When you know the end of the story … the beginning is even more powerful.

The Christmas story is full of people who struggled with doubt, yet God used them in His redemptive plan.

• Zechariah doubted when the angel told him he would have a son in his old age.
• Joseph doubted what to do when he learned Mary was pregnant.
• Even Mary asked questions when the angel Gabriel appeared: “How can this be?”

And yet, God was present. He was with them and for each of them. He turned Zechariah’s silence into praise. He gave Joseph the faith to obey. He gave Mary the courage to say, “Let it be to me according to Your word.”

Jesus does not push us away in our doubt. He meets us there and shows us that He has power over doubt.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.    
Matthew 28:16–17

Obedience positions you to encounter Jesus.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
Matthew 28:16

Faith is   before  .

Obedience does not always mean understanding everything. Sometimes God calls us to step out in faith before we have all the answers.

… “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 
Genesis 12:1

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.     
Isaiah 41:10

When God calls us—whether it is to share the gospel, serve others, or take a step of faith—obedience is the starting point. The disciples went to Galilee because Jesus said so. Where is God calling you to go today?

And when they saw him they worshiped him, 
Matthew 28:17a

Worship is always the right response to who He is.

At the heart of worship is an unrestrained response to the goodness and greatness of Jesus.

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.
Revelation 4:11

Maybe your circumstances this Christmas do not look like the Hallmark cards. Maybe your heart is heavy, and doubt is creeping in. Here is the challenge:

Will you worship anyway?

• Worship because God is with you.
• Worship because Jesus was born for you.
• Worship because He came to turn your doubts into trust, your darkness into light.

When we worship, we shift our focus from our doubts to the power of our Savior.

Doubt does not disqualify us from God’s grace or His mission.

… but some doubted.
Matthew 28:17b

These were the men who had walked with Jesus for three years, seen His miracles, and witnessed the empty tomb. Yet, doubt still lingered.

Faith is not the   of doubt — it is   God in spite of it.

You have heard the expression: beyond a shadow of a doubt. An 18^th century expression meaning that something is so true, real, proven, obvious that there can be no doubt.

The disciples had seen Jesus alive after His crucifixion—an undeniable miracle. And yet, Matthew tells us some doubted. Faith can and does   with our doubt.

Christmas is not about how   our faith is; it is about how   our God is.

Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.   
John 20:24–25

Doubt is not the opposite of faith—it is part of the journey of faith. When you doubt, bring your questions to Jesus. He meets us in our uncertainty and strengthens our faith.

... if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us. And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”    
Mark 9:22–24

Bring your   to Jesus and let Him   your faith.

How Do We Overcome Doubt?

So, how do we overcome doubt and experience a Powerful Christmas? Let me give you three steps:

Go to the Place Jesus Calls You.

Remember God’s Faithfulness.

Embrace the Promise of Emmanuel.

But here is the good news:

1. Obedience positions us to encounter Jesus.
2. Worship is the right response to who He is.
3. Doubt does not disqualify us from God’s grace or His mission.