Many times in my life I have let self-doubt, low self-esteem, and a lack of confidence make decisions for me. I didn't take the high paying job because I felt like a failure. I stepped out of my marriage because I let those doubts and negative talk convince me that my husband did not love me. I won't say yes to becoming the service unit manager for my local Girl Scouts because I believe that I'm nothing special. Even more recently, I stopped writing on a blog project for my church because I got sick with a nasty virus and missed a bunch of days that have now turned into a couple of weeks. I let myself think that my church family will not forgive me and why should I bother, I am not qualified. I fear failure.
In chapter 1 of "A Confident Heart", the following verse stands out: "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36
I start to think about another study where we talked about negative inside chatter and this image of myself comes to mind:
When the ugly thoughts, lies, and doubts creep in, I must remind myself to seek truth. Where do I find this truth? It's found by reading the Bible, believing the words and knowing that there is #perfectlove that is given to us by God. Renee Swope has a free download on her website, www.ReneeSwope.com, that is called "Don't Throw Away Your Confidence". Here are some examples to my own personal struggles:
When I say, "What if I fail?" God says, "I will give you victory, Jenny!" The truth I will hold onto: "But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:14 GW
When I say, "I'm not good enough." God says, "Jenny, you're royalty to Me!" The truth I will hold onto: "You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God." Isaiah 62:3
When I say, "I'm nothing special." God says, "You are a masterpiece, Jenny!" The truth I will hold onto: "For [you] are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Thank You Abba, My Father, for loving me! Abba, I belong to You! You are the God who sees me, El Roi. You are the Lord, My Rock, my Yahweh Tsuri!
Way to Go Jenny replacing those doubts with God's Word! So glad you're here with us for another study and that God is using it to speak into your heart. LOVE the pic! Such a great visual of our doubtful minds.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you on this journey,
Katrina Wylie (small group FB leader)
Thank You!
ReplyDelete