Despite Doubt: Leap
of Faith and Knowledge
Do we need to doubt to believe?
Thomas was told by Jesus,
Knowledge actually
strengthens faith, for it reduces the hesitancy that comes from uncertainty.
Faith means to give ourselves wholeheartedly to the promises of God. This
includes a measure of uncertainty because we have not yet received all that God
has promised.
People talk of a
leap of faith but it is really a double edged metaphor for our trust in God. On
the one hand it captures the risk that inevitably accompanies every act of
faith. And on the other belief requires our full commitment. A leap of faith
really is a risk that accompanies faith not the essence of faith.
A blind leap of
faith is not biblical for we are to rely on what we know. An example of this is when the Israelites saw
the great power of God displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the
Lord and put their trust in him. (Ex. 14:31). John’s purpose in writing his
gospel John 20:30-31—Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of
his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that
you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing
you may have life in his name.”
True faith
contains three elements- we know the facts about God; we acknowledge that these
facts are true and it bursts into bloom when we wholeheartedly trust what we
known- know, acknowledge and trust. Faith means to trust, commit or put all of weight on someone or
something. Because faith requires us to go all in the smart money always trusts what it knows,
not what it does not..
REFLECT for a
moment and respond:
How would you
describe the relationship between faith and doubt? Is doubt necessary for
faith, is doubt the opposite of faith, or is there a third option? Would you
find it easier to love and obey God if you heard His voice thundering from
heaven? Why or why not?
PRAYER
Faithful God I
believe. Help me to trust in you, acknowledge who you are and to know you more.
Show me again what it means to live for you each day. Amen.
Michael E Wittmer, Despite
Doubt: Embracing a Confident Faith ch.4-5
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