(written by Jon Keene)
Resolution #25
Resolved, To examine carefully and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and so direct all my forces against it.
The word “one” really caught my eye and made think of which sin inside of me is the greatest of all in respect to the above, that one which causes me to most doubt the perfect love of the Father. Natural disasters, Hell, sickness, cancer, prosperity of the wicked, personal trials… My goodness! I am far from just one. I long for the day when I will have an understanding of scripture and such a closeness with Christ that it is only down to one doubt.
It is difficult to unite the idea of a loving and sovereign God with a sinful fallen world (that is the result of all the aforementioned). There is so much sorrow in this world, and so much pain. And yet, through it all I know by the good grace of His hand He loves with an everlasting love. But within this Resolution it is just as important—I believe—to know how we are to direct these forces.
Luke 22: 41-44 gives us an example of how Christ personally dealt with this situation. The time was drawing near for the cup to be drank, and I am sure the devil tried with all his might to tempt Christ into doubt, questioning the Father’s love for His son because of what Jesus was to about to go through. The conversation I cannot fathom. It was so intense that He sweat drops of blood. But He was strengthened. We too, when tempted with doubt, must “kneel down and pray”. Look to the Father for strength as Christ did, and He will reassure you; He will take you to His word and say “look how much I have loved you. So much so that I have sent My Son to take on the fullness of My wrath, so that you will not suffer it. Not only that, but I have laid up an inheritance incorruptible, reserved in heaven for you”. Direct your forces by prayer and meditation, leaning on the Lord to strengthen you in times of doubt.
And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
(Luke 22:41-44)
