when self-doubt causes delay

Ever have a bible study that changed your life? I have! It was Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. I had the book for a couple years before I even opened it up. After going through it on my own, I decided to host my very first small group and walk through the study. From the very beginning of week 1 it prompted some self-checking for this girl. One big takeaway was asking God to help me overcome the things in my life that are keeping me from hearing him – keeping me from saying, “yes, Lord.”

Starting off on day 1, Priscilla gives a list of reasons that she collected from people just like you and me, that stand in our way of obeying God. That list was pretty spot-on and I certainly identified with several – being too busy, not sure how to begin, laziness (ouch), questioning if I’m hearing him wrong, and feeling unworthy to be used by God. That last one really resonated. And why is that? God doesn’t tell us we are unworthy or unable to be used by Him. He does just the opposite. He created you and me for His purpose! (Philippians 2:13)

So how do we get over that self-doubt? One way is with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). While Priscilla mentions the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation is also just as important. Our mind truly is a battleground for the devil to have his way. What I think I’m hearing God say is often defeated by the thoughts in my mind before I even begin. The fear, doubt, unworthiness, failure – all begin to consume those desires God has given me. Then as quickly as the idea entered, it is gone because I’ve doubted myself before even beginning to take a step forward. Anyone else feel that way? The devil knows exactly how to aim those arrows to stop me on my quest of hearing and following God. It’s irritating!

When God speaks, I want to follow in obedience and say “yes, Lord” instead of justifying my delayed response or doubting. Not doubting God, but doubting myself. So I’m going to pray over those thoughts, put on the helmet and breastplate and be ready to fight. I challenge you to do the same! The devil can’t change what he can’t reach, right? Put on that helmet and go to battle to hear exactly what God is saying.

Today’s takeaway, Don’t let the self-doubt delay your “yes, Lord.”