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Doubt can debilitate one’s faith if you choose it to embrace it as your lens.  
James 1:6-8

• You are easily moved from perspective to perspective or opinion to opinion.
  
  
• Don’t expect to receive anything from the Lord. (7)
  
  
• You become unstable in all you do. (8)
  
  
• You become double-minded. Regularly waffling between value systems or voices in your mind. (8)

Narrow interpretation of James 1:6-8 can create a stigma between believers regarding doubt. 

• Judgementalism can be thrown at such a person from other believers.
  
  
• You are told you must not have faith if there is doubt.

What if the doubt came uninvited?  What if something really rocked me and I am simply trying to sort through it and doubt is simply part of it?

Extending mercy is the starting point in helping the doubter.  Jude 1:17-23

• Mercy would withhold harsh treatment of the doubter.
  
  
• Mercy would likely lead to a more gracious approach in giving care and counsel to the doubter.
  
  
• Maybe even just meeting them right where they are at.

Jesus modeled mercy to Thomas.  John 20:24-29

• Thomas, along with the other disciples, had been told by Jesus he was going to Jerusalem to die and then to rise again on the third day. Matthew 16:21
  
  
• Thomas was so entrenched in his doubt that when most of his peers and others had seen the Lord, he boldly offered an ultimatum that would be rude to do if given the opportunity. (25)
  
  
• Jesus met him at his doubt and offered the opportunity for Thomas to do what it took for him to believe. (27)
  
  
• Thomas deserved to be rebuked, but instead Jesus extended mercy and gave direction.

Interview:  Alex Swann

Doubt has played a part in your faith journey.  Tell us a bit about that.

What changed your trajectory from doubt to faith renewed?

What ultimately solidified your faith?

What would you say to someone who is struggling with doubt concerning Jesus?

The Keys to overcoming doubt with faith:

1. Keep going to God and asking questions. James 1:2-5

• God does not find fault in the one who keeps asking.
• Trials will test your faith. (3)
• Trials will cause the need to ask God and to fight doubt. (5)
• He will not find fault with you when you ask! (5) Mark 9:24

2. Handle doubt with mercy.

• Mercy towards yourself.
• Mercy towards the doubter.
• Seeking God knowing he is merciful.

3. Ask for faith!

• Faith is a gift from God and he wants to help remove your doubt.
  Ephesians 2:8-9
• “Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV84
• Jesus says you are blessed for believing him even though you cannot see him. John 20:29

Benediction:

Jude 1:24-25 “²⁴ To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— ²⁵ to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”