ManageYourEmotionsBook8.5x5.5_RevJULY.indd

toward the Lord, they could “Be sure your sin will find you out.” As Jesus said centuries later, “There is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known” (Numbers 32:23, Luke 12:2). Adam and Eve learned this the hard way as temptation brought about destruction. Their disobedience, referred to as “original sin,” brought about the fall of man. Initially, they were cast out from the Garden.Add to that the physical and spiritual death sentence they received, which has been inherited by every person born from that point on.This prompted Paul to record, “Through one man sin entered into the world, and death spread to all men, because all sinned,” later adding “In Adam all die” (Romans 5:12, 1 Corinthians 15:22). On a smaller scale, we see the debilitating nature of doubt lived out in the life of the apostle Peter. Once, when the disciples were on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus came walking on the water toward them. Ever the bold one, Peter left the boat and walked on water toward the Lord –performing beautifully until he moved his eyes from Jesus to the water. Sinking into the sea, Peter cried out for help. Jesus pulled him to safety, chiding, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). Perhaps hiding out from authorities or grieving over the death of his leader,Thomas missed meeting with fellow disciples and the risen Christ on the night of His resurrection. Hearing later of Jesus’ appearance,Thomas said, “Unless I see in His hands the imprints of nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” Days later, asThomas followed up on his challenge, Jesus responded, “Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27). Do you, likeThomas, find yourself mired in doubt? Perhaps, as with Peter, you’ve shifted your eyes away from Jesus and focused them upon the situation around you. One thing is for certain, God’s desire is that we move beyond the scope of doubt and implement solutions to doubt. That being the case, the obvious first step in dodging doubt is assurance, particularly the assurance of salvation. Note that once Adam and Eve discovered their nakedness and

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