Faith overcoming doubt

Recently, when we led a a group of East Asian students in a lesson about the birth of Jesus, we posed three questions: What does this teach you about God? What does this teach you about mankind? How should this influence you to change your life?

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One student’s answer to the third question was phenomenal. This student dug very deep into the text to form her answer. Out of everything that surrounded the birth of Jesus, she was most astounded about the faith of Mary. Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” The student observed, “Mary’s faith overcame her doubts.”

What’s amazing is this student claims to be a Buddhist who says she wants to learn about Christianity, but only to compare it to Buddhism. Just like Mary overcoming doubts through her faith, this student understands that the doubts that she is facing can only be overcome by having faith in Christ Jesus.

Even though it seemed crazy/impossible/outrageous, Mary’s response was obedience. How many times does God ask us to do something and we refuse because it is not the “logical” thing to do? It certainly wasn’t “logical” for Mary to have a virgin birth, but she trusted God and his plan. Listening to God and discerning his will for our lives is not always easy, and we often will make the wrong decision.

When you have the faith to completely submit yourself to God’s plan, not your own selfish desires, you will find his plan is the most rewarding and satisfying place to be.

Wes, a student at Stephen F. Austin State University, is serving in East Asia with Go Now Missions. His last name is withheld for security reasons.


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