Motivation Series: Chapter 1 - How to deal with doubt?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

As 2020 has now finally come to an end, many of us are reflecting on the past year and looking back at their accomplishments, disappointments, goals, bonds that have been formed or even broken. Not to mention with the ongoing pandemic, most people’s lives have become more challenging, people’s mental health has been greatly affected, employment, education, and people’s daily routines have been disrupted. It is not uncommon or odd to wonder “Where is God in all this.”

This year has stood in the way of many of our plans and daily routines and even in the way of some of our goals but that does not mean that God has stopped working. The mere fact that you are alive right now and reading this means that God has not forgotten about you and He is still at work in your life.

A lot of people are at a point where they are writing down their new year’s resolution and are setting goals that they are aiming to achieve. Some may have even received revelation from God about what this new year may have in store for them or may have a strong feeling towards an idea but are in doubt due to what we have experienced in the past year. Some people doubt because they have compared themselves to other people or have listened to the advice of the people around them. This can often feel like an internal conflict of two opposing voices trying to steer you in two different directions. There is the voice that is planting career goals, business ideas, plans, visions, ministries, strategies and then there are other voices telling you that you cannot, you are not good enough, you do not have the resources, you do not have the gift or the calling. It is important to know how to decern between the voice of the devil that wants to bring you down and the voice of God that wants to lift you up.

What is doubt?

When two forces are opposed to each other its because there is a movement that is meant to be taking place. When you are destined to move forward always expect there to be opposition aimed to tie you down to where you are now or even where you used to be or even a place that is worse. It is a force against your progress. This opposition often comes in the form of doubt.

Your mind is the powerful thing that you have. Often the devil will attack your mind first before he touches anything in your life. Especially when God is giving you vision, perspectives, revelation, and just communicating new things to you.

The devil will create an illusion in your head that things are not the way they are meant to be. Once someone’s vision is distorted, they’re no longer able to take steps in the right direction.

A prime example of this takes place in the very beginning in Genesis 3:1-6. Satan manipulated Eve’s knowledge of the truth that was instructed to her by God to not eat of the tree of good and evil.

The minute she started to listen to the voice of the serpent and began to doubt and her perception of the truth was tainted, it led her to her own doom and that of the rest of humanity (until Christ came to bring the new covenant) as that birthed the seed of sin into mankind. This is what happens when you do not rebuke the voice that opposes the things God has told you, be it through the Word or what the Holy Spirit has communicated to you.

This is the same blueprint of manipulation that the devil uses on God’s children today to come in between them and the promises of God and to manifest the same outcome he had with Eve in the Garden of Eden.

What to do when in doubt?

Whenever an idea is placed in your heart, or you feel strongly about something; be it a new business venture, a ministry, a goal or project, whatever it may be that is progressive - silence the little voices that will come and distort your perception of what the possible outcomes may be. Doubt is the enemy’s way of leading you out of the presence and the perfect plan of God without even having to touch you and the things in your life. All he needs is to lay hold of one’s mind and he has got hold over the person’s life.

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:1-3 NLT

The first verse of this passage makes us understand that doubt is a product of the advice of the wicked. This could even come from bad companionship who will always shut down any idea you bring up. These are agents of the enemy. Do not listen to them.

Verse 2 – Once you find yourself lost in Christ; it becomes so easy for you to Obey His Word. Once you obey His Word, it becomes the voice that leads you. Meditating on His word day and night means that God’s word is taking up all the space in your mind and not allowing there to be any space for the voice of the enemy to creep in. However, even when it does, you will be able to rebuke it as you can now decern between the voice of God because you recognize His voice from any other voice. When you meditate on His word day and night, His thoughts become your thought and you fall into alignment with who He is and who He has called you to be, and what He wants you to do.

Verse 3 – Once you become in tune with God’s word and you become one with Him, you become unshakable, unmoveable, and lacking-nothing. Being in-tune with God leads you to become one with His plan for you. That means that nay-sayers may come or thoughts may creep in and criticise all that you do and tell you one million reasons as to why your ideas may never work, but it is God who will sustain and strengthen you on your path.

The tree planted by the riverbank faces troublesome winds and heavy storms and scorching sun, but it is “planted by the riverbank, bearing fruit in all seasons”. Just as you will be when you plant yourself in God’s word and reject every idea that is not aligned with what God has spoken over your life.

What happens when we make plans without consulting God?

“What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” says the LORD. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins.” Isaiah 30:1 NLT

Let’s strive to stay in tune with God at all times and have faith and put our trust in Him so we do not go against His perfect plan for us that is often tied to our purpose here on Earth.

Summary

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Psalm 94:19

Prayer:

Father in the name of Jesus,

I pray for the spirit to hold onto your words that will comfort me and give me renewed hope and cheer when my mind is filled with doubt. I surrender my mind, my thought, my hearts, and my plans to you. Have your way.

In Jesus' name.

Amen