Another week, another chance to write on a one-word prompt for only
five minutes. We set timers, type quickly, and let it flow without
criticism. Then, we link-up our posts so we can read others' posts and
they read ours and we have a community that grows from one word each
week.
Five Minute Friday.
Go!
Wow. When the prompt came up "doubt", it surprised me, comforted me, guilted me, and yet, I was ready to write!
How can five letters bring up so many different emotions within us? We are made in the image of the all-knowing God, but we really don't "know it all". We sincerely wish we did.
When we become independent in one realm of life, we gain confidence, but sometimes are too confident in our own abilities.
I think God gives us the emotion of doubt intentionally.
Doubt is a gift from God.
Yes, I repeated myself.
Because I just "got it". If I doubt myself, then I will reason that I might not be the answer. That will prompt me to ponder my inability. And, hopefully, will point me toward GOD's ability!
"I
know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I
have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12-13)
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." (Ephesians 6:10)
The world markets to our doubt and insecurity with many products with all sorts of enhancing features. Physique, physical beauty, status, the list goes on and on.
When Peter walks on water and then falters, how does Jesus respond??(Matthew 14:29-30)
"But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Friends, doubt is a gift from God. We question whether our faith is placed in the solid rock, or in quicksand. If we cry out, Jesus reaches out His hand and catches us IMMEDIATELY!!! :D
I've been journeying through the end of Psalms this month. David is afraid for his life and hiding in a cave but repeatedly is calling on the Lord. And the Lord is answering and saving him.
"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
before the “gods” I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.
3 When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me."
(Psalm 138:1-3)
Bold is the answer to doubt. I doubt, I despair, I discourage, and yet, God. So if I turn my lips and praise Him in that dark disappointed ('light and momentary') trouble, He will embolden me.
Brave because of my God,
~Tammy
Always striving to be transparent and sincere as I learn what the Love of God truly means. "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15)
Yes God does embolden us. I have never thought of doubt as a gift. You really got me thinking on that one. I do trust God though. God knows who and whose we are! Another great post friend! I'm parked in the 11 spot this week.
ReplyDeleteTara,
Deleteyour encouragement always lifts me up! I'm so thankful for you. I've been seeing how I'm confident and trusting God in one area and then wham! He lets me know where I'm not trusting Him yet. He's gently asking and I'm reacting strongly like a toddler, clutching my "control".
:)
~Tammy
I loved the way you develop this, Tammy...and yes, boldness is the answer to both doubt and fear. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteWe all have seasons of wanting to hide in caves; certainly I do. But even though the fear we face may be far worse in its reality than in our imaginings, there's no running from it, and boldness may at least allow death with honour.
#2 at FMF this week.
Andrew,
Deletethank you. I know that it took a lot for you to respond to me. I'm honored.
And, thank you for the applause. It was a rough week and this edification is soothing to somebody wrestling with some doubts about this teaching decision. :)
Prayers to you, and you will have honor. You have honored Him and He promises to return the honor.
~Tammy
Tammy, wow. Just wow. I never thought about doubt in this light before! I loved every aspect of what you shared, but especially the idea that doubt can, and should, turn us to God. He is our completer. Thank goodness, when we cry out to Him He emboldens us to do what He's called us to do.
ReplyDeleteGREAT post today, my friend!
Jeanne,
Deletecan I tell you that this morning, I really needed to hear something, and that God used you??
"When am I going to truly believe that my affirmation, my value does not come from people, but from God?"
Oh sister, you are medicine to my heart. It seems we are both in a similar season of need for God's approval instead of people.
"He is our completer".
Thank you, Jeanne.
I too, have been wrestling with doubts this week, but as I wrote this post, He gently whispered and guided me to see that I should doubt myself but not my calling. My ability without Him is doubtful...so I should be full of doubt if I'm only trusting my own abilities. ;)
Love to you!
~Tammy
Interesting, Tammy. Doubt is a gift. But I definitely get what you are saying. FMF42
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteI'm so glad you took time to come on over. For me, it's a gift, as long as it's doubting myself and not God. If it points me to Him and His provision and not trusting myself but Him only, then that's a gift to a recovering perfectionist who wants to be in control of her life. :D
I enjoyed your thoughts on Thomas and his bravery!!
Love,
Tammy