The Price of Doubt

“Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering” (James 1:6)

His name was Zechariah.  He served as a priest during the reign of Herod.  Zechariah had a wife named Elizabeth, who happened to be the cousin of Mary, Christ’s mother.  The bible tells us that together Zechariah and his wife followed the commands of the Lord.  The only thing lacking in their life was the child they longed for.  One day as Zechariah was in the Temple burning incense, an angel of the Lord appeared to him.  The angel introduced himself as Gabriel.  A very important angel in scripture.  Gabriel had come to bring great news to Zechariah and his wife.  “God has heard your prayer.  Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you are to call him John.”  And what was Zechariah’s response to this great news?  “What proof is there for this?”  What proof!!!  There’s an archangel standing right in front of you, Zech!  Isn’t that enough proof for you!!!  As a result of Zechariah’s doubt, the angel told him his unbelief would prevent him from being able to speak until his child was born.  Adam and Eve’s doubt caused them to become the first homeless people.  Zechariah’s doubt rendered him mute, unable to communicate with his wife, worse yet, unable to pray.  Oh, the price of doubt!

Now, I’m pretty sure that everyone who reads this is praying and asking God for an answer to something.  How long have you been praying for those specific requests?  I know my prayer list has some petitions on it that have been there so long the ink has rubbed off.  Many of you can probably relate. 

Ever feel like your faith is more of a burden to you than a joyful anticipation?  Ever wonder if God is listening?  Ever wonder if God really cares?  Ever thought maybe you’re praying wrong, and you need to come up with new words and ways to pray?  Don’t feel bad.  We’ve all been there.  The worse part of praying and waiting is that doubt slips into our minds and hearts. 

Faith is not a feeling.  It doesn’t fall into any emotional category.  It is a conscious choice to believe God – no matter what.  So, remember that every time you pray and ask God to intercede in your life, before you say “amen,” you have a choice to make.  The choice to tell God you trust him to do the right thing at the right time.  The choice to let him choose what is best – and when.  We each make dozens of choices every day of our lives – from what we will wear, to what we will eat.  I encourage each of us to start our day with God by telling him we make the choice to believe him – and skip the price of doubt.

                                                        Darlene