“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)
Welcome to our first week of blog Bible study! I’m really excited to dig into Renee Swopes book, “A Confident Heart”. Right off the bat, she was speaking to my not-so-confident heart. Can anyone relate?
“I mean, if God calls you to do something, shouldn’t you feel confident about it?”, Renee writes within the first few pages.
Um, NOT ALWAYS! Sometimes God calls us to accomplish some God-sized dreams and they can look very intimidating. We can’t wrap our mind around how we’ll ever accomplish it.
For example: God wants me to write a book. The publishers want me to build a platform. There’s a chance I’m about to leave everything that I’ve known for the past 10 years to start a new life in a new state.
I would be lying if I said doubt hasn’t crept into my mind when I think about these BIG things God has placed on my heart. Not just a little doubt, but big, scary, FEAR!
Renee says, “The unknown is scary too…my uncertainty had created a huge shadow of doubt…my doubt was distorting my thoughts and over powering my emotions with confusion and questions.”
The entire time I was reading Chapter one I kept thinking one thing:
DOUBT = SATAN
The devil is the one who plants seeds of doubt in our minds – willing to do whatever it takes to keep us from fulfilling God’s plan for our life.
He whispers:
You’re not a good enough writer to finish a book.
Nobody cares about your story.
How can you build a platform when you can’t even get more people following your Facebook page?
You’re going to be so lonely if you move.
Satan’s really a creep! He whispers lies but God’s word gives us truth!
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
I’m not sure about you, but the fact that God is at work for my good brings me hope!
And Renee says, “doubt and hope cannot live in our hearts at the same time.”
Today let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, let’s trust Him, place our confidence in him (Jeremiah 17:7), then the sneaky devil will have no chance of clouding our minds with doubt!
Has insecurity/doubt ever kept you from fulfilling a God-given dream? Is there a particular verse in the Bible that you turn to when Satan tries to plaque you with doubt? I would love for you to share your answers in the comments!
I’m going to do my best to keep up with this! Reading a bunch of books right now, but after our conversation last night, you and I both know I need this! Love you, friend – thank you for stepping out and leading!