Overcoming Skepticism

The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.  Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.   –John 4:49, 50 (KJV) 

Many people, me included, are skeptical by nature.  Sometimes this trait can be useful.  The other night as I watched the local news on TV, I saw a story about a man who received a check in the mail.  The letter attached said that he was free to cash the check and do whatever he wanted to do with it.  The man wisely contacted the local police who advised him that the check was fraudulent and not to cash it.  Had he done so, the check would have bounced and he would have been responsible for the money as well as the bank charges.  Such skepticism can guard against our being taken advantage of by unscrupulous people. 

What about faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?  Will we be skeptical towards what the Lord has promised, or will we take Him at His word?  The nobleman in John 4, whose son was dying, was willing to take Jesus as His word.  In doing so he laid aside all doubt, unbelief, and fear, and trusted Christ completely.  The result was that a miracle took place.  Likewise, when we seek to trust the Lord and take Him at His word, we too experience powerful movements of God’s grace, mercy, and love.  Notice I refer to the working of God’s power in the plural, for such experiences can be ongoing and frequent in believers’ lives.   

Taking Christ at His Word empowers us to walk forward in vibrant faith.  This is faith that doesn’t lie down and quit, but rather such faith stands firm and commands mountains to be removed from our way (Matthew 17:20).  Will you believe the Lord and take Him at His word?  He loves us; believe that is true.  He will never leave us or forsake us; believe that is true.  Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains; Jesus will empower us to such great works of faith.  Christ has a plan; He will help us know and do God’s will.  Jesus offers salvation; receive Him as Savior and Lord. 

Do not be a victim of skepticism that robs us of faith.  Trust Jesus and walk forward in life and victory.