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Today's Devotional

When Doubt Creeps In

August 18, 2026 ●
By Pastor Jerry A. Burns
James 1:6
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

There are times in life when our faith feels strong, and there are other times when doubt begins to creep into our hearts. We pray, but we wonder if God is listening. We ask God for direction, but we struggle to trust the path He is leading us down. James reminds us that when we come to God, we must come believing—not because we understand everything, but because we know the One in whom we have placed our faith.

James compares the doubting believer to a wave of the sea. A wave is constantly moved by the wind. It has no stability of its own. One moment it moves in one direction, and the next moment it is pushed another way. Sadly, this can describe our spiritual lives when we allow circumstances to determine our confidence in God.

Faith does not mean that we never have questions. Faith means that even when we have questions, we continue to trust God. We may not understand what He is doing, but we can trust His character. We may not see the answer yet, but we can trust His promises. God has never asked us to understand everything; He has asked us to trust Him.

When the winds of difficulty begin to blow, don’t allow them to determine the direction of your faith. Anchor yourself in God’s Word. Remember what He has already done. Remember His faithfulness. And when you pray, believe that God is able, God is wise, and God is good.

Your circumstances may change from day to day, but God does not. Stand firm in Him today.

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Application

When you find yourself wavering, stop and remind yourself of what is true about God. Bring your questions to Him, but don't let your questions become greater than your confidence in His character. Pray with faith and leave the outcome in His hands.

Victory Verse

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear What flesh can do unto me." — Psalm 56:3-4

Additional Verses
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:"
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)"
"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
"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?"
"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."

Daily Scripture Reading

Join us as we read through the Bible in one year, growing together in God’s Word day by day. Click on any underlined verse to access Pastor Burns’ helpful study notes and deeper insights.

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Pastor Burns' Study Notes

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This Week's Radio Program

Week Forty-Five  •  November 8, 2026

Trust in Him
Trust in Him

What are you Seeking? (Part 2)

Listen Now
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In this message, "What are you Seeking? (Part 2)," Pastor Burns explains how many people search for meaning and purpose in all the wrong places. Just as Solomon sought fulfillment in worldly success and great wealth only to find it vanity and vexation of spirit, listeners will learn that true answers cannot be found in dead works, rituals, or philosophies.

Turning to John 20, listeners will hear how Mary Magdalene went to the tomb searching for Jesus and discovered that He had risen. Pastor Burns shares how the reality of Christ’s resurrection provides eternal life, encouraging everyone to choose life, since Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life."

Listen to Past Programs

Trust in Him What are you Seeking? Week Forty-Four  •  Nov 1, 2026
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Trust in Him Trusting God With Tomorrow (Pt. 3) Week Eighteen  •  May 3, 2026
Trust in Him Trusting God With Tomorrow (Pt. 2) Week Sixteen  •  Apr 19, 2026
Trust in Him Trusting God With Tomorrow (Pt. 1) Week Fourteen  •  Apr 5, 2026
Trust in Him Trusting God in the Storms (Pt. 3) Week Twelve  •  Mar 22, 2026
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