When Doubt Shrinks and Faith Grows
Well, goodness gracious, friend, look at you comin’ and steppin’ up on this ol’ front porch like a lil’ ol’ bluebird that finally found the right branch. And bless my boots, it’s sho’-nuff’ a real pleasure to have you here. Pull up a chair, mind that nosy ol’ barn cat that keeps tryin’ to claim every visitor as its emotional support human, and let your heart git plum settled in real good. We’re about to go wanderin’ into a truth that can move mountains bigger than any ridge in the Appalachian Mountains.
Mark 11:23 says, “Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.” And Luke 1:37 tells us, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” That verse plum stands real tall and steady, remindin’ us that no mountain, no matter how stubborn, gets the final say.
Now, friend, Mount Everest may rise 29,029 feet into the sky, but most of us face some mountains that feel even taller than that. Edmund Hillary once shook his fist at that giant and said, “I will return and conquer you because as a mountain, you can’t grow, but as a human, I can.” That there’s pure grit. That there’s real determination. And that there’s exactly what God was talkin’ about when He told Zerubbabel, “What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain,” in Zechariah 4:7. With God’s help, that mountain plum flattened out like a pancake on a hot griddle.
Your mountain might not be made of rock. It might be discouragement, loneliness, temptation, or fear. It might feel like a cranky old bull that refuses to move or a stubborn goat that plants its hooves and dares you to try somethin’. But Jesus said in Mark 11:22, “Have faith in God.” And He meant it. Mountains move when faith stands firm.
But here’s the real rub. Doubt sneaks in like a lil’ ol’ raccoon lookin’ for leftovers. It’s downright universal. I’ve had seasons when doubt tried to convince me that God’s Word wasn’t true and that my calling was purely a mistake. Doubt is the one critter that will keep your mountain right where it stands. That there’s why James 1:6 says, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” Faith plum steadies your feet. Doubt sho’-nuff’ tangles ‘em.
Father, help us trust You when the mountain looks too big and our strength feels too small. Teach us to speak with faith, pray with confidence, and walk with courage. Remind us that You level mountains, lift hearts, and steady steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well now, bless your heart, friend! I’m mighty glad you stopped by here today. As you step off this porch and into your day, letyour faith rise taller than any ridge, let your courage run sure like a lil’ deer movin’ through open meadow, and let your hope shine bright enough to make every mountain look more like a lil’ ol’ molehill. Now go on, friend, and watch what God can move if you put your faith and trust in Him..
With joy,
Gwen
