Introduction
Doubt and unbelief are some of the most common struggles that Christians face. It can be challenging to maintain a strong faith when doubts creep in or when we struggle to believe what the Bible teaches us. However, trust is the key to overcoming doubt and unbelief.
The Bible is filled with stories of men and women who trusted in God despite the circumstances they faced. Abraham trusted God when He promised him a son, even though he was old and his wife was barren (Genesis 15:5-6). Joseph trusted God’s plan for his life when his brothers sold him into slavery (Genesis 50:20). And David trusted God to deliver him from his enemies, even when his life was threatened (Psalm 18:2-3).
If you are struggling with doubt and unbelief, here are some practical steps you can take to increase your trust in God:
1. Get to Know God
One of the most effective ways to increase your trust in God is to get to know Him better. We can learn about God’s character and His promises by reading the Bible, praying, and spending time in worship. The more we learn about God, the easier it becomes to trust Him.
Psalm 9:10 says, “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” When we know who God is, we can trust that He will keep His promises to us.
2. Remember God’s Faithfulness
When we are struggling with doubt and unbelief, it can be helpful to remember the times when God has been faithful to us in the past. We can write down our testimonies or share them with others to remind ourselves of God’s goodness.
Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.” When we share our testimonies with others, we encourage them to trust in God’s faithfulness as well.
3. Surrender Control to God
Sometimes our doubts and unbelief stem from our desire to be in control. We want to know what the future holds or how things will turn out, and when we don’t, we struggle to trust God. But the truth is, God is in control, and we need to surrender our plans and desires to Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” When we surrender control to God, we can trust that He will lead us in the right direction.
4. Surround Yourself with Believers
When we are struggling with doubt and unbelief, it can be tempting to isolate ourselves from other believers. However, surrounding ourselves with other Christians can be one of the most effective ways to increase our trust in God. We can learn from their experiences, be encouraged by their testimonies, and receive prayer and support when we need it.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” When we gather together with other believers, we can be strengthened in our faith.
5. Take Action
Finally, one of the best ways to overcome doubt and unbelief is to take action. When we step out in faith, even if we don’t feel ready or confident, we demonstrate our trust in God. We can volunteer at church, serve in our community, or share the gospel with a friend.
James 2:26 says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” When we take action, we show that our faith is alive and active.
Conclusion
Doubt and unbelief can be challenging struggles to overcome, but trust is the key. When we get to know God, remember His faithfulness, surrender control to Him, surround ourselves with believers, and take action, we can increase our trust in God and overcome our doubts and unbelief.
In Psalm 37:5, David writes, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” When we commit our way to God and trust in Him, He will bring His plans for our lives to pass.
