At times, unpredictable to me, throughout my Christian pilgrimage, occasionally doubt comes to my mind like a cloud crosses in front of the sun. I don’t panic: “Oh no! Where’d you go this time, Lord?” I’ve learned that the “light of the world” (John 8:12) is always there shining away whether I see Him or not, and that the issue can only be with me, not with my ever-loving God, certainly. 

Having come to the pinnacle of faith the inquiring way, most notably the examining road of apologetics (“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” -1 Peter 3:15; NIV), I’ve learned a lot about the solid foundations of my faith. Enough to know, whenever doubt moves in, to go through this sequence in my mind—a kind of shorthand of what I’ve learned—till the clouds just roll on past:

Step 1: The universe can’t pop into existence out of nothing.

Step 2: A creative Being who transcends the physics of space and time had to decide to create the universe.

Step 3: He chose to put me in it.

Step 4: He has a plan for my life, since He wouldn’t put me here for no reason.

Step 5: There’s clearly something wrong with the world—evil, in a word.

Step 6: There’s clearly something wrong with me—sin and death, foremost.

Step 7: Nothing short of an all-good, all-powerful Being can correct what’s wrong. 

Step 8: Jesus entering this world and atoning for the sins of all people would qualify.

Step 9: The crucifixion and resurrection accounts are well-attested.

Step 10: The Bible is historically reliable, prophetically accurate, and astoundingly cohesive. 

I could certainly add more steps, but not within the few minutes this shorthand takes. Besides, when I finish my sequence, my faith—a ready, present shield to deflect my doubts—instantly rebounds. And to fortify my faith further, there’s always a Bible full of verses to allay any doubts my flesh tries to pin on my unassailable life in Jesus. 

This process works reliably well to encourage my faith in times of need. I hope you find it a valuable tool to encourage you to a stronger faith as well.

Kevin Murray
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