But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:6–8 (ESV)
So far we have talked about two assets God gives us to persevere the challenges of life with joy. These two assets are knowledge and wisdom. The third asset we will discuss today is faith.
Faith is a Ship in the Ocean of Doubt
What an incredible analogy James gives us when speaking about the human condition of wavering between faith and doubt. In any given moment, we are pulled in different directions. On one hand, we want to believe. On the other hand, we are troubled by our doubt.
Doubt is like a vast ocean. Faith is like a ship. The presence of the ship does not mean the absence of the ocean. The ship sails in the ocean. The ocean is much bigger than the tiny ship. The ship seems so insignificance compared to the ocean, but it is the ship that is used to navigate the ocean. The ship is all you got in the vast ocean. If the ship is lost, then all is lost.
That does not mean it is easy on the ship. For those who are unaccustomed to life at sea, being tossed back and forth by the waves can make them sick. They become dizzy and nauseous, losing their bearings. Constant wavering of mind and heart can be upsetting.
You want to believe but feel worn down by the troubles of life. Doubt creeps in. Just a bit at first. Then it sweeps over you like a giant wave. You are knocked sideways almost to the point of capsizing. You feel as if you will go under. But then the ship rights itself. It is faith which keeps you upright and above water.
Jesus is the Captain and the Church is the Crew
God never intends for us to take this journey alone. In the church, we call this fellowship. Fellowship is to journey together with other like-minded people to a common destination. It is easier to journey with others than it is to go alone – especially when the storms come along.
In this fellowship, Jesus is the captain. He is in charge of navigation and directing the affairs of the ship.
While out at sea you often can’t see land. The destination seems so far off. The journey takes days. Some days it feels as if you make no headway. You wonder if you will ever arrive.
We follow the course set by Captain Jesus. We trust Jesus will get to the land. We hold on to the confidence that every day we are one day closer to the destination.
The Promise of God
If we have confidence in promises of God, we will have reason to get up each morning. We can endure much if we can see the end. For those of us who are believers, we know that Jesus has conquered death. He gives us resurrection victory!
The Book of Hebrews describes faith as having confidence in that which is not yet seen.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Faith involves a confidence in what may not yet be a reality. What we see with our eyes is death. What we see through faith is the hope of the resurrection.
Questions/Thoughts for Reflection
- Who are the people in your fellowship who share your journey of faith?
- Do you agree that faith and doubt are not mutually exclusive of each other? (see Mark 9:24)
- What have you found helpful for overcoming doubt?
- Share your thoughts and comments below.
Val Hendrickson says
Love this analogy! It makes a big idea easy to understand and offers much comfort.
Christine Giles says
Although I constantly have a nagging voice in the back of my head saying ‘this can’t be true – its nonsense’, I feel compelled (and I don’t understand why) to continue to study the bible and pray.
Kathy says
isn’t it nice to a fellowship of believers that we can talk and pray together
Janet Baldwin says
Share with others is great. It is surprising when the fellow believer just out of the blue steps into your life and gives you the words of encouragement or confirmation you need.
Patricia says
When I am feeling doubt, I read the word, pray, and I keepva scripture in my mind. I also say to myself that God is bigger than my problem. That is good news to me.
Dina says
I agree!
Dina says
Fortunately, my faith has grown to where I am able to remind myself that God is bigger and greater than any doubt, fear, or obstacle I encounter. It is strengthened through each experience I have, knowing my strength comes from Him. Also meeting others who have overcome their challenges because of their faith in Him, encourages and nurtures my trust in God. I am grateful for that.
Pam says
When doubts start creeping into my life, I look back and see and am reminded how God has been faithful to me and my family. We can’t always know how things are going to turn out when we try to look forward, but we can look back and see His many blessings. Praying, reading scripture and meeting regularly with other believers are important in my life and help to keep the doubt away.
Patricia Hynds says
Many years ago, when I was a very new Christian our family was facing some serious business set backs and our future was in question. I was in a state of anxiety I had never felt before… I began to pray harder than I ever had and suddenly the song..”God Will Take Care of You” began to almost take over my entire thoughts for the longest period of time. I began to sing it over and over ..suddenly a warm comforting feeling swept over me and I totally relaxed. It was not a one time thing, I was compelled to sing it aloud and within my thoughts every time the anxiety and worry started again. He did take care of us then and throughout the years… during time of stress, sickness, and loss of family members. I even slept through Hurricane Hugo! I am sure God gives each of us that kind of reassurance if we are open to hearing His voice in the special way He has to communicate with each of His children.
Janet Baldwin says
Thank you for sharing this story. Music has helped me so many times to remember the faithfulness of God.
Susan Jeffries says
In times of trouble I am reminded that when the disciples were in the boat with Jesus and a storm came up, the disciples had to wake Jesus up so He could calm the seas for them. The storm did not trouble Jesus. He is greater than the storm. I am in good hands.