Doubt. It is such a tricky little thing that can make you take your focus from your whole life and put it on one single subject. It makes you overthink everything you ever knew. It stresses things that aren't even relevant to the circumstance. Doubt. It consumes you, eventually leaving you numb, worn, tired, and feeling hopeless.
Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
Jesus longs to make His name famous.
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Rejoice always. We are to praise Him always, good or bad, no matter what... Rejoice. Pray without ceasing. I never realized how hard this was to do until the very thing I needed answers for wasn't being answered as I get closer and closer to really needing an answer. I grew tired of praying, I am still tired of praying... but, pray without ceasing. Don't stop praying. Keep praying. Pray when it hurts, and pray when things are looking good. Just pray. Don't know how to pray, then simply talk to God. That's it, talk to Him. Tell Him why you're upset, tell Him why this isn't fair, tell Him you need an answer. Cry out to Him. Whatever you do, just don't stop praying. IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS. In everything. In my finances, in my marriage, in my ministry, in my friendships, in my family, in my salvation, gifts & talents, plans... the list could go on. Give thanks for it all, and surrender it!
Imagine with me if you will, having only God (and your significant other). God. That's it.
We sold all of our possessions to come to this land to do God's work. There is no home in the states waiting for us, no vehicles, nothing. God is our only source of provision. With out Him, our ministry isn't possible, we can't live without Him. He is ALL we have to lean on. FAITH. Faith without works is dead... but what happens when you have worked every angle God has given you and still... nothing. Doubt wants to creep back in and make you question your faith. Do I have enough? Well the word says that the faith of a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20), I'm sure I have to have at least that much!
Right?
If I truly give it all to Him in trust and REALLY trust Him with all of it then I have no reason to doubt. I trust a simple chair to hold me up when I sit down in it. Why can't I give up everything to the One who created it all and me in the first place? He even created that chair I am willing to trust!
Doubt your doubts, Jennifer!
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
He has promised to meet all of our needs according to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19). While they may not be met in my timing, they are met and done so according to His will for our lives. This is hard to swallow, but it's not for us to understand. We give praise, trust and love Him believing that He is going to work good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
I feel blessed that the devotions I am reading right now daily encourage me to trust Him. (I am reading Jesus Calling, if you are interested.) Scripture after scripture that speaks on trust and reminding me to everyday give IT to Him. All of it. I will push onward to the heavenly goal which is in Jesus. I will seek Him as He seeks me. I will grow weary and tired, but I will pray without ceasing.
Matthew 7:7 (Jesus speaking) "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find' knock, and it will be opened to you."
My prayers still haven't been answered and they may not, or maybe they have been and I have been too consumed by my doubts to see it. That happens, ya know?
If you are curious about you can pray for us you can use the following prayer list:
- guidance in our summer plans
- that we will continue to trust God as the summer gets closer with His plans
- that we see/hear every opportunity He gives us
- finances
- our families as we prepare for the summer
- our ministry
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
