A Very Cancelled Christmas | Week 3 | Pastors Ben and Melissa Pierce

Canceling Doubt This Christmas: A Guide to Strengthening Your Faith

As we navigate the festive season, doubt can often overshadow the joy of Christmas. In this blog, we explore powerful insights from Pastors Ben and Melissa Pierce on how to cancel doubt and cultivate a deeper faith in God during this special time.

PASTORS BEN MELISSA PIERCE

Pastors Ben and Melissa Pierce offer a refreshing perspective on faith during the often overwhelming Christmas season. They encourage believers to embrace the joy of Christmas while acknowledging the doubts that can creep in. Their message is rooted in the belief that God is actively working in our lives, even when we cannot see it.

In their teachings, they emphasize the importance of community and connection. They invite newcomers to feel at home within the church family, reinforcing that no one is here by accident. This sense of belonging is crucial, especially during a season that can amplify feelings of isolation and doubt.

Ben and Melissa remind us that Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the ultimate gift of hope and faith. They challenge us to reflect on our own doubts and to seek ways to strengthen our belief in God’s promises. Through relatable stories and scripture, they guide us to remember God’s faithfulness in our past, helping to anchor our faith in the present.

How to Cancel Doubt this Christmas

As we navigate the complexities of the Christmas season, doubt can often overshadow our faith. However, there are practical steps we can take to combat this doubt and cultivate a stronger belief in God’s promises.

• Reflect on Past Blessings: Take time to remember the ways God has moved in your life. This reflection can serve as a powerful reminder of His faithfulness.
• Engage with Scripture: Immerse yourself in the Word of God. Verses that speak to His promises can help to dispel doubt and reaffirm your faith.
• Seek Community Support: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and uplift you. Sharing your struggles can lighten the burden of doubt.
• Pray for Clarity: Ask God to help you see beyond your doubts. Prayer can provide peace and understanding, allowing you to focus on His plan rather than your fears.

These steps are not just theoretical; they are practical applications that can lead to a transformative experience this Christmas. By actively engaging in these practices, we can diminish doubt and enhance our faith.

REMEMBER THAT HE KNOWS MORE THAN WE DO

One of the most comforting truths during times of doubt is the understanding that God knows more than we do. His perspective is infinitely greater than ours, and His plans often unfold in ways we cannot foresee.

Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours. This is particularly relevant when we find ourselves questioning His timing or purpose. Just as Zacharias and Elizabeth experienced doubt, we too can fall into the trap of limited understanding.

When we remind ourselves that God’s knowledge surpasses our own, we can find peace in uncertainty. He is orchestrating events in our lives for a greater purpose, often beyond our immediate comprehension. Trusting in His wisdom allows us to release our fears and embrace faith.

By leaning into this truth, we can navigate the Christmas season with a renewed sense of hope. The challenges we face may seem insurmountable, but when we remember that God is in control, we can face them with confidence. This holiday season, let us commit to trusting in His greater plan, knowing He is always working for our good.

REMEMBER WE SERVE GOD, HE DOES NOT SERVE US

In today’s culture, there’s a prevalent misconception that God exists to fulfill our every wish. Many people approach their faith with the expectation that God will respond to their prayers on demand. However, it’s vital to understand that we are here to serve Him, not the other way around.

When life unfolds differently than we desire, we must recognize that our purpose is to serve God. He is the Creator of Heaven and Earth, and His timing and decisions are beyond our comprehension. Just as Zacharias found himself called to serve in the temple, it was through his service that God chose to answer his prayers.

This perspective shift can profoundly impact our relationship with God. When we surrender our expectations and acknowledge that He does not serve us, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of His will. Our faith flourishes when we align our desires with His divine plan.

Surrendering to God’s timeline requires patience. We must be willing to trust that He knows what is best for us, even when it feels like we are waiting indefinitely. The act of surrender is not about relinquishing our hopes; rather, it’s about placing our hopes in God’s capable hands.

REMEMBER FAITH COMES BY HEARING

Faith is not a stagnant feeling; it’s a dynamic force that grows through the things we hear. Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” This emphasizes the necessity of surrounding ourselves with uplifting, faith-affirming messages.

When doubts creep in, we must be cautious about what we allow to enter our minds. Just as Zacharias was made mute to prevent words of doubt from escaping his lips, we too should guard our speech and thoughts. The words we speak can either cultivate faith or sow seeds of doubt.

Engaging with scripture, listening to sermons, and being part of a faith-filled community can fortify our belief. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the stronger our faith becomes. It’s essential to actively combat doubt with the truth of God’s promises.

In times of uncertainty, filling our hearts and minds with the Word of God can transform our outlook. It allows us to replace doubt with confidence, enabling us to believe in the miraculous. By continuously hearing and affirming God’s truth, we prepare ourselves to witness His work in our lives.

REMEMBER WE WALK BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT

As believers, we are called to walk by faith, not by sight. This means trusting in God’s promises, even when we cannot see the evidence of their fulfillment. In a world that often prioritizes visible results, holding fast to faith can feel counterintuitive.

Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that “faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Our faith is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in the unchanging character of God. Even when we feel abandoned or lost, we can trust that He is working behind the scenes for our good.

Walking by faith requires us to shift our focus from our immediate surroundings to the promises God has made. It’s about believing in the unseen and holding onto the hope that God is always at work. Even during periods of silence, like the 400 years before the arrival of Christ, faith remains the anchor of our soul.

In practical terms, this means choosing to trust God’s timeline and His plan for our lives. It’s about understanding that our feelings do not dictate the reality of God’s promises. We may experience doubt and fear, but we can still hold onto our faith, knowing that God is faithful.

This Christmas, let us commit to nurturing our faith. Seek out God’s Word, engage with a community of believers, and remember that we serve Him. Embrace the journey of faith, knowing that it’s not about what we see but about who we trust. Together, let’s cancel doubt and cultivate a lasting faith that will inspire generations to come.