How many times a day do you look at yourself (literally or figuratively) and say or think “I can’t…. [insert task here].”? For me, its more often that I want to admit. Doubt can be crippling when our focus is in the wrong place. If we are looking at our personal circumstances, attitudes, strengths and abilities certain tasks can seem impossible and daunting. A few years ago, I was dealing with an issue with a personal friend – we were having a disagreement about some life choices she was making and I thought it would be impossible for us to resolve the conflict. I began spiralling thinking I was going to wreck the friendship if I continued to press the issue and that I would end up hurting myself and her if we didn’t find a solution. So, I gave up. I told her that I had changed my mind and that I was genuinely okay with her choices. I let doubt and fear seep into my mind and I chose to avoid losing something instead of maintaining truth and integrity.
A few weeks later, I was convicted by the Holy Spirit about my actions. I could hear God’s voice, whispering in my heart saying “Child, why didn’t you come to me with this, why didn’t you ask me to help you in this situation, why did you lose heart?” I was gutted and after repenting to God, I also repented to my friend and oddly enough we stayed friends and she had also had a bit of a heart change in the few weeks between our initial conversation and this one.
When we ask God to help us, even in what feels impossible or frightening, he comes through for us. Jesus came as hope on earth but he also came with power and authority. We need not doubt his ability to work in our lives and we can trust the powerful Holy Spirit to instill hope and life into our circumstances
Written By: Carina Sterzer