Weapon 3: Doubt

Doubt, "To be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely; hesitate to believe. To distrust."

Satan's third weapon is doubt. We see this again in Genesis 3.1, "Did God really say,..." Right at the beginning we see God's word brought into question. If Adam and Eve cannot trust what God has said, how can they trust God. Doubt is a powerful weapon becasue it begins so subtlety.

As soon as Satan can get us to begin to question the truth of God, and what God has really said, our trust in God is shaken. At this point, Eve misquotes God, adding things into God's instructions and boundaries. And at this point Satan is free to twist what God said further, and spin lies causing them to stumble.

It is ok to ask God questions; it's ok to wonder. But there has to be trust that no matter what God is right. God has our best interest at heart, and that no matter what happens it will result in the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom.

Doubt is an attack not only on belief, our faith, but on our identity as well. We see this with Jesus in Matthew 4. "The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God...'" At the very beginning of the temptation, Satan begins by challenging who Jesus is. In Matthew 3, Jesus baptism, verse 17 says, "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"

Right before His temptation begins, Jesus is given an identity by His Father. Satan challenges that. It's an invitation for Jesus to prove to Himself that He is who the Father says. It's an invitation to use His power for selfish gain, to satisfy a need He has.

Doubt causes us to need to prove ourselves. It causes us to take matters into our own hands and do things in a way that God hasn't prescribed for us to do. But when our trust that God is able, or that He has our best interest at heart, what other option are we left with?

Adam and Eve saw that the fruit of the tree was useful for gaining knowledge they eat. They question God, and doubt that He knows what's best. They take matters into their own hands, and fall into sin; they curse all of creation with their doubt. Jesus responds to Satan's attack by falling back into the arms of His father. Matthew 4.4, "Jesus answered, 'It is written: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."'"

The armor of God is given to us to overcome doubt. Truth surrounds us and reminds us that God has our best interest at heart. Righteousness is the relationship we have with God. Peace is assurance in the path we walk with God. Faith guards us from the lies Satan throws at us, twisting what God has said. Salvation reminds us that God has forgiven us, that we belong to Him, that we are His children. The Spirit is with us daily to remind us, we are to pour ourselves into the Word and find the truth of God there.

Doubt is a powerful weapon, but Jesus has overcome it. In His victory He shows us how to block and counterattack. Don't be overcome with doubt, but live off of the words of the Father.

Peace be with you