The sands of doubt

Renee Ann Smith —  April 20, 2011 — 45 Comments

“He is the Rock: His works are perfect, and the way He works is fair and just; He’s a God you can depend upon.” ~~Deuteronomy 32:4

“After reading every book he could find on the existence of God and enduring months of sleepless nights, [author Brian Jones] reached the point of panic attacks and deep depression, even thoughts of suicide. One night, frantic, he called a former professor who had been a mentor to him.

‘In the last six months doubt has begun to paralyze me,’ he told the older man. ‘It’s like when water goes back out to the ocean. [Doubt] is washing away the sand underneath me, and my feet keep sinking lower and lower and lower. If this keeps up, there won’t be any sand left to stand on.’

Rather than reacting with a sermon on the necessity of faith, the wise professor acknowledged Brian’s struggle, even sharing his own battle against unbelief. But then he added these final words, ‘Brian, listen to me when I say this. When the last grain of sand is finally gone, you’re going to discover that you’re standing on a rock.’

‘That one sentence saved me,’ Jones wrote. It helped him hold on long enough to eventually rediscover hope.

No, his doubts weren’t obliterated overnight, but the professor’s words provided Jones enough light to start heading back home. Away from the wilderness of wondering and wandering, back to the only place that’s truly safe . . . the heart of God.”

~~from Lazarus Awakening by Joanna Weaver

~Photo credit~

~My review of Lazarus Awakening~

In Devotional Thoughts, Quotes, Word-filled Wednesday , ,
permalink

Renee Ann Smith

Posts Twitter Facebook

I teach literature in a Christian high school by day and write inspirational fiction by night. I love to share heart-touching quotes and stories here on my blog. So glad you stopped by!

45 responses to The sands of doubt

  1. Juju at Tales of Whimsy… April 20, 2011 at 5:19 am

    I love it. Your last week’s image is now my computer wallpaper :)

    Reply
  2. Helene April 20, 2011 at 11:31 am

    Thank you for sharing – this is powerful and such a great reminder and comfort of how God is the strong, unmoving, foundation even when we feel like everything is falling a part.

    Reply
  3. Theresa@HeavenlyGlimpses April 20, 2011 at 11:51 am

    Love the photo! And those words are a comforting reminder! Thank you!

    Reply
  4. Emily April 20, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    Thats such a powerful truth! And a gorgeous image. Thanks for sharing this story with us today :)

    Reply
  5. Elizabeth Young April 20, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    I particularly enjoyed this post because it deals with the reality of one man’s very real situation and his friend’s willingness to be vulnerable with him about his own searching journey. We don’t always know the ‘right’ thing to say and later sometimes wish we’d said something different, but if others know we are willing to share our own lives, our own struggles, without pretension, this is surely a step in the right direction. Have a wonderful Easter friend and thanks for posting!

    Reply
  6. Deb Chitwood @ Living Montessori Now April 20, 2011 at 7:58 pm

    Beautiful story and image! That’s such a powerful statement – perfect for Holy Week. Have a wonderful iFellowship Wednesday!

    Reply
  7. vivi b. April 20, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    Aww.. ‘hope’ such a beautiful word. * sniff sniff *

    http://www.theblogforbrides.com
    http://www.journeyofawoman.wordpress.com

    Reply
  8. Pattyann April 20, 2011 at 11:46 pm

    What a wonderful, beautiful story. I have never heard that before and I totally love it.

    Reply
  9. Renee Ann Smith April 21, 2011 at 5:41 am

    Thanks for stopping in, ladies! It was great to come back at the end of the day and read your comments. Blessings, all!

    Reply
  10. Joy April 21, 2011 at 7:16 am

    I have been where he is at, and sometimes still find myself there when doubts try to creep back in. This pastor gave hope without guilt, and that is difficult to do.

    Reply
  11. Lisa notes… April 21, 2011 at 7:51 am

    Standing on the Rock. Such a blessed gift we have to know that our foundation is that solid.

    Reply
  12. anne April 21, 2011 at 8:34 am

    Such a very overwhelming message, mine is here thanks Points of View and Thoughts

    Reply
  13. Ima Nutcase April 21, 2011 at 9:22 am

    What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it. I think it will be saved as a favorite.

    Reply
  14. Debra elliott April 21, 2011 at 9:48 am

    Beautiful! Stopping by from TT.

    Reply
  15. Jennifer April 21, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    That story gave me goosebumps! I’m visiting today from Thought-provoking Thursday.

    Reply
  16. Judy April 21, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    What a wonderful illustration of the sureness of our faith. He is indeed our Rock, and we can rely on His promises. Happy Thankful Thursday!

    Reply
  17. Debra elliott April 21, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    Thank you for stopping by and your heartfelt comment.

    Reply
  18. Craig April 21, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    I’m here from Bonnie’s. And I know doubt – we were adversaries and companions for a long time. The sands have rushes out finally – I am standing on the Rock. I doubt nothing eternal – it’s me, and the earthly stuff – but even then when I stand on what the sand left behind – light shatters darkness. Thank you for this. God bless and keep you and all of yours.

    Reply
  19. Renee Ann Smith April 21, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    I’m sorry I haven’t been around and am so glad you all stopped by for a visit! Blessings!

    Reply
  20. Nikole Hahn April 21, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    Often, when we peer into the deep woods searching for light, we find out that we were standing in it all along. He was there waiting for us to look up.

    Reply
  21. Carol April 21, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    How beautiful. I saw this at time that I needed a reminder. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  22. Karen Foster April 22, 2011 at 10:29 am

    Love this post!!

    Hi ~ new GFC follower from the Give it to me Tara Weekend Hop ~ Following you on facebook too (http://www.facebook.com/mommysmoments

    Stop over for a visit to Mommy’s Moments at http://www.avonbykaren.blogspot.com

    Thanks, Karen

    Reply
  23. Amanda @ Serenity Now April 22, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    Looks like an interesting read. I think we all have our periods of doubt…but yes, the rock is there. :)

    Thanks so much for joining my Weekend Bloggy Reading party! Have a blessed Easter. :)

    Reply
  24. Bonnie Gray | FaithBarista April 22, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    Renee (Ann), this is a beautiful reflection for Easter.

    Thank you for encouragement that the safest place is in God’s heart.

    Happy Easter, friend! Thank you for reflecting Jesus through your words!

    Reply
  25. Sarah April 23, 2011 at 7:37 am

    I love that quote and great post. Happy Easter…

    Reply
  26. Whidbey Woman April 23, 2011 at 10:27 am

    Wonderful post. I don’t want to be a Doubting Thomas, but confess there have been times in my life I have doubted. But “the rock” has always been there for me.
    Happy Easter!

    Reply
  27. Kaye Swain – SandwichINK April 23, 2011 at 11:34 am

    Such comforting and encouraging words and Bible verses. Thank you so much! I’ve heard of that book before. I must check it out. Thanks!

    Reply
  28. Charlotte April 23, 2011 at 5:09 pm

    I love this. What wonderful insight. Thank you for sharing this with us.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

    Reply
  29. Ginger April 23, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    That is a powerful sentence, I will have to remember this one.
    Blessings,
    Ginger

    Reply
  30. Janet April 24, 2011 at 5:12 pm

    HAPPY EASTER to you Renee Ann. Many blessings to you in your life. Love the continued book reviews.

    Reply
  31. Pamela April 24, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    I love that: when the last grain of sand is gone you’ll discover you are standing on the rock. I’m so thankful for that rock — and my risen Lord!

    Rejoicing!
    Pamela

    Reply
  32. Kimberlee April 25, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    What a great image, and a brillant reminder of God’s faithfulness.
    ~Kimberlee, http://www.TheSpunkyDiva.com

    Reply
  33. Lynn April 25, 2011 at 6:12 pm

    awesome…

    Hope your Easter was astonishing. Hugs. See you this Thursday, Lynn

    Reply
  34. Renee Ann Smith April 25, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    Thanks for coming by and taking the time to comment, Pamela, Kimberlee, and Lynn! Blessings!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

*

Text formatting is available via select HTML. <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>