When Jesus returned from the dead he appeared to Mary Magdalene and his disciples.  Some believed it was him, some did not. Rising from the dead is not your everyday occurrence, so who could blame those who doubted?

While the disciples were gathered, Jesus appeared to them saying, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and afraid, so he asked them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” (Luke 24: 36, 38)

This could be a running question in my mind daily. Not because I don’t believe that Jesus is alive, of course I do. But the other thousand uncertainties in my life can cause fear and doubt and make my heart troubled. What if the job doesn’t work out, what if finances fail, what if my ministry never grows, what if there’s a car accident, what if mammograms actually cause cancer?

The fear and doubt possibilities are endless. And the enemy knows this. He loves to dish out a big plate of devilish doubt with a side salad of panic and angst. And we eat it up, letting our thoughts devour us until the Holy Spirit gently reminds us… peace be with you. Why are you troubled and why do doubts rise in your minds?

Why do we fear the future?

Why do the cares and concerns of this world frighten us?

Why do we doubt God?

In 2 Corinthians 1 Paul shares that they were under great pressure, beyond their ability to endure, and despaired even of life. They felt the sentence of death so that they might not rely on themselves but on God, who raises the dead.

There it is again, the foundation of our faith.

The One who raises the dead back to life also allows us to feel the weight of uncertainty and doubt so that we look to him. So that on him we set our hope that he will continue to deliver us. (2 Corinthians 1:10)

Even if the finances fail, the accident happens or the cancer comes, I still know he’s with me. He will walk with me through the crisis, he will comfort me in my fear and I will hear his words… peace be with you.