Chapter 12—What to Do with Doubt
Many, especially those who are young in the Christian life, are
at times troubled with the suggestions of skepticism. There are in
the Bible many things which they cannot explain, or even understand,
and Satan employs these to shake their faith in the Scriptures as a
revelation from God. They ask, “How shall I know the right way? If
the Bible is indeed the word of God, how can I be freed from these
doubts and perplexities?”
God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence
upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthful-
ness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our
reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the
possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstra-
tion. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who
really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to
rest their faith.
It is impossible for finite minds fully to comprehend the character
or the works of the Infinite One. To the keenest intellect, the most
highly educated mind, that holy Being must ever remain clothed in
mystery. “Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out
the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou
do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?”
Job 11:7, 8
.
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The apostle Paul exclaims, “O the depth of the riches both of the
wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments,
and His ways past finding out!”
Romans 11:33
. But though “clouds
and darkness are round about Him,” “righteousness and judgment
are the foundation of His throne.”
Psalm 97:2
, R.V. We can so far
comprehend His dealings with us, and the motives by which He is
actuated, that we may discern boundless love and mercy united to
infinite power. We can understand as much of His purposes as it is for
our good to know; and beyond this we must still trust the hand that is
omnipotent, the heart that is full of love.
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