"Why are you frightened?" Jesus asked. "Why are your hearts filled with doubt?" Luke 24:38
Renee revisited the day that she discovered she shadow of doubt and that it didn't end with it just going away or with God zapping her with confidence that lasted. She also realized that not only was she standing in the shadow, but she was causing it by blocking out the light. "We were not designed to block the light or to be the light. We were created to live in the light in such a way that our life stories tell about the light and our confidence in Christ draws others to the light." (pg. 86) We need to change our focus from ourselves to God by thinking about His strengths instead of our weaknesses.
She reminds us of the story of Gideon in the Bible. (one of my favorites!) Gideon was paralyzed by fear and insecurity. He was called by God to do a big thing - defeat the Midianites. However, he was so busy looking at how small and how weak he was that he couldn't see all that God could do through him. So much so, that when God went to him, Gideon was hiding in a winepress threshing wheat.
Renee emphasizes that God is not limited by our limitations. Often God will call us beyond our limitations to do something we have to step out in faith to do. Through this, God will not only make His will known, but will also conquer our personal enemies of doubt and fear.
We have to get past our past. We need to find our triggers. Damaged emotions and insecurities from our past have a powerful influence over how we see ourselves now. These moments from our past are not Truth. We have to actively turn our back. "Turning is crucial."
Turning away from self.
Turning toward God.
Turning away from doubt.
Turning toward truth.
Turning away from darkness.
Turning toward light.
Praying God's Promises
Lord, thank You that in Christ I am a chosen woman, a royal priest, a holy daughter, a woman belonging to God. Thank You that I may declare the praises of Him who called me out of darkness into His wonderful light. Jesus, You are the light of the world! You promise that when I follow You, I will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. I want to follow You with all my heart and in each of my thoughts. Take me beyond the shadows of my doubts and teach me how to rely on the power of Your promises.
When doubt overshadows my thoughts, help me shift my focus back to You, remembering that the mind fixed on the flesh is death, but the mind fixed on the Spirit is life and peace. Thank You, Lord, my God, that You go with me, to fight for me against my enemies of insecurity and inadequacy and give me victory. In all these things, I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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