved. We only need to meditate on John 3:16 to realize what the truth really is. 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.[3]
Zechariah Struggled to Believe
Luke chapter 1:6 tells us that Zechariah was righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations.[4] Although Zechariah was faithful, as shown in the text, the words from the angel Gabriel that he and his wife would have a child in their old age caused doubt to enter his heart.
To his surprise, the angel gave him a sign that his words were true. Luke 1:19 Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! 20 But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” [5]
Until the child was conceived and born, it served as an ongoing reminder to Zechariah that God’s words spoken through Gabriel would come true. Shortly after he returned from serving in the Temple, his wife conceived. You can imagine how his faith must have grown.
God Works Through Our Frailty
Zechariah’s doubts did not prevent God from making him the father of John the Baptist and fulfilling the plans the Lord had for Him. As people, we have our doubts, but the good news is we can pray and ask God for help to overcome any doubts the enemy may try to plant in our hearts. We are in a spiritual battle, and that is why we need to put on God’s armor, such as the shield of faith, when the enemy shoots arrows or darts at us.
Prayer When Struggling with Doubt:
Lord Jesus, I believe in you. I trust that you are good. I know that I am secure in you—that I am hidden in you and no real harm can come to me with you as my rock and salvation. I believe that you see me and love me—that I am a treasure in your sight. Help my unbelief. Help that head knowledge become heart knowledge—so that my actions reflect those truths and not the lies the enemy shoots at me.[6] Amen.
To learn how doubt can cloud our faith, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gift-of-children
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[6] https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-for-when-you-struggle-with-doubt-your-daily-prayer-november-22-2016.html