not sure if I'm doubting...

[sonofjay817]

I was raised in a Christian home. I'm not sure of my moment of salvation, but I truly believe I've received Christ. I have rehashed "the sinner's prayer" countless times through the years during moments of doubt. I've received more light on the issue and realize salvation is not about a canned, prepackaged prayer, but a real change in the heart and a conscious turning to Christ in faith. Its not so much about an event in my past as it is a present reality.

But anyway, there is this thing that continues to dog me. I truly want to be completely consecrated to Him. I want to be able to confidently testify to others about Christ and be a soul winner, but whenever I try to do this, my mind gets fuzzy. I feel weak and unconvincing. I don't feel like I'm being assisted by the Holy Spirit. I begin to feel like I don't believe it with 100% of my soul either and I'm being hypocritical as I try to convince someone else.

I sometimes feel like this as I'm reading scripture and praying as well, but its not as overwhelming during these time, but manifests itself as this little thing way back in the corner of my mind that whispers of a tiny reservation. I don't even know for sure what it is, or if its doubt or just some weird mental phenomena. I want to get rid of it. I hate it. I want to be all in without a shadow or hint of reservation of the truth of it all. I'm not even sure that I really doubt. They say Satan is the father of lies and he can lie by giving one false feelings. It would be comforting to me to know this is only a satanic lie and that I really do believe with my whole heart. Its an intangible thing. Its not that I've encountered some rule of logic or scientific fact that has challenged my faith, but it is more of just a sensation of doubt. Does anyone else experience this? Can anyone give me more insight on this? Is this something a Christian must live with? Is it a result of my specific temperament that makes me prone to this?

 

[desmalia]

I was raised in a Christian home. I'm not sure of my moment of salvation, but I truly believe I've received Christ. I have rehashed "the sinner's prayer" countless times through the years during moments of doubt. I've received more light on the issue and realize salvation is not about a canned, prepackaged prayer, but a real change in the heart and a conscious turning to Christ in faith. Its not so much about an event in my past as it is a present reality.

But anyway, there is this thing that continues to dog me. I truly want to be completely consecrated to Him. I want to be able to confidently testify to others about Christ and be a soul winner, but whenever I try to do this, my mind gets fuzzy. I feel weak and unconvincing. I don't feel like I'm being assisted by the Holy Spirit. I begin to feel like I don't believe it with 100% of my soul either and I'm being hypocritical as I try to convince someone else.

I sometimes feel like this as I'm reading scripture and praying as well, but its not as overwhelming during these time, but manifests itself as this little thing way back in the corner of my mind that whispers of a tiny reservation. I don't even know for sure what it is, or if its doubt or just some weird mental phenomena. I want to get rid of it. I hate it. I want to be all in without a shadow or hint of reservation of the truth of it all. I'm not even sure that I really doubt. They say Satan is the father of lies and he can lie by giving one false feelings. It would be comforting to me to know this is only a satanic lie and that I really do believe with my whole heart. Its an intangible thing. Its not that I've encountered some rule of logic or scientific fact that has challenged my faith, but it is more of just a sensation of doubt. Does anyone else experience this? Can anyone give me more insight on this? Is this something a Christian must live with? Is it a result of my specific temperament that makes me prone to this?

Well you're right that the sinner's prayer has no power. It's not what saves. It is Christ who saves.

It is possible that when you are feeling these doubts it's just Satan's lies attempting to stop you from living a godly life. But it may be a legitimate issue to be addressed. The Bible tells us to search ourselves to be sure we are in the faith. Read 1 John and see how you measure up. It's a comparison between those who are truly in Christ and those who are in the church, but not saved.

And when witnessing, remember that you are indeed weak (as are we all!). The power is in the Gospel message, not your ability to deliver it in a certain way. Trust Him to work in the hearts of those you witness to, and praise Him for allowing you the opportunity to participate in such a blessed thing. You may not see any souls regenerated in this life. We don't always get to see that, but it shouldn't stop us. Regardless, it's God's work for His glory, and we can rest confidently in that.

 

[nChrist]

I was raised in a Christian home. I'm not sure of my moment of salvation, but I truly believe I've received Christ. I have rehashed "the sinner's prayer" countless times through the years during moments of doubt. I've received more light on the issue and realize salvation is not about a canned, prepackaged prayer, but a real change in the heart and a conscious turning to Christ in faith. Its not so much about an event in my past as it is a present reality.

But anyway, there is this thing that continues to dog me. I truly want to be completely consecrated to Him. I want to be able to confidently testify to others about Christ and be a soul winner, but whenever I try to do this, my mind gets fuzzy. I feel weak and unconvincing. I don't feel like I'm being assisted by the Holy Spirit. I begin to feel like I don't believe it with 100% of my soul either and I'm being hypocritical as I try to convince someone else.

I sometimes feel like this as I'm reading scripture and praying as well, but its not as overwhelming during these time, but manifests itself as this little thing way back in the corner of my mind that whispers of a tiny reservation. I don't even know for sure what it is, or if its doubt or just some weird mental phenomena. I want to get rid of it. I hate it. I want to be all in without a shadow or hint of reservation of the truth of it all. I'm not even sure that I really doubt. They say Satan is the father of lies and he can lie by giving one false feelings. It would be comforting to me to know this is only a satanic lie and that I really do believe with my whole heart. Its an intangible thing. Its not that I've encountered some rule of logic or scientific fact that has challenged my faith, but it is more of just a sensation of doubt. Does anyone else experience this? Can anyone give me more insight on this? Is this something a Christian must live with? Is it a result of my specific temperament that makes me prone to this?

What you want is all good. It appears that what you need is more patience, Bible Study, and prayer. Strength in Christ does not come overnight, rather over time with effort on your part. Don't listen to the naysayers or the world that represent the powers of darkness.

I have a suggestion that you study the beautiful Book of John. If you have a Study Bible, follow the Scripture references and take your time. Pray each time before you begin your studies and ask God to help you in understanding. Start exploring the Epistles of the Apostle Paul as you feel yourself getting stronger in Christ. I hope this helps some.

Good News! -- Are You Lost?
The Holy Bible Is The Word Of God! -- The Word Of God
God The Father, God The Son, God The Holy Spirit - The Creator Of All Things!
"God's Grace" And "Our Works"
American Thanksgiving Proclamations: 1623 to 1863 -- 1961 to 2001
Jesus Christ - Very God - Lord - Saviour - Messiah - King
Messianic Prophecy Fulfilled By Jesus Christ: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4​

 

[DrFrank]

You have correctly diagnosed your problem " I don't feel like I'm being assisted by the Holy Spirit." Until you receive the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" in response to pleading prayer requesting it,all the symptoms of a weak spiritual life that you detail will continue and even more important,your salvation will be left up in the air as Jesus explains:

John 3:3-7 (New King James Version)

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

Bible study will only assist you minimally with your problem.What you desperately need is the power of the Holy Spirit!