May 5, 2004
PostPosted: Tue May 04, 2004 8:55 pm
Doubts
Jude :22
"Be merciful to those who doubt;"
We all struggle with doubts at some point in our lives. Perhaps the greatest guilt sets in when we doubt about spiritual areas.
G. Campbell Morgan had already enjoyed some success as a preacher by the time he was 19 years old. But then he was attacked by doubts about the Bible. The writings of various scientists and agnostics disturbed him (e.g., Charles Darwin, John Tyndall, Thomas Huxley, and Herbert Spencer). As he read their books and listened to debates, Morgan became more and more perplexed. What did he do? He cancelled all preaching engagements, put all the books in a cupboard and locked the door, and went to the bookstore and bought a new Bible. He said to himself, "I am no longer sure that this is what my father claims it to be--the Word of God. But of this I am sure. If it be the Word of God, and if I come to it with an unprejudiced and open mind, it will bring assurance to my soul of itself." The result? "That Bible found me!" said Morgan. The new assurance in 1883 gave him the motivation for his preaching and teaching ministry. He devoted himself to the study and preaching of God's Word.
Always remember that even the great spiritual leaders of church history have struggled with doubt, even among Jesus own disciples who walked with Him. Doubt gives way to questions, and questions brought to God harvest answers. It is part of a growing process that builds our faith. And remember to be available to others who are doubtful. We all walk that same path.
Prayer: Ask God to open your eyes in the midst of doubt to see the truth that is in Jesus.
"Give me the benefit of your convictions, if you have any; but keep your doubts to yourself, for I have enough of my own." ~Goethe.
Jude :22
"Be merciful to those who doubt;"
We all struggle with doubts at some point in our lives. Perhaps the greatest guilt sets in when we doubt about spiritual areas.
G. Campbell Morgan had already enjoyed some success as a preacher by the time he was 19 years old. But then he was attacked by doubts about the Bible. The writings of various scientists and agnostics disturbed him (e.g., Charles Darwin, John Tyndall, Thomas Huxley, and Herbert Spencer). As he read their books and listened to debates, Morgan became more and more perplexed. What did he do? He cancelled all preaching engagements, put all the books in a cupboard and locked the door, and went to the bookstore and bought a new Bible. He said to himself, "I am no longer sure that this is what my father claims it to be--the Word of God. But of this I am sure. If it be the Word of God, and if I come to it with an unprejudiced and open mind, it will bring assurance to my soul of itself." The result? "That Bible found me!" said Morgan. The new assurance in 1883 gave him the motivation for his preaching and teaching ministry. He devoted himself to the study and preaching of God's Word.
Always remember that even the great spiritual leaders of church history have struggled with doubt, even among Jesus own disciples who walked with Him. Doubt gives way to questions, and questions brought to God harvest answers. It is part of a growing process that builds our faith. And remember to be available to others who are doubtful. We all walk that same path.
Prayer: Ask God to open your eyes in the midst of doubt to see the truth that is in Jesus.
"Give me the benefit of your convictions, if you have any; but keep your doubts to yourself, for I have enough of my own." ~Goethe.