Kerusso Daily Devotional

Have you ever wondered about how convinced well-known Christians are of their faith? We all know they never doubt, right? Wrong.

A well-known preacher, Charles Spurgeon, once said of doubt, “I think when a man says, ‘I never doubt,’ it is quite time for us to doubt him.” That is a fact of life for many of us, although most don't like to admit it. In fact, doubt is mentioned often in the Bible. The Bible is full of great faith stories, but it's interesting to notice that there are plenty of doubters, too.

Sarah simply didn't believe God's promise that she and Abraham would have a child. Peter's bravado evaporated when he realized it was dangerous to be known as one of Christ's followers. Job's wife told him he should curse God and die because of his misfortunes, and Job wished he'd never been born.

Humans can be quirky. Imagine seeing Jesus with your own eyes and watching Him perform miracles. In the book of Matthew, we read about the apostles with Jesus on a mountain in Galilee after His resurrection. You can't get more miraculous than that, but it says some still doubted.

Mark 9:24 says, “Immediately, the boy's father exclaimed, ‘I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.’” This is the story of a father who sought Jesus to heal his son, and he seemed to believe, and to struggle with belief, at the same time. Amazing, but not so unusual.

As we're learning, doubting is not the worst thing. Keeping silent about it is worse. Seeking God and trusting a friend or friends to talk it through is healthy. God doesn't punish us for doubting.

Andrea Lucado, who has been around churches and preachers all her life, understands the struggle. She says, “Most of us at some time or another ask the question, why do I believe what I believe?” Those of us who identify as lifelong Christians sometimes have the most doubt. We've grown up in church, memorized scripture, and volunteered at VBS, but that thought: why do I believe what I believe, sometimes hits us in a moment we'd least expect. There are plenty of resources and plenty of believing friends who have gone through the same thing to see you through this. So when you're in a season of doubt, remember one thing: you're not alone.

Let's pray. 

Father, doubt comes to us all at some point, and it's then that we need each other the most. We need your spirit to bring us comfort and calm. We thank you. You don't leave us in our time of doubt, but you long to help us through the valley. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Some of the most important conversations we have can be the most uncomfortable. And when it comes to faith, doubt is near the top of that list. 

Today, we're launching a five-part series on the topic of doubt. Many Christians wrestle with doubt, but who wants to admit that their foundational beliefs are not so firm? Not long ago, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, openly admitted that he's questioned if God is real. When the head of the Church of England says something like that, it makes news. But something interesting came from Welby's honesty. He revealed his humanity.

It turns out that the archbishop lost a baby girl in a car accident many years ago. And when he was a teenager, he had to take care of his alcoholic father. He's human, with human difficulties. We are human, and we struggle sometimes. 

Can we be honest? 

While a lifetime of doubt is dangerous, periods of doubt simply mark one as being human, but faith can help us overcome doubt. In the Bible, we read in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the subject of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11 continues with many examples of faith in action. And at its core, the Christian faith means we believe God sent Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins on the cross, and that God raised him from the dead.

While mountaintop faith is exciting and it makes us feel good, no one experiences that all the time. Sometimes it's difficult to believe certain things in the Bible. Sometimes we don't feel faith in our lives. In this first part of our week-long look at doubt, it's important to remember that simply expressing doubt can lead to healing and a more faithful future. 

If you're a struggling believer or a questioning skeptic, this subject is one of the most important you'll ever wrestle with. Stay tuned. 

Let's pray. 

Father God, often we push down thoughts that are painful or uncomfortable. We don't have to do that with you, Lord. Even doubts about our faith, or our conversations that we can start with you, we're grateful for that. In Jesus' name. Amen.

As we wrap up our series on overcoming fear, we bring it all to a close by discussing finding freedom from fear.

In episode one of this series, we looked at some Bible verses that tell us what God says about fear. And there are dozens that speak to our specific needs, but one in particular stands out as comprehensive. First Peter 5:6–7 says, “Humble yourselves then under God's mighty hand so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him because he cares for you.” These two short verses tell us several things. One, if we submit to God's power by acknowledging we can't solve our problems, He is strong enough to intervene and bring about the outcome we really want. Second, He does this in His own time, on His own timetable. Third, we are to leave our problems at His feet. There's nothing wrong with getting an image in your mind where you actually do this and then walk away, your burden lifted.

Key in getting on track is recognizing that you might have a trust problem. If you've been deeply hurt by, say, a family member, you might subconsciously be failing to trust God Himself. When this is a first step in getting free of fear for good, know that an unburdened mind is not usually gained quickly, or without what we would call maintenance. The only thing predictable about our world is that it's unpredictable. If you think you're going to have one great afternoon and every day after that is carefree, you're deluding yourself.

We've already established that a daily time of prayer, reading your Bible, and focus on God's love for you is a combination that our enemy can't overcome. Choosing to believe God's Word is practical, and it works. That can't be emphasized enough. Jesus said in John 16:33 that we will absolutely have trouble in our lives, but that He has already overcome the world. This fact will help to keep you on that straight path. It will, ultimately, one day lead to paradise with the One that created you, sustains you, and loves you forever. 

Let's pray.

Lord, having the discipline to daily rely on you is something we often lack. And when we focus and concentrate our minds and our hearts on your good gifts, fear leaves, and it can be replaced with courage and peace. Thank you for providing for all of our needs all the time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today we're continuing our series on overcoming fear. And as we get started, ask yourself a question: Is your fear real or imagined? 

Dr. James Dobson has decades of experience coaching people to overcome fear and doubt, and put their trust in Christ. He relates a fascinating experience he once had when he learned that sometimes our fear is all in our head.

It seems that he was preparing to graduate from Southern Cal with a PhD in psychology, and as he got ready at home that day, anticipating the happy drive with his family, a cold fear just came over him. He says now that he felt a growing dread, seemingly out of nowhere, that he would be killed in a car accident on the way. Honestly, this sounds crazy, and it kind of is. Even Dobson admits that. He says today that he realized this fear of death and tragedy that gripped him was obviously not from God, and the obvious source is that of our enemy. In some weird way, he can influence our thoughts.

Maybe this happens when we're exhausted or distracted. Maybe these thoughts of failure and terror come from stress. Whatever the circumstances though, they're evil. They have no place in our hearts and minds. James Dobson said that day, he simply got in his car and he led his family to the USC campus where he received his hard-earned degree. Afterward, they had a lovely lunch, and the day remains a great memory for the Dobson family.

Mark 5:36 says, “Jesus told him, ‘Don't be afraid. Just believe.’” For Dr. Dobson, this also remains a powerful lesson. Oftentimes our greatest fears are not even real. They don't even come to pass. Learn to recognize the real from the imagined.

And of course, there are times where our fears are very real. Maybe it's a scary diagnosis from a doctor, or a wayward child just digs himself deeper holes in life. In those times, remembering the source of our fears is really important. When real dangers do crop up, literally speak to the Lord and tell Him you are giving him this giant problem. Tell Him you can't solve it, but you know He can.

Another thing to remember if you determine your fear is legitimate, is seek the care of a good friend. Likewise, if you see someone weighed down with fear, you be that shoulder to lean on. We can determine to help each other. Proverbs 12:25 tells us, “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.”

One day God will permanently remove our fears. And until then, learn to recognize the difference in real and imagined problems in your life. 

Let's pray.

Father God, your Word tells us that in this world we will have trouble. Problems will challenge us, but you have overcome the world, and that is our ultimate safety net, where evil can't hurt us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

As we continue our series on fear, today we wanted to give you some practical tips for overcoming the fear in your life. 

Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, and mom. She knows something of how fear can derail a person's entire life. You see, Debbie wrestled with fear and anxiety for years. And her recovery didn't happen overnight, but she did come to think about it all in a different way. She turned to the Lord, and He showed her practical things she could do to alleviate her fear. 

Now, for one thing, she began to notice something. When she thought about her fear and she studied her own patterns related to being anxious, she realized that the majority of her fears didn't actually happen. And this is where a journal can come in really handy. By keeping a log of your fears, and then after a certain period of time, say a month later, check back and see how many of those fears actually manifest themselves. And you'll probably be shocked at how low the percentage really is.

Next, Debbie said that she began to read words of life, as she says, “Soaking them in over and over, praying them out loud.” And she makes the great point that there's power in the Bible's words because it is God's Word. Isaiah 35:4 says, “Tell everyone who is discouraged, ‘Be strong and don't be afraid! God is coming to your rescue, coming to punish your enemies.’” Debbie also advocates what she calls guarding your heart. And this involves a daily concentrating power that reminds you of truth, even in the midst of confusion.

Again, this is where reading words of life is so critical. In this way, you're making the peace in your own heart a top priority. And it's okay to say that to yourself as many times a day as you need. With just these few things, overcoming fear is within your reach. 

Let's pray. 

Father God, how powerful your promises are to us. Your words of life bring harmony. Help us to be on the lookout for friends and family who are struggling so that we can remind them of the times you've delivered us from fear and anxiety. Help us to make guarding our own hearts a priority. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today we're continuing our series on overcoming fear. Nikki couldn't leave her apartment, sometimes for days, her anxiety about everything from health issues to the weather had hijacked her life. She needed help. 

One morning after she had talked with a friend on the phone, she heard someone outside her door, and it was her friend. The woman simply announced herself and then pushed a piece of paper under Nikki's door. And the only thing written on the paper was Psalm 94:19, which says, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” 

The words just ran over Nikki and she cried. She felt in that moment the very thing the verse promises, and within a couple of days, she was able to leave her home and begin the process of recovering from a lifetime of fear.

The Lord is like that. He's always just outside our door, always ready to comfort us when life scares us to death. He also provides us with the ability to reason, and to look at our options. And if scripture is a healing place, we can also find help through counseling. 

If you're experiencing destabilizing fear in your life, there is absolutely nothing wrong with reaching out for help. Often the combination of prayer, really seeking God and getting honest with Him, and talking with another human is the key that unlocks that door and frees you from a dark room of fears, whether they be rational or irrational. If you can't do anything at all in the moment, just take a breath and cry out to God, and then talk yourself into sharing with somebody else. You'll be surprised in a good way, how healthy you'll begin to feel. 

Let's pray.

Father God, often the days can seem as dark as the nights, but in your strength, we can rebuke fear and watch it leave us. Help us in those terrible moments to call on you, and to accept the safety only you can bring. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This week, we are focused on overcoming fear. And of all the human emotions, fear is perhaps the most paralyzing. And there are what we call internal and external fears. While many people stress about relationships, depression, and self-doubt, there are also big issues affecting the world: natural disasters, political upheaval, wars, are just a few of the things that create fear. 

Sometimes it can feel like everything is unraveling, but our field guide for finding our way through life, the Bible, has much to say about fear. In fact, dozens of verses speak to it. One really helpful verse is 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” In scripture, God either speaks to us directly, or through the stories of men like Moses, who comforted the frightened Israelites at the Red Sea.

For us as individuals, there are wonderful reminders of God calming us when we're afraid. In Philippians 4, God reminds us not to be anxious about anything. These are soothing words that reach us where we actually live. And as with every other area of our lives, God provides practical help in times of need. 

Ashley Smith found that out in 2005 when an escaped killer held her hostage in her apartment. She remained calm, and asked him if she could read. He said yes. So she grabbed her Bible and a copy of The Purpose Driven Life. And over a period of hours, the man talked to Ashley and told her he felt dead inside. Later, she was able to escape and she said she felt that God brought that man to her so that he wouldn't hurt anyone else. 

God's word provides real, workable solutions for the many problems we face. Fear's just one of them, but it can be a big one. And it shrinks in the light of God's protection.

Let's pray. 

Father, God, we love you. We thank you for showing us the way when we’re too afraid to go on. Thank you for giving us a spirit of sound mind, and not a spirit of fear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

We think of her as a genteel Southern lady, and she was that, for sure.

But Ruth Bell Graham was so much more. While her husband was away so much, preaching to the masses, she was preaching to her own little flock. The result was children who became adults, and in turn, shared the Good News of Jesus with others.

Anne Graham Lotz and Franklin Graham didn’t just fall out of the sky!

Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

In their little home in the mountains of North Carolina, while daddy was in Brussels, New York, and Sydney, Mother Ruth was faithful for years on end to impart godly wisdom to their children. Much iron was sharpened on cold winter nights and long summer days.

Theirs was a home that didn’t always have both parents available, but they thrived.

Use that as an example of how to bring up your own children. You’ll be happy forever that you did.

Let’s pray.

Lord, Your Word is good, and it shines a light on our path. Give us the strength to mentor our own children in your ways. Amen.

Some of the greatest stories of believers down through time have involved those who really studied God’s Word. These people have gone before us to show us the way. From Charles Spurgeon to a missionary mother in China, daily study of the Word, and prayer, prepared them to mentor entire generations.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

We also read in Romans 10 that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. We have to do it, so that others know how. Remember, there is no substitute for spending time in God’s Word.

In order to properly train an apprentice, you need to obviously be prepared and adept. Anything less leads to weak faith, or no faith at all.

This is what the Great Commission, sharing the Gospel, has always been about. Duplicating disciples. Grounding your own faith in the Bible, then imparting that to others. That is the essence of true iron sharpening iron.

Let’s pray.

Lord, keep us about your work by daily reminding us to spend time with you in Your Word. Amen.

Have you had an experience in your life that has prepared you for helping others? Has life dealt you circumstances that speak to a situation in a younger person’s life?

If so, you might be ready to help in such a way that will bring honor and glory to God.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

The apostle Paul suffered much for his faith in Christ. Beyond a dramatic shipwreck, prison, beatings, and hunger were part of his daily routine.

Then, God set Timothy in his path.

The younger man needed encouragement and instruction as the early Church grew. Paul stepped in to mentor him. He not only helped Timothy with practical church matters, but he encouraged him to stay strong in the Word, and to rely on God solely.

More than likely, you have a Timothy heading your way. Or maybe a Tina! Whoever it is, resolve in your heart to be everything they need you to be, and to model iron sharpening iron for them.

Stay sharp in the Word, so that your counsel is sound.

Keep on the lookout; Timothy is about to cross your path!

Let’s pray.

Lord, prepare me to be the person my own Timothy needs me to be, for as long as he (or she) needs. Amen.