TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (John 17:17 NKJV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• I had a disturbing conversation yesterday. Short version: a friend confided that during a Bible study at his church, a teacher disclaimed and, in front of the class, doubted one of Jesus’ miracles. I’m not going to get into the details, but I was extremely concerned. I take teaching very, very seriously. James 3:1 tells us that those who teach the Word will be held to a higher standard. So I was deeply disturbed on many levels. For the record, I don’t know who this teacher was — and I don’t want to know. God knows, and I am praying for them.
The news was shocking, but I wasn’t surprised by it. The Bible tells us that in the end times, even those who claim to believe will fall away from the Truth of Scripture. That passage is found in 1 Timothy 4:1-2, and it says, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.”
Let’s be real. There are parts of the Bible that seem crazy impossible. But why should we doubt the impossible? The angel who delivered the news of Jesus to the virgin Mary said it perfectly: “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37). If we say we believe that God is the God of impossible things, why would we doubt that He could create the world in six days? Why would we doubt that a wayward prophet would be swallowed by a fish? Why would we doubt that the Spirit of God could impregnate a teenage virgin? The very foundation of our faith — the death and resurrection of Jesus — sounds impossible, yet we believe!
It’s a matter of faith and understanding that our finite brains cannot begin to comprehend the infinite possibilities found at the fingertips of our Heavenly Father! We are limited. He is not!
Our doubts cast limits on the Almighty and All-Powerful Creator of the world. And what an insult to Him! To think that miracles of God are impossible diminishes the authority of who He says He is!
Beyond doubting miracles, some take the Bible and think it should be reinterpreted to fit today’s cultural narrative. But that’s not what the Bible says. Isaiah wrote, “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8), and Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And Jesus Himself said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17).
As my favorite pastor, Greg Laurie, says, “If you find something in Scripture you disagree with, you’re wrong, and you need to change your mind.” And I’m going to bounce off that and say — when you allow yourself to doubt the inerrancy and infallibility of God’s Word — you’re playing with fire. The Holy Bible is complete, it’s perfect, and it’s timeless. I didn’t say so. God did. Re-read the verses listed in the paragraph above.
Again, this is all a part of the end times. Of all the scary things that make up end-time prophecy, this is one of the most heartbreaking to me. For people to reject the Truth. To renounce their faith. It makes my heart so sad.
It’s okay to admit to God that you don’t understand or can’t wrap your brain around one of His miracles. It’s okay to tell Him that you don’t understand His reasons for certain commands. God can handle our questions, and if we’re sincere in our pursuit for the Truth, He will guide us and direct us according to His will and His Word. But questioning His authority — not okay (Romans 9:20). Adding and taking away from His Word — not okay (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32).
Today, as you pray, pray for the Biblical teachers and preachers in your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to help them speak Truth and trust in the Word. Ask God to guide them as they instruct others so that no one will be led astray from what is written in God’s Word. And when you are confused or tempted to doubt, pray for wisdom and ask God to help you believe in the trustworthiness of His Word. Ask Him to help you doubt your doubts and believe in Him, even when it sounds impossible.
SHARING ••• My Grace-Full Life is written by Denise Heidel. You are welcome to share anything I write, but please credit my writing and graphics accordingly. Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. Subscribe through my website to have My Grace-Full Life delivered to your email. You can unsubscribe at any time. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the NKJV translation.
