Afraid of Doubting? Lessons from Joseph’s Life, by Chad Lewis

In Genesis 37, we see the story of Joseph’s life.  Joseph was a man of much heartache and difficulty.  His brother’s were so jealous of him, they planned to kill him but instead, they sold him into slavery.  Later, Joseph was thrown into prison in Egypt after being falsely accused.  I’m sure Joseph had his moments of doubts just like we do.

One of my heroes also had her share of doubts.  Amy Carmichael was a famous missionary to India for 55 years without a furlough. She was a woman of great joy and sorrow. She said that faith doesn’t eliminate questions, but faith knows where to take them. I’m sure that Amy had a lot of questions as she saw young children kidnapped and abused. I’m sure she might have had moments of doubt as an injury left her bed-ridden in the last years of her life. But through all of this turmoil, the overwhelming overflow of her life was joy and trust in God.

So where do you take your questions when you doubt? Do you let them swirl in your head and try to figure out everything on your own? Do you go to the internet and look for answers from random sites?

We must continue to develop a culture of being able to openly discuss our doubts and fears with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Don’t suffer in silence alone. Run to God and then go to those people in your life that God has provided. Be honest and be humble in receiving counsel and prayer. If you don’t have people in your life, ask God to provide and I have full confidence that He will. It might not look like you expect, but it will be for your good. Don’t fear your doubts, but do take them to the right place.

For more information about Amy Carmichael’s life, check out A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot.

Do you find yourself being afraid of your doubts?