Doubt
This month I am doing a daily scripture writing challenge on the topic of beating anxiety. Yesterday the verse was Mark 11:24. I've read it before, but I guess I have never noticed the significance of it. I like how the NASB translates it. "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you."
You see, in this verse Jesus isn't saying prayer is a way to get anything your heart desires. Jesus is urging us to pray for everything, believe that Christ can do it, and place no doubt in our hearts. The verse before this says "I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him."
I love how this says "does not doubt in HIS HEART." I think it really shows that doubt is an issue that comes from deep inside. It is so easy to just think we believe and trust in Christ, but to have the feeling of knowing in your heart that Jesus is on your side, that is something special. To have real faith. "And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God." Mark 11:22
I can't help to think of the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14. I can't imagine anything being more comforting than what Jesus says in verse 27 “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."” As we all know, Peter doubted Jesus in that moment. He doubted that Jesus could do what He said He could do. I think we could all say we may have been doubtful in that moment like Peter was. Like what??? Walking on water?? Nah. Impossible. Luke 1:37 “For nothing will be impossible with God."”
Are you doubtful?
You see, in this verse Jesus isn't saying prayer is a way to get anything your heart desires. Jesus is urging us to pray for everything, believe that Christ can do it, and place no doubt in our hearts. The verse before this says "I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him."
I love how this says "does not doubt in HIS HEART." I think it really shows that doubt is an issue that comes from deep inside. It is so easy to just think we believe and trust in Christ, but to have the feeling of knowing in your heart that Jesus is on your side, that is something special. To have real faith. "And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God." Mark 11:22
I can't help to think of the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14. I can't imagine anything being more comforting than what Jesus says in verse 27 “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."” As we all know, Peter doubted Jesus in that moment. He doubted that Jesus could do what He said He could do. I think we could all say we may have been doubtful in that moment like Peter was. Like what??? Walking on water?? Nah. Impossible. Luke 1:37 “For nothing will be impossible with God."”
Are you doubtful?
Good thoughts Addi. I was actually thinking yesterday about how important it is to know God is for us.
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