Due To Circumstances Beyond Our Control - Doubt

Due to Circumstances beyond Our Control - Doubt

What worries you masters you. —Dr. Haddon Robinson

DOUBT IS MY NEMESIS. Of the three—fear, uncertainty, and doubt—doubt is the one that most often keeps me from living the life God intends me to enjoy.

Most women are very surprised to learn this about me, an optimist, but it’s true. I suffer from sweaty palms, sleepless nights, a racing heart, and self-accusation: Ellen, what are you thinking? What makes you think you can do this? Who in the world wants to read this silly little book? Girlfriends, I have a screaming match with doubt every morning before I write one word.

Compounding my problem, I can see that other people sometimes have their doubts about my ability to succeed too. They don’t come right out and tell me, but I see it in their eyes. I see it flash across their faces. Do you know the look I’m talking about? It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

However, you cannot allow your doubt or the skepticism of others to diminish your dreams and aspirations. Other people’s small thinking, past failures, and fears—that’s their baggage, not yours. Your vision and mission have nothing to do with their ability to properly forecast your outcome. Do not let the doubts of others diffuse your passion. Stand confident.

Here’s what I tell myself (maybe it will help you too) to get some perspective: If my sights are set too low, there’s nothing for me to be concerned about—no doubt, no worry! But setting my goals too low means I’m not fulfilling my full mission. On the flip side, if every now and then I wake up in the middle of the night with stinging doubt and have to wrestle with the Ugly One—well then, my goals must be set about right.

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Yes, I know that the spewing of accusations in my head is most likely Satan’s device to keep me quiet; to ensure I don’t share the source of lasting peace, joy, and contentment. But I won’t be that easy for him to stifle. I know God is on my side, and I’m getting pretty good at those internal debates.