Satan uses doubt with great skill and cunning to cause you to fail. He knows the importance of getting you to waver. He constantly tries to throw doubt and unbelief into your consciousness. If you begin to wonder whether you have the answer, Satan will purpose to secure a foothold in your mind. By gradually increasing his influence, he knows your faith will become ineffective and cause you to be defeated.
Matthew 14:24-31 is a perfect illustration. Jesus’ disciples were traveling to the other side of the sea by ship. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when
Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
When Peter cried out to Jesus, He answered him with one word, Come. That command carried the authority necessary to defy all natural power. Faith supported Peter on the water. He stepped out of the boat into a supernatural experience. When he saw the wind, however, he became afraid and failed. He saw, he feared, and he sank!
Three elements are always involved in defeat: SEE + FEAR + DOUBT = DEFEATED FAITH Doubt was the thief that robbed Peter of God’s best. Great sermons have been made about how Jesus was there to save him. God’s best was not that he be rescued in the nick of time before being overwhelmed by a raging sea! Peter had an opportunity to walk in the supernatural, in spite of what was happening in the natural. Faith or fear—you cannot function in both at the same time. Doubt causes defeat!
In praying effectively, a vital part of your success is knowing how to refuse doubt, fear and unbelief. If you are concentrating on your circumstances instead of the Word, you are building an inner image of the problem and not the solution. What you see on the inside will determine your attitude. If all you envision is your negative circumstances, you will doubt God’s Word. Satan will then be able to take advantage of you to thwart your faith process.
Doubt operates in the mental realm. God’s Word operates in the spiritual realm. Our responsibility is to use the spiritual weapons at our disposal. Second Corinthians 10:3-5 says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” In Matthew 14, Peter’s battle was not with natural forces.
The combat was spiritual. Natural law was subject to the power inherent in Jesus’ word, “Come.” By stepping out of the boat, Peter acted on the authority in that word.
We can walk in the supernatural in spite of life’s storms raging against us. Our spiritual weapons are mighty! Do not allow doubt or fear to enter your consciousness.
Maintain control of your mind. Be ready to refuse any thought or imagination contrary to your prayer. When doubt comes, refuse to give it any place. Be selective about the thoughts you entertain. Do not build inner images of defeat!
You can control your thought life according to Philippians 4:6-9. Learn to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report.
Satan uses doubt and fear to bluff you into accepting defeat. But you can overcome him by the power of God and faith in His Word.
Kenneth Copeland Ministries
