In 1942 C.S Lewis wrote; "that faith exists on enemy territory." Of course he was writing during the second world war when much of continental Europe was occupied by Nazi armies. Lewis was trying to express the notion that faith was like a resistance movement that was hostile to the occupying power. This is, I think a helpful analogy for us as we battle to "keep the faith," in a hostile or at least apathetic world. Of course, scripture tells us that such opposition should not surprise us. It is par for the course, faith has had, and will have to always rear its head in hostile environments. Hostile environments can often of course breed doubt. Here are three things that Alister McGrath suggests are helpful to consider as we experience doubt.

The popular reaction to an idea has no bearing on its truth or otherwise. Just because people ridicule you because of your faith does not mean that it is untrue. Actually often those who ridicule Christianity have little to no understanding of what Christians believe. It isn't as though people have often tried Christianity and found it was no good; often they have not really given it much thought.

Secondly you are not unique if you are ridiculed for having faith. If one was to project themselves into the first century and live amongst the early church they would be projecting themselves into a time and place when hostility to faith in Christ came from every side. The Roman authority and the Jewish authority were deeply hostile to Christianity and yet even then because of the resurrection the church thrived and grew.

Thirdly attend to your support structure. Doubt can lead people to isolating themselves from their support network but when faith is under fire by the ravages of doubts, it is the best time to engage closely with people who have a strong faith and seek their support and help. Get involved, get connected, don't go it alone.

Doubt is like spoiled child, the more you tend to it, the more attention it demands. When doubt comes into the picture don't get passive, get active. See it as a health warning and seek renewal and revival in your spirit. Don't let doubt dim the fire of faith.

(Taken partly from "The Sunnier Side of Doubt by Alister McGrath)

Grace and peace from Marcus