"Do It For The Doubters" by Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr. (08/10/2025)

Embracing Audacious Faith in the Face of Doubt

In a world that often seems designed to crush our dreams and dampen our spirits, how do we summon the courage to pursue the extraordinary? How do we silence the voices of doubt—both external and internal—that threaten to derail our God-given purpose? The answer lies in cultivating an audacious faith that refuses to be deterred by skepticism, setbacks, or seemingly insurmountable odds.

The story of Gideon in the book of Judges offers a powerful illustration of this transformative faith in action. Here was a man considered the least in his family, from the weakest clan in Israel, suddenly called by God to lead a nation to victory against overwhelming odds. Gideon's initial response was one of doubt and self-deprecation: "How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." (Judges 6:15)

How often do we echo Gideon's sentiments when faced with a daunting task or an audacious dream? We look at our limited resources, our lack of experience, or our perceived inadequacies and conclude that we're simply not up to the challenge. But God's response to Gideon is the same one He offers to us today: "I will be with you." (Judges 6:16)

This promise is the foundation of audacious faith. It's not about our capabilities, but about God's power working through us. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) When God calls us to a task, He doesn't necessarily seek out the equipped; He equips the called.

Yet even as we step out in faith, we may encounter doubters along the way. Gideon faced this when he sought help from the people of Sukkoth and Peniel. Despite his initial victories, they refused to assist him, essentially saying, "Prove you can finish the job, then we'll help." Their skepticism could have easily discouraged Gideon, but instead, it fueled his determination.

There's a profound lesson here: sometimes, the lack of support we receive can be the very thing that pushes us to dig deeper, pray harder, and tap into reservoirs of strength we never knew we possessed. As counterintuitive as it may seem, the obstacles and opposition we face can be instrumental in shaping our character and refining our purpose.

Moreover, we must recognize that not everyone is meant to be part of our journey. Some people, even those we expect to support us, may not have the faith or vision to see what God is doing in our lives. Their doubt doesn't have to become our reality. Instead, we can choose to surround ourselves with those who encourage our faith and challenge us to reach higher.

The story of David and Goliath offers another powerful example of audacious faith triumphing over doubt. When faced with the Philistine giant, David didn't focus on his own limitations or the skepticism of others. Instead, he declared, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:37) David's confidence wasn't in his own abilities, but in the faithfulness of God.

This kind of faith doesn't just believe for the possible; it dares to believe for the impossible. It's the faith that caused Noah to build an ark on dry land, that led Abraham to leave his homeland for an unknown destination, and that enabled Mary to say "yes" to becoming the mother of the Messiah. It's a faith that looks beyond current circumstances and sees the promise of God's faithfulness.

But audacious faith isn't just about believing; it's about acting on that belief. James reminds us that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:17) Gideon had to step out and lead his small army into battle. David had to face Goliath on the battlefield. Noah had to build the ark. Our faith must compel us to move, to take risks, and to pursue the vision God has given us with unwavering determination.

Sometimes, this means pressing on even when we feel exhausted or discouraged. Gideon and his men were "exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit" (Judges 8:4). There will be moments in our journey of faith where we feel depleted, where the finish line seems impossibly far away. It's in these moments that we must remember the words of Isaiah: "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Audacious faith also requires us to silence the voice of comparison. It's easy to look at others' successes or resources and feel inadequate. But God's call on our life is unique. He doesn't need us to be like anyone else; He needs us to be fully who He created us to be. As the Psalmist declares, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14)

Finally, we must remember that the ultimate goal of our audacious faith is not personal success or acclaim, but the glory of God. When we pursue God's calling with unwavering faith, we become living testimonies to His power and faithfulness. Our lives become beacons of hope to a doubting world, showing that with God, all things are indeed possible.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities before us, let us cultivate a faith that dares to dream big, that perseveres in the face of doubt, and that trusts unwaveringly in the promises of God. Let us be like Gideon, who despite his initial doubts, allowed God to transform him into a mighty warrior. Let us be like David, who saw beyond the giant before him to the even greater God behind him.

In a world that often settles for the mediocre, let our lives be marked by audacious faith—a faith that moves mountains, that silences doubters, and that ultimately brings glory to the One who called us. For it is this kind of faith that not only changes our own lives but has the power to transform the world around us.