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58 | How to Balance Faith and Doubt: Cultivating Hope in God’s Promises

• Paula Behrens | Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner, Pastor, Christian Coach • Season 2

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We explore the delicate balance between faith and doubt through the biblical story of Sarah, witnessing how God's promises are fulfilled even when circumstances seem impossible. Sarah's journey from skepticism to joy demonstrates that even our failures can be redeemed in God's sovereign plan.

• Sarah initially doubted God's promise of a child
• Taking matters into her own hands created family conflict and complications
• God changed Sarai's name to Sarah, marking her new identity
• Sarah's laughter at the impossibility of pregnancy turned to joy when Isaac was born
• God's question "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" challenges us to expand our faith
• Even when we make mistakes, God remains faithful to fulfill His promises
• Sarah's honesty about her doubts teaches us about authentic relationship with God
• Her story demonstrates that faith can coexist with questions and uncertainties

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Speaker 1:

Hey friend, ever wondered how to navigate the intricate dance between faith and doubt? Join us as we explore a timeless biblical lesson on trusting in God's plan even when it seems that all odds are against you. Are you feeling a bit swamped with your weekly Bible study prep, wondering how to make your lessons both engaging and impactful, searching for fresh insights to inspire and spiritually nourish your group? Well, you are in the right place. Our Sound Wisdom Bible Study lessons are here to make your preparation easier, revive your teaching and profoundly enrich your group's faith journey. Before we get started, I'd like to give a shout out to Michelle WB. She writes, "Practical advice to grow closer to God. Paula provides practical advice and guidance on ways to bring us closer to God. She reminds us and helps us grow spiritually. Enjoyed listening to her and the ways that I may grow closer to God daily, with routines and devotions a much needed resource. Thank you so much, Michelle. Your review means the world to me. If you'd like to leave a review, we'd truly appreciate it. On Apple Podcasts, simply scroll down to the five-star rating section and click on leave a review. If you're using a PC, open the iTunes app and you'll find the link near the top. Share your thoughts with us today and your review could be showcased on one of our upcoming episodes. What a joy it is for me to hear from our listeners. Let's embark on this adventure together. But first let me tell you about my faith building club. You'll find over eight months of printable resources crafted just for Christians. These include everything from prayer and devotional journals to detailed Bible study lessons and reading plans, all designed to deepen your connection with the Word and bring fresh perspectives on your weekly studies. You can find these valuable resources at faithbuildingclubcom no spaces. Hi. I'm Paula, a follower of Jesus, a grandma of six and a retired pastor with a heart for empowering believers. Ready to get started, grab your Bible, your printable resources and prepare your heart for insights from God.

Speaker 1:

In the early days of my pastoral journey, I often found myself caught in a tug-of-war between doubt and faith, similar to when Sarah doubted the promise of becoming a mother to nations. Each month, as I delivered weekly sermons, led funeral services, officiated weddings, consoled bereaved families, welcomed newborns into the church community, worked alongside paid and volunteer staff and more, I wrestled with uncertainties, frequently questioning my ability to truly fulfill my vocational calling. My constant prayer was, "oh God, please take my imperfect words and actions and use them for your glory. Over the years, as I served in eight different pastoral appointments, I watched in amazement as the promises I clung to came to fruition in ways far beyond what I could have ever asked or imagined. Through every doubt, god remained faithful, transforming my journey into a testament of His unwavering grace. Just as Sarah witnessed the realization of what once seemed impossible becoming a mother despite all odds, I too have seen how faith can overcome doubt, as God fulfills all that he promises. I invite you now to join me as we embark on a journey to explore the delicate balance between belief and doubt, and even find the courage to laugh with faith when uncertainty looms.

Speaker 1:

When uncertainty looms, Sarai's life begins in the city of Ur, where she was born into the lineage of Terah. Little did she know that her life was about to take an extraordinary turn when her husband, Abram, received a divine call from God. The call led them to embark on a journey to an unknown land, away from their familiar surroundings and into the realm of God's promises. God called Abram to take his family and leave his land. God had something better in store for him. God promised Abram that he would have descendants as numerous as the stars, and this promise included Sarai conceiving and bearing a child.

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The only problem, Sarai was barren. In a culture where bearing children was deeply significant, Sarai's barrenness was a burden she carried for many years. Despite her devotion to God, she faced moments of doubt, wondering if God's promise of descendants would ever come to pass. God's promise to make Abraham a great nation seemed improbable and unlikely with Sarai's inability to conceive. Despite her advanced age, Sarai yearned for a child and she pleaded with Abram to have a child through her servant, Hagar. Abram complied and Hagar bore a child named Ishmael. However, this decision led to conflicts and tensions within the family. While Sarai's actions were driven by a desire to see God's promise fulfilled, it became evident that human interventions to fulfill God's plans often lead to unintended consequences. Despite her good intentions, Sarai's decision brought discord into her family, leaving a lasting impact on future generations. However, God's plan was not yet fully realized, and the birth of Ishmael was only part of the intricate tapestry that would eventually unfold, leading to the fulfillment of God's promise in the birth of Isaac. Sarai's longing for a child was not in vain, as God had a greater plan for her. In Genesis 17, God reaffirmed his covenant with Abraham and made a covenant with Sarah as well. He changed their names, signifying a new beginning in divine intervention. Sarai became Sarah, which means princess. This renaming marked her role as the mother of nations and emphasized the fulfillment of God's promise through her.

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The visitation of three angels to Abraham and Sarah at the Oaks of Mamre brought an astonishing revelation. They announced that Sarah, despite her old age, would conceive and bear a son within a year. When Sarah overheard this divine proclamation, she initially laughed in disbelief. "After I am worn out and my Lord is old, shall I have pleasure? Her laughter reflected her doubt, but it also revealed the human struggle to trust God in the face of impossibility. God's response to Sarah's laughter was not one of condemnation, but rather a question that resonated throughout time Is anything too hard for the Lord? This question encapsulates the essence of faith to trust in God's power and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem insurmountable, improbable or extremely unlikely. Sarah's laughter turned to awe and submission, acknowledging God's ability to do the impossible. True to the angel's words, sarah conceived and bore a son whom they named Isaac. His name means he laughs, signifying the joy and laughter that came from God's fulfillment of his promise. Isaac's birth brought immense joy to Sarah, abraham and their entire household, but he also led to challenging situations when Sarah witnessed Ishmael mocking her son. This prompted her to demand that Abraham cast out Hagar and Ishmael, which he eventually did under God's guidance.

Speaker 1:

Sarah's story reflects a pattern of faith, wavering at times, but ultimately anchored in God's faithfulness. Despite her mistakes and moments of doubt, she remains a remarkable example of a woman who walked with God, leaving a legacy of faith and obedience. So what do we learn from this story? Sarah's decision to take matters into her own hands and have Abraham conceive a child with Hagar holds valuable lessons for us. Sarah's impatience in waiting for God's promise to be fulfilled led her to take matters into her own hands. This impulsive decision teaches us the importance of trusting in God's timing and not resorting to our own solutions when things seem delayed or uncertain. Patience and faith in God's plan are essential virtues in our journey of faith. Sarah's choice to use Hagar as a surrogate had unforeseen consequences are essential virtues in our journey of faith.

Speaker 1:

Sarah's choice to use Hagar as a surrogate had unforeseen consequences, leading to tensions and conflicts within her family. It serves as a reminder that human interventions to fulfill God's plans can bring about complexities and hardships we may not anticipate. When we try to manipulate circumstances instead of trusting God's sovereignty, we risk facing unintended consequences. Sarah's jealousy and feelings of inadequacy in comparison to Hagar highlight the danger of comparing ourselves with others and the destructive nature of jealousy. Comparing ourselves to others can lead to resentment and cloud our judgment, preventing us from seeing God's unique plan for our lives.

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Sarah's actions stemmed from a desire to see God's promise fulfilled, but she failed to trust God's ability to bring it to pass without her intervention. The lesson here is to have faith in God's provision and to trust that he knows the best way to fulfill his promises, even if it doesn't align with our human understanding. Despite Sarah's actions, God remained faithful to his promise and eventually fulfilled it through the birth of Isaac. Sarah's story shows us that, even when we make mistakes or take wrong paths, God can redeem those situations and bring about his divine plan in unexpected ways. Sarah's actions stemmed from a lack of trust in God's ability to fulfill his promise in his own time and way. Her story encourages us to surrender our desires, fears and doubts to God, acknowledging that his plans are higher and more significant than our own.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so let's talk about Sarah's laughter and doubt, which provide essential lessons for us as well. Her laughter and doubt remind us that even the most faithful individuals can experience moments of human frailty. God's grace is sufficient to understand and address our doubts and fears and uncertainties, though with compassion and with love. Sarah's laughter serves as a testament to the importance of honesty in our relationship with God. God knows our hearts, and we should feel free to express our doubts and questions to him. Rather than pretending, we can approach God with authenticity, knowing that he welcomes our openness. God's response to Sarah's laughter reflects his patience and understanding. He didn't condemn or punish her for her initial doubt, but gently reassured her. This teaches us that God is compassionate and patient with us, meeting us where we are and leading us toward greater faith.

Speaker 1:

Sarah's laughter turned from skepticism to awe when she witnessed God's promise fulfilled. It shows us that God's word has the power to transform our doubts into faith, and his promises are never empty. Sarah's journey of doubt and faith illustrates that God's faithfulness is unwavering even when our faith wavers. We can draw strength from God's consistent character and trust that he will fulfill his promises, no matter how impossible they may seem. Sarah's doubt was rooted in the apparent impossibility of her situation. Her story challenges us to trust in God's unseen hand at work in our lives, even when circumstances seem improbable. God's ways are higher than our understanding and we can rest in his wisdom. Sarah's laughter didn't mark the end of her faith journey. She continued to follow God despite her initial doubts. Her story encourages us to persevere in faith even when we face moments of uncertainty. We can learn from Sarah's resilience and commitment to God's plan. Sarah's experience teaches us that God is a God of miracles. When we encounter situations that seem impossible, we can look to Sarah's story as a reminder of God's ability to perform miracles and bring about the fulfillment of his promises.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so I've included a few discussion questions for those using this study in a group setting. Plus, there's a journaling section filled with deeper reflection questions for individual use. You can download your resource now at faithbuildingclub. com. So grab your pen and paper or stylus and embark on your personal journey of discovery with God. I hope today's discussion brought you inspiration and insight. If you found it valuable, could you spare just 30 seconds to share my Faith Building Club with another study group who might benefit from these resources? That's faithbuildingclub. com, no spaces. Your support means so much and it will help us spread God's word. Also, if you have a moment, follow the show and leave us a review. It truly warms my heart to know our sessions are making a difference. See you on the next episode of Sound Wisdom. Until then, keep your Bibles open and your coffee mugs ready, adding a little fuel makes our scripture journey even more delightful.