Lessons from the sea-Part 6

Waves of Uncertainty

James 1:6

Doubt. It creeps in when we least expect it.

Those times, when we are praying, believing, and hoping for a miracle and then suddenly our own thoughts or the voice of another casts a shadow of doubt a mile long and your hopes are dashed.

James tells us that the "one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." (1:6)

I love to sit on the beach and just watch the surf come and go back out. It is never ceasing, relentlessly coming and going, crashing over and over again. I have been caught in the middle of this surf, flipped, and turned, dragged under until you don't know what way is up. See there a dangerous side to this surf, called a riptide. It is an undercurrent so strong that it will knock you right over and turn you upside down.

This is the effect of doubt in our lives. It tries to come in and undermine all the faith, hope and trust that you have built up that you no longer stand but are dragged to the depths of the darkness.

Getting cause in the riptide can be avoided by making yourself aware of the dangers, and read the warning signs. The same could be said for doubt. If you are struggling, don't go to your negative friend for a dose of hope, go to your optimistic faith-filled friend for encouragement.

Read God's word, hold on to the promises, speak them over yourself, your friends, your family, your home, your job, and your circumstances. Don't get caught in the riptide of doubt. Be aware!

Have you been caught in doubt?

How can you brace yourself against another wave and prevent getting caught by surprise in the future?