Doubt, an obstacle to receiving an answer

SUMMARY: Doubt and fear are enemies of faith and can take over our prayers, leading to anxiety and complaints. Peter failed to walk on water when he focused on the threatening waves instead of Jesus. Doubts should not be entertained, and we should focus on the power of God instead of our weaknesses. A simple but firm faith will dispel fear and doubt.

Doubt and fear are the twin enemies of faith. Sometimes they even usurp the place of faith, and although we pray, the prayer we offer is full of anxiety, anguish and complaints. Peter failed in his walk over the Sea of Gennesaret because he allowed the waves to crash over him to take away the power of his faith. Taking his eyes off the Lord and looking at the threatening water around him, he began to sink and anguishly cry out for help.

Doubts should never be allowed, nor can we let our minds "build" fears at will. No child of God should become a martyr to fear and doubt. To harbor doubts about God does not give credence to the mental capacity of any man, nor can such a man hope to receive consolation with such an attitude. We must take our eyes off the self, from our own weakness and ineptitude; and allow them to rest only in the power of God. "Therefore do not lose your confidence, which has a great reward" (Heb. 10:35). A simple but firm faith, lived day by day, will dispel all fear and shadow of doubt.

(Source: EM Bounds - The Need for Prayer)