"I can do all things through him who gives me strength" - Philippians 4:13 (NIV).
Self doubt is one of the most dangerous experience any person given a great task can experience. It is a condition where one cowers and instead of rising to the occasion walks away or gives up midway for fear of not being able.
Life can be funny. One may have longed to do a certain job, but when finally given only to tremble with fear, full of doubts. This can be his doing. There are cases of those who have prepared for exams and failed just because on that day doubts set in.
We see self doubt when God finally called up Moses to liberate Israelites and then he wagered. "Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue" (Exodus 4:10). What saved Moses was that he acknowledged to God his fears, and was then given an aide- his brother Aaron to help him with his speech impediment (vv 14).
When Joshua was faced with an equally formidable task, he experienced a moment of doubt, but then the word of the Lord came to him, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:8).
Self doubts is common to life, and rare is the person who has never had moments of doubt when given a task. It doesn't matter how well qualified one might have been. But as with Moses and Joshua when hit with self doubt let us turn to God. Joshua was encouraged by God that He will be with him all the way! The same God will be with you all the way, for He has commanded you!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, for the task that you have given me when faced with doubts I look to you for strength and victory, as you have promised to be with us all the way, this I pray in Jesus's name
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04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
