Doubt

Giving Up When It Gets Tough–Doubts

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18 NASB

“Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.” Marilyn vos Savant

“I can’t do this, I won’t do this, I don’t know how to do this, do I have to do this?” I have said to the Father a few times in my life.  From managing a sales department to giving a speech, caring for an ill loved one threatened my faith and energy. Participating in politics, volunteering, and teaching will bring many people out of the woodwork, including harsh critics, ambushes and snipers. Times of approval and encouragement may be scarce, especially with social media and all its platforms. Usher in self-doubt.

Doubts. Doubting ourselves. Doubting our talents. Doubting our minds. Doubting our purpose. Discouragement, disappointment, and depression overtake us and we give up. How can we begin to imagine the glory revealed to us when we’re in the pit?

The Father meets us right where we are. Moses was no trailblazer when he first met the Burning Bush. He may have had a speech impediment. He ran away from Egypt after slaying an Egyptian who was abusing an Israelite. Moses said to the Father he was incapable. I have said the same. I doubted God. “Who God calls He qualifies.” He qualified Moses and it took many years and lessons.

Delay may be necessary.  We may need support and encouragement from others, rest, and a visit with the Father. That’s not giving up. That’s realizing our human needs and acting accordingly.

Doubt can bring us closer to the Father. Again, remembering we are but human and not God is the place to start. I think of the father in the Bible whose child was ill when he approached Jesus to ask for healing for his daughter and said, “I believe. Help my unbelief!” He owned it! It’s okay to tell the Father you’re struggling with your faith. We forget how deeply the Father loves us. Ask, seek and knock.

Musings

Doubt may be a good thing when it reminds us of our human limits. It reminds us to depend on the Father and trust His wisdom. It helps us to get real with the Father and real with ourselves. I think of the quote: “Would you rather let God or be God,” often. I don’t want the job.

Prayer

Dear Father,

People often say, “God never gives you more than you can handle.” They may mean well, but it’s wrong. You want us to depend on You. You want us to ask. Jesus said, “What can I do for you?” many times.

Thank you for meeting us right where we are with no judgment because of what Christ did for us. Thank you for being in charge. Help us to be close to you, especially during our time of doubt.

Amen.