By Dr. Charles Stanley

2 Chronicles 20:1-18

Faith is a battleground. We often want to trust God, but find ourselves mired in doubt. Why do we experience this pendulum between belief and unbelief?

We swing toward doubt when we focus on our circumstances instead of God. In this difficult world, some situations are so overwhelming that we think we must dedicate all of our attention to them. Unfortunately, this strategy only ends in defeat. The more we focus on how devastating our problems are, the more we yield to feelings of inadequacy and helplessness—forming a negative, pessimistic opinion of what is occurring. This can only result in increased doubt and unbelief.

What will bring us back toward faith? Focusing on God. How do we do so?

Remember the promises of God. There is nothing new under the sun, and there is no circumstance God doesn’t promise to help you overcome.

Recall the nature of God. He is sovereign—omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (always with you), and omni-benevolent (loves you unconditionally). The Lord lacks nothing and is absolutely faithful and true. Anything He allows to touch your life is ultimately for your good.

Ask for God’s viewpoint. The circumstances that appear large and foreboding to you are nothing to the Lord. He can handle the trial. However, there may be something He wants to teach you from it. Therefore, ask Him if He has something for you to learn from the situation you’re experiencing.

Recall His faithfulness in the past. This is why keeping a journal is such a good idea. It is your very own chronicle of God’s provision. Remember His faithfulness often and you will find your faith strengthened and renewed.

Related Resources

"http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/video-archives/content/topic/wavering_faith_video">What should I do when my faith wavers?
"http://www.intouch.org/resources/all-things-are-new/content/topic/when_anxiety_strikes_all_things">What do I do when anxiety strikes?
"http://www.intouch.org/resources/all-things-are-new/content/topic/help_is_on_the_way_all_things">How does the Holy Spirit help me in times of difficulty?

Faith is often a battle. We want to trust God, but doubts continue to assail our hearts. We swing back and forth from doubt to faith and back again. How do we stop wavering? In Second Chronicles we find the story of King Jehoshaphat and the key to stabilizing our trust in the Father. (Listen to "http://www.intouch.org/resources/all-things-are-new/content/topic/the_swaying_battle_of_faith_all_things">The Swaying Battle Of Faithnow.)

The Swaying Battle Of Faith

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