I doubt it...

Back in 2014, our church received unexpected news. The building we were renting was sold, and the new owner planned a full renovation. He kindly told all tenants to pack up and find a new home. After a few days of prayer and a few worried conversations, God opened an unexpected opportunity to buy the building that is now our church home, for a bargain. If you compare the price tag to what it is worth now, we definitely bought it on clearance.

But you wouldn’t have guessed any of that when you walked inside.

The floor was bare concrete. The roof leaked. The whole place smelled like mildew. There was a tiny basement with a dirt floor and one single lightbulb dangling by a wire from the ceiling.

I had my own struggle with doubt. Then God placed a very timely pastor in my path. He walked through the building, looked at the square footage, and said, “Troy, this is more than enough. This location is gold.” His words breathed new confidence into me. Doubt began to shrink, and I started to believe God might use this rough space for something beautiful.

A few weeks later, we invited anyone who wanted a sneak preview to come pray over the space with us on a Sunday night. In hindsight, this invitation was not my finest leadership moment. Several people walked in and immediately expressed their doubts out loud. I can’t blame them. At that point, the building looked like it needed a hazmat team and a few months of counseling. Seeing God’s future work in that setting required plenty of imagination and courage.

Their reactions reminded me that faith often steps into a room right next to doubt. They do not wait their turn. They show up at the same time, and we decide which one gets the louder voice.

This Sunday, we will study Luke 1:5-25, and Zechariah will show us this same struggle. After years of prayers that seemed to evaporate into the air, the angel Gabriel appears and tells him that Elizabeth will finally have a son.

How did he respond? Doubt!

He could not see past the years of disappointment to the promise standing in front of him. Zechariah’s story invites us to take an honest look in the mirror. We all have moments when doubt battles faith for space in our minds. And God is always there to meet us.

I cannot wait to see you on Sunday and explore how God can grow our faith to squeeze out the doubt. Services are at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am. Also, we would LOVE for you to follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. 

Have a great evening,

Troy

P.S. Women’s brunch is tomorrow from 9:15-10:30 am, I’ve heard the food will be great, and the teaching will be top-notch ?.