Overcoming Doubts

I have yet to figure out how doubt can find its way into some places. You know what I mean … into places where there is irrefutable and overwhelming evidence that something is real.
For example, in the closing verses of the Gospel of Matthew (28:17) we learn that some of Jesus’ disciples still doubted Him. At this point, the events of Calvary were several weeks behind them and Jesus had repeatedly been fully visible and accessible. He had spent time, walking, talking, and eating with His disciples. And yet the Scripture says, “but some doubted”. What was their problem! Did they doubt that He was a real person? Did they doubt that it was the same Jesus they had known? Did they doubt that He was the Son of God and the Messiah?
And the timing could not have been worse. Jesus is ready to give His disciples their mandate. On His lips are the words of “the Great Commission”, to go and make disciples of all the nations. And in the very moment of this historic event, doubt shows up. How incredibly frustrating it must have been for Jesus to have to deal with such immaturity and foolishness!
Apparently, some of Jesus’ followers simply could not get past the circumstances and certainty of His death. They chose to doubt in spite of clear evidence of the Lord’s authority over death. They had, after all, seen Jesus restore life to Jairus’ daughter, the Nain widow’s son, and Lazarus. And Lazarus had been dead for 4 days!
It’s easy for me to get frustrated with the disciples until I remind myself that I was not there. I must remember that doubt has eyes, ears, and even a nose. What I mean is that doubt is awakened and strengthened by the senses. The fact is, my senses did not witness the horrific details of the death of Jesus. I did not personally experience the first-hand reports of those who braved the events of Golgotha. But the disciples did. And now these same disciples are experiencing the tangible presence of the risen Christ. Their senses are telling them that He is real and true. But the images, sounds, and reports surrounding His death still seem to be overwhelming. And this “sense knowledge” gives life to their doubts.
My point is that as long as we give superiority to what our senses tell us, we will be bombarded and overtaken by a constant parade of doubts. Only those who, by faith, embrace the present Truth overcome the challenge of doubt. Senses will tell you that a situation may be difficult, near-impossible, or even hopeless. True faith does not ignore the message of the senses; it simply believes the Word of Truth anyway!