Thursday, December 1 The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about.​—Jas. 1:6.

[Áine]

Thursday, December 1

The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about.—Jas. 1:6.

 

From time to time, we might have difficulty understanding something in God’s Word. Or Jehovah may not answer our prayers the way that we had hoped for. This may give rise to doubts. If we ignore our doubts, they will weaken our faith and damage our relationship with Jehovah. (Jas. 1:7, 8) And they could even make us lose our hope for the future. The apostle Paul likened our hope for the future to an anchor. (Heb. 6:19) An anchor stabilizes a ship during a storm and stops it from drifting onto rocks. But an anchor is useful only if the chain that attaches it to the ship does not break. Just as rust weakens an anchor chain, so unresolved doubts weaken our faith. When tested by opposition, a person who has doubts could lose faith that Jehovah will fulfill his promises. If we lose our faith, we lose our hope. A person in that position is unlikely to feel any joy at all! w21.02 30 ¶14-15

[Tortuga]

On 11/29/2022 at 2:56 PM, Anniebea said:

Just as rust weakens an anchor chain, so unresolved doubts weaken our faith

That's an interesting illustration. 

A chain is made of many links so there are many opportunities for rust to attack each link. The entire chain is only as strong as the weakest link.

So it's important to inspect and maintain each link to prevent the rust from attacking any of the links. We should be proactive and not just reactive. 

If we are accustomed to unreasonably doubting and questioning everything that we are told, we are creating pit holes in the metal that make it easier for the rust to form. 

 

It is important to prove the truth to ourselves and resolve any doubts we may have, but it's better to strengthen and protect our faith before the doubts form.