Faith and Doubt—Interactions

Below are some additional interactions on the article: Faith and Doubt. Read it first.

Map:

This is a map of the entire journey the Israelites took from Egypt to the Promised Land. There were huge times of doubt – in fact there was a period of wandering for 40 years! But through all of that they kept moving forward and seeking God’s guidance. More than that, no matter how lost or disobedient or doubtful they were, the Lord never abandoned them or stopped loving them!

411:

Get the 411 on a new Christian artist Jamie Grace. She, just like you and me, has faced challenging issues and doubt. But in this interview she shares with us how she has made it though tough times by depending on those closest to her and by depending on God. Check it out!

Challenge:

The challenge of this section is to practice action even if you are in a season of doubt personally. Remember that just because you are facing doubt, does not mean you stop moving forward. Remember what Moses said. Stop, be still, listen. Know that the Lord will direct you. If you haven’t done it yet, we’re throwing out the challenge again. Go and sit with God in silence today. See what he has to share with you. Start with 5 or 10 minutes and build up to 20 minutes or more. Too often we don’t make time for God and we certainly don’t sit in silence and listen to God; we rattle things off our wish list instead. Now while there is a time and place for something similar to that, today just go and be with him. Listen for his gentle voice.

Stories:

Take some time to read this passage. It’s a song the Israelites sang with Moses right after God parted the Red Sea and saved them from the Egyptians. It was a situation where the people were full of doubt, but God showed up as he promises us he will do and the people praised him. After reading it, think back on your own life. Was there a time you were filled with doubt? Are you in a season of doubt right now? How can you praise God anyway? As you reflect on this passage, reflect on your own life and praise God for the ways you have seen him show up.
Exodus 15:1–21

Audio:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Scripture:

Proverbs 3:5–8—This is a great passage to remind us to trust the Lord. Even when we doubt, we know we can trust him; he will guide us.

Mark 11:20–25—Read this whole passage, but in particular check out verse 24. Know that your Father in heaven not only will answer your prayers, but he wants to! He loves hearing from his children.

Isaiah 41:10—When you are in a season of doubt, be encouraged; the Lord is with you.

Jeremiah 29:11–13—When we seek him, he is there for us!

Romans 8:26–27—Even when words don’t come to us, the Holy Spirit knows the cries of our hearts and speaks to God for us.

Small group guide:

Faith and Doubt SG

Large group guide:

Faith and Doubt LG

Life Questions:

Sometimes we forget that we can still be faithful even when we are struggling with doubt; in fact sometimes moving out of your season of doubt will include taking a step of faith and walking where God leads. Text yourself a reminder of what action will you take even though you are doubting.
Practice being still before God. It may be weird at first, but that’s okay! I love this quote from Bill Hybels in his book The Power of a Whisper, “Not only does God draw near to his children and seek them out when they’re having a rough go, but also he speaks words to them- words of comfort, insight and peace.” The trick is to slow down enough to hear them. So right now, find a quiet spot where you are and sit with God. What does he have to say to you? What feelings are you getting? Memories? Empty yourself of worries and let God refill you with truth. If you like to journal, write about it… afterwards.
Sometimes doubt comes into our lives because we think there is this feeling we’re suppose to get when we are close with God, but that’s not always true. Sometimes you won’t “feel” anything. That is where discipline comes in; you keep reading your Bible anyway, and you keep living life the way that God asks us to in the Bible. It’s when we walk through these seasons, we often learn the most. This week read your Bible, spend time in prayer or journal to God for fifteen minutes each day. See what God has to teach you. At the end of each fifteen minutes, pray, “Lord, may I walk in step with you today.” Maybe it starts as a discipline this week, but my prayer is it turns into something more.

Reflect:

Take some time to first read the words of this song rather then actually listening to it. No matter what kind of day it is for us, it’s a song we can relate to. Jamie’s desire to worship God no matter what is something we can learn from.

Wake up and smile ‘cause it’s been a while
It’s been like a whole day since I stopped so you could hold me
This child awaits, strong in the faith
Lord, You are the refuge that I can’t wait to get to
‘Cause I can’t let a day go
Can’t let a day go by
Without thanking you for the joy that you bring to my life

Chorus:
And oooooh there’s something ’bout the way
Your sun shines on my face
It’s a love so true, I could never get enough of You
This feeling can’t be wrong
I’m about to get my worship on, take me away
It’s a beautiful day.
It’s a beautiful day.

When trouble seems to rain on my dreams
It’s not a big, not a big deal
Let it wash all the bugs off my windshield
‘Cause You’re showing me in You I’m free
And You’re still the refuge
That I’ve just got to get to
So I won’t let a day go, won’t let a day go by
So put the drop top down, turn it up,
I’m ready to fly.

I’ve got no need to worry, I’ve got no room for doubt
No matter what’s coming at me
You’ll always be the beautiful I sing about
There ain’t no limitations to Your amazing grace
Your amazing grace

And there’s something ’bout the way
Your love shines on my face
Oh no I could never get enough of You
This feeling can’t be wrong
I’m about to get my worship on
I’m gonna sing a brand new song

Yeah, I’m about to get my worship on
Take me away on this beautiful day
It’s a beautiful day
It’s a beautiful day
It’s a beautiful day
Such a beautiful day.