Without a Doubt

Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen. Acts 12:11 (NIV)

“Are you for imprint certain?” This TV commercial gives a loud and clear message about doubt.

Certainty comes with assurance, confidence, and a sureness that can’t be questioned. Like our faith, right? We all have doubts from time to time, but hopefully we don’t reside there. 

My grandfather used to tell me that there are three things you can be sure of in life: death, taxes, and change. He was correct! But how about our faith? Does it waiver? Is it ever-present?

When Peter was imprisoned for his faith, he spent the night chained and sleeping between two guards. There were two more sentries outside the door. In the middle of the night he heard a voice saying, “Quick, get up!” and the chains fell off. The angel told him to get dressed and to “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” Peter couldn’t quite grasp whether this was reality or a dream. He went with the angel and the gate of the city opened for him. They walked together and then the angel left him. 

Shortly thereafter, Peter came to his senses and spoke the words above. His obedience saved him. Without a doubt, God sent an angel to guide Peter to safety. 

What is doubt? There are many synonyms: hesitation, reservation, misgiving, suspicion, skepticism, and more. Do you ever have doubts in your faith walk? If you said no, you’re probably not being honest. Because we live in a fallen world, uncertainty tends to creep into every aspect of our lives.

Getting rid of doubt sometimes requires a miracle. Like Peter, he finally came to himself and realized what had happened. Without a doubt, his faith grew and after reading about his miraculous escape, ours can as well.

Overcoming Doubt | Faith Over Fear 

Lord, I believe; help my unbelief (Mark 9:24, NKJV)! Perhaps this should be our daily prayer.