You’re likely familiar with the classic Aesop’s fable, The Boy Who Cried Wolf. In the story, a young shepherd grows bored while watching over a flock of sheep. To amuse himself, he cries out, “Wolf!” even though there is no danger. He repeats this several times, and each time the villagers come running to help, only to find there is no wolf. Finally, when a real wolf does appear and the boy cries out for help, the villagers assume it’s another false alarm and ignore him. As a result, the wolf attacks the flock, and the sheep are lost.
The people doubted the boy’s story because every time they came to help, they didn’t see a wolf.
Today, I read from Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV):
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Doubt runs deep
As humans, we often doubt what we cannot see. This doubt runs deep within us. Even when we experience clear evidence of God’s power, we still wrestle with doubt.
We’ve all been in that place of doubt, too. We’ve faced moments of uncertainty, wondering if God sees us or even cares, even after He’s proven His faithfulness to us in the past.
Go and Tell Anyway
The number of doubters will always exceed the number of believers; that is simply part of the journey in a life of faith. Despite this, Jesus still commanded us to “Go and make disciples.” He did not allow doubt to serve as an excuse or obstacle in fulfilling His mission.
And neither should we. Even when we are tempted to doubt, we keep going in faith. Having faith doesn’t mean you won’t struggle with doubt. It simply means not allowing doubt to prevent us from being obedient to the Lord.
People will walk away, and they will doubt. Even so, I need to “Go and tell.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, I bring my doubts to You, recognizing that faith shines brightest in moments of uncertainty. Help me embrace trust in Your promises, even when challenges arise. Remind me of Your unwavering faithfulness in my past, as I look forward to the wonderful future You have in store for me. Fill my heart with peace, reassuring me of Your constant presence. I am excited to embrace Your amazing plan and choose to walk in faith today. Amen.
