Dare to Doubt

It takes about forty minutes to get out to our favorite nature retreat, which time we generally spend reading missionary books and story books of steadfast faith.  We almost always fill the same roles:  the good husband, driver; and yours (well, his, actually) truly, reader. 

Today, in the middle of the story about some people who "risked all" to stay true to their faith in the midst of others who let faith go for a mere twenty-four hour period (and maybe you can guess which group actually paid dearly for the choice), a phrase jumps out vividly, and I decide I want its essence to shape my new week, the rest of my life.

"...dare to doubt..."

In other words, it's far more of a dare, a dreadful and dangerous and worthless risk, to doubt my Jesus than to trust Him.  But to trust Him?  There is no dare with trust in God, but only sure-footed promises, solid ground, steadfast and sure anchors for the soul.  Leaning on His arms involves zero risk.

So I want the kind of faith that refuses to dare this doubt, that trusts instead, holding firm no matter who or what tempts me to live an adventurous, daring life of doubt.  This dare always loses.

Tonight, I'm putting all my confidence afresh on the words that are true and faithful, resting secure, forsaking the life that would by worries, doubts, fears, or discouragements dare disbelieve anything God says is true and faithful. 

"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.  And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."  Revelation 21:3-5