Our Greatest Spiritual Enemy - Doubt and Fear
The Word of God is the TRUTH. Proverbs 4:22 provides the benefits of knowing God's word. Solomon says the Word of God is life for those who find them and health to one's whole body. As Saints of God, it is so easy to find the Word of God. However, Preacher, teachers, and even friends can cause us to fall short of the glory of God [Romans 3:23]. The misinterpretation of God's word is a breeding ground for the devil. His deceptive efforts create disbelief, misbelief, and unbelief [Revelations 12:9]. Satan's greatest weapon is not lust, addictions, and spiritual immaturity. His greatest weapon is fear and doubt.
The word "love" shows up in the Bible only 541 times. "Fear not" shows up in the Bible over 365 times. The Bible mentions "Doubt" over 72 times. Doubt and fear are "cousins." These two total 447 times God warns us of the consequences. Usually, doubt shows up before fear. Doubt and fear lead to vain imaginations. The belief that something terrible will happen or God will not answer. Fear or doubt does not come from God [2 Timothy 1:7].
One of the ways we show doubt is by using the expression, "If it is the Lord's will" when making a prayer request or petition to God. Many Christians take the expression "If it is the Lord's will" out of context. James 4:14 -15 says, 14 whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, do this, or that.
This scripture defines how we should not boast of our upcoming plans. Our lives have no guarantees, and each has an appointed time to die [Hebrew 9:27]. When we speak overconfidently about our plans, we walk in pride. That attitude usurps God's authority. James instructs us to say if it is the Lord's will, I will do this or that [James 4:14-15]. We do not know what will happen tomorrow.
However, when we use "if it is the Lord's will" regarding God working in our life, we present doubt and fear to God. Anytime the word "if" is used, it suggests uncertainty. If it is the Lord will, be healed in the name of Jesus Christ is full of doubt, and its presents to God' Uncertainty." Jesus teaches us to approach God in this manner: "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven [St. Matthews 6:10]. God supplies mercy and grace to help us in our time of need when we approach Him without fear or uncertainty [Hebrew 4:16]. There is no need to suggest to Him if it is His will [Jeremiah 29:11].
Faith turns into doubt and fear when we need to see the evidence of God's presence before we believe. The Bible says, we walk [Hebrew =Halach= Agreement] by faith [Hebrew – Emunah =Support God] and not by sight. This scripture in Hebrew is that we agree and support God in what He is doing, even when we cannot see it. Then, fear or doubt cannot exist. When fear or doubt appear, Paul admonishes us to cast down vain imaginations and every thought that exalts itself above what we know about God [2 Corinthians 10:5]. Then, fear and doubt cannot establish residence in your life.
Bishop John C. Parks
March 24, 2022