I Doubt It

I remember talking to a newly baptized Christian who, for the sake of privacy, I will refer to as Natalie. She remarked how exhilirated she felt when the pastor lifted her from the water but then added quickly, "It wasn't long before that feeling wore off and now I struggle with lonliness and sometimes even depression." Later, she admitted that a well-meaning friend cautioned her on the day of her baptism saying, "Satan works his hardest after someone gives themselves to God so expect things to be rough for a while." This terrified her and understandably so.

Whether this advice was true or far-fetched, Natalie was experiencing dark, brooding thoughts and her once sunny dispostion was now gloomy. Natalie feared Satan's attacks which induced anxiety that soon immobilized this once vibrant young woman. She was concerned, confused and having serious doubts about God's power - specifically His power to transform her once tattered life into one of freedom, peace and love.

I'm not sure what Natalie is doing presently for we have long since parted ways but I do hope she has found the truth about God's desires for her to live a full and joyful life - pitfalls and all. I came across something recently that I wish I could share with her but since I cannot, I will share it with you. This is especially for those who are asking, "Is it normal for a Christian to have doubts about God and the Bible?" Yes, and let me share why. In the last few pages of my little New Living Bible paraphrase of the Gospel of John, it reads:

"Yes! You will have struggles with doubt! Unless you belong to an infinitesimally small group who somehow never seem to face this problem. Remember: that you live in a world saturated with evil and strongly influenced by Satan and people who serve him; the road to heaven is narrow and straight and uneven - but it reaches heaven, and your constant Companion on the road is Jesus Christ. The bible has proven itself to millions of people as the completely trustworthy message of God, and that spiritual strength comes from feeding your soul with words of God. There you meet Jesus, who said, "I am the Bread of life. No one coming to Me will ever be hungry again!" -John 6:35.""

May the peace only He can give be yours this very moment.