Maybe today you are struggling with doubt. Perhaps you took a huge step of faith and you feel as if you failed. It didn’t work out the way you hoped, or even as you took that step you felt inadequate. Or perhaps, no matter how you succeed, you still feel it.
So, let’s get to the heart of self doubt together.
Is there a valid reason that you are doubting?
Are there gaps that need to be filled?
As a new mom I needed to fill many gaps. At each stage of life there were gaps. While I might instinctively know what to do in some areas, there were others that needed more. Sometimes we need a mentor in an area, whether through books, through a friend, a program. Knowledge shifts your perspective from what you don’t know to excitement over what you are gaining as you learn and grow.
Is your doubt due to the past?
My friend, Lysa TerKeurst, describes twirling around as a child, her dress fanning out around her, to capture her father’s attention. He didn’t see her. So Lysa kept twirling in other ways, trying to fill that place where a father’s words and hugs didn’t. How often do we doubt because we are twirling around, hoping that someone might notice? Do we come up empty if they don’t—for no one person, no matter how much they love you, can meet your every need.
In Genesis 16:13, we find Hagar talking directly to God. She was a woman who had been overlooked, abused. Listen to these powerful words as she realized who God is: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13 (NIV)
El-Roi is one name of many that God called Himself. It means the “God-who-sees”. God can fill the gaps that no human ever could. Stop twirling for others, for someone to care, because the God who created you cares deeply for you and he hasn’t missed a beat of your life.
Is self doubt from the enemy?
The Bible describes and enemy who desires to steal, to take away, to wound by distracting us from God’s grace. Are you so intently focused on the things you didn’t do “right” or well and fail to see the good that took place? You took a step of faith. You are running after God. Give grace to yourself for God gives it freely. Self-doubt can either riddle you and I today or we honestly assess why it’s there, which allows us to give it to God. It’s not yours to carry. It never was.
Father, I pray today that each of us who are struggling with self-doubt will honestly look at it, and then move forward. Leaving self-doubt behind, for it’s a useless emotion, and replace it with knowledge, with action, but most importantly with You. Thank you that You know each of us, and what we need, and so graciously give it. In your powerful, precious name. Amen.
A resource just for you
In the More Than Small Talk podcast conversation, Identify Theft, we discuss what might cause us to struggle and what that might look like. We discuss how it impacts us spiritually and emotionally, and what we can do about it. Listen here! I pray it encourages you.
A group of teachers meet once a week to pray for our coworkers, students and families. One of the teachers asked us to pray for her as she battled with self doubt. The questions that you listed to unpack our self doubt will be very helpful to us as a group. Something that we can think about when we question or doubt. Thank you. God bless. Beth
Thank you so much for this “truth” today. Self doubt has long been a friend who seems to hang around almost all the time. Knowing how to rid myself of it has not been easy. Most of my friends have become “Great” people, nurse, preacher, teacher and the list goes on. Although brought up in the same circles and church I never seemed to move in the directions they did. I have my own qualities and directions that I know God has lead me in but I’m always comparing myself to them. Today you hit the nail on the head. Self doubt, it can rob you of joy, friendship, and love. Thanks you for helping me to see more clearly that it’s not worth the effort. Please pray for me that I can “put self doubt” on the shelf where it belongs and move forward to become all for God that I can be. Pray that I can learn to study his world more, pray harder, and seek out those that can be a blessing and an encouragement to me. Thank you that you stand ready to help those who ask. God Bless you, Jean
As a wife and a young mother I struggle more often than I’d like to think with self-doubt
The ugly traps of comparison, fear and condemnation trip me up. I believe the Lord when He told me that He was making me the woman I long to be. However when self doubt creeps in that person seems a million miles away.
Please pray that I would rest in God’s word, His promises and that I would hold on to the “small” victories that come so that I can boldly move forward for Him.
Thank you for this devotion today. It was exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed it. I can feel conviction from the Holy Spirit (rather than the condemnation from our enemy that I am so use too) on how I view my performance.
Thank you again for this blessing today.
Suzie, thanks for your always relevant, honest, Christ like sharing. I am experiencing self-doubt right now in my relationship with my son and how to handle some issues with him. This is exactly what I needed to hear. Self-doubt is a huge issue for me… Thanks for tackling this issue.
Self doubt, A total BUMMER!!! And the thing with myself is that I make it worse than it usually needs to be. Replaying the issue over and over in my head, instead of learning from it and moving on. Working on that issue daily, I will overcome it though, with GOD by my side!
Self-doubt can keep us from doing God’s will and I agree with you saying that we need to do things afraid. We need to push through the fear and hold up the shield of faith so we can experience God’s plan which is for good, not for evil. I have to say for myself, I desire to lead a small group in church or teach a class to the community on nutrition but my biggest roadblock is fear of public speaking and self-doubt. I know I need a dose of faith to overcome, so thanks for this message I find it very encouraging.
Self-doubt, lack of self-confidence, insecurity.. however you label it. I have been battling it the majority of my life. It has crippled my ability to get a better job and in some cases keep a job. It is now crippling my marriage, as my husband is tired of picking me up emotionally, & has said he is interested in open marriage. I struggle with what this means for me. How to react to it. Even how to pray for the situation. My intellect tells me this is more about what is happening with him but my heart and soul (and the enemy) is telling me that I’m not good enough, not pretty enough, not interesting enough to keep his attention. Please pray for my job search and for my marriage.
I struggle with self-doubt all the time. I am new to Christ and keep wondering am I doing this right or am I reading this and understanding it. I keep doubting myself in all things that are about God and keep wondering how do I become a Jesus girl or a good Jesus girl or is it a better Jesus girl? Please pray for me to find my path to being a Jesus girl. Thank you!
It is amazing you hit the nail on the head. I sometimes think something is wrong with me. Why do I feel uncomfortable around some people. And why to I seek others approval.
It is self doubt. It is feeling like your not enough. The website has been so eye opening. It has ripping off layers of hurt and shame.
Thank you for this devotion. Self-doubt can be paralyzing and how wise to call it “an unhealthful twist on humility”. Focusing too much on self instead of Christ always leads down a destructive path.
This is so true in my life. I sometimes doubt God’s presence but I know He is always there for me and with me. It is me that is doubting myself as a Christian and as a person in general. I am always seeking others’ approval which leads to a vicious circle of self-doubt and insecurity. I especially like the prayer you placed on Proverbs 31. I plan on printing this off and putting it on my computer at school!!
Oh, my gosh, I have so many self doubts. It has been less as I grow older. One of my biggest self doubts is how we raised our children. I am always regretting that I did not spend enough time, teach them well, etc. etc. etc. I often wish I could start all over again with that part of my life. I need to be aware of this everyday and not let the enemy tempt me.
Oh Suzie, I have tears streaming down my face as I read your devotion this morning. I struggle with self doubt so often. Since becoming a divorced woman with 3 children a couple of years ago, i have found myself trying to prove to everyone that I can do everything and perservere. Then when i’m alone I begin to doubt my abilities and confidence when everything is falling apart around me. I just recently realized that I was doing this and have begun trying to be humble and admit that I can’t do all this alone. You have helped me realize that I am not alone at all. The God who sees has been seeing me and has not let me fall. He continues to pick me up when all else seems to be falling apart. Thank YOu….I had never thought to ask myself questions such as these. I am taking these questions and going to further explore my actions.
suzanne I was breaking as I read this .the pain the hurt was flooding me as the tears were pouring down my face.I know with all of my heart God sent you and proverbs 31 to me. your books your writings are truly moving my heart. I know God is the one speaking to me.I can relate to everything I’m having a hard time writing my feelings so please bare with me.where can I begin to tell my story all I know is that God has me under his wings and is holding me tight.I have spent my whole life wanting someone to see me notice me hear me love me.and here God has always seen me loved me and cared for me.I want to do what God ask of me to write my story and poems.I want to be used in away that reaches women who have walked the same road as me.for the last 23 yrs I have been searching looking for the right anwsers.God is so good to me I know he has been showing me how much he loves me.but I also have pushed him away for many yrs.I struggle with self-doubt as I read here I am so encouraged to move forward and I can see I’m not alone I see others feel the same .what a relief it is knowing others feel the same.I have spent my life around people who were very critical and judgemental of me especially my own family.self-doubt fear anger have effected my life .suzanne my life was wrapped around abuse, dysfunction thats all I knew but I felt God calling me since I was 13 yrs old. thats when I accept him as my savior.boy has it been a struggle but God is faithful.
Suzie–What a great spiritual and practical lesson for each of us! I’m on the very “late” end of 30-something, but I can still see a lot of my friends struggling with this–and I’m no exception. The “Identity” piece that use our kids for, or our job for, or even our marriage for keeps us in this doubt. We won’t follow what the Lord has asked us to do because of messing up our current “identity”…on the other side, when we see someone who has chose to allow God to change their path or have come from behind in victory because of their prayer, research, study, and faithfulness we are “Amazed” and wish to be more like them. Thanks for this devotional and blog! I know it was helpful to me…and helpful to, I’m sure, more than you will ever know.
WOW, perfect timing. I have begun intentionally working to become the prayer warrior that my children, friends and church family need me to be. That God intends me to be – you know, those older saints in the church whose “prayers get straight through”? That’s what I want to be. So often I would start to pray and I would hear a not-so-still voice asking “who are you? what difference can YOU make?” So I have embarked on this prayer boot camp of sorts, spending a day each week in fasting and praying as an attempt to become closer to my image of a strong Prayer Warrior. I forgot to mention, I am also a fairly new pastor’s wife (less than 2 years)
Yesterday and today’s devotions were just right on for me and my journeys.
I am constantly talking myself through those moments of doubt. What I end up saying to myself is, “you’re right – I CAN’T do this – but God can.” But still too often I delay taking that next step, for fear of [x]. Right now, I think the most common fear isn’t of falling, but of succeeding! Does that make sense? I would appreciate prayers from y’all. I have stopped praying for Boldness, because it seems that Boldness would empower me in my self to move, but rather I want prayer to increase my faith. I want my faith to be consistently strong enough that I may step out in HIM so that all Glory is HIS.
“Do it Afraid” is the exact mantra I needed to hear… I’m on it!
Gayle
Thank you on your message of self doubt. We all struggle everyday to be good enough or pretty enough. We doubt our abilities. I pray this message will speak to me today as I move through the busy world. i pray I can find peace in the small things and feel beautiful for God
Wow, this article on self-doubt was so very timely for me. I have been working on a blog and hoping to turn it into a business and have found myself paralyzed in the last month, doing nothing, or the bare minimum. Feelings of self-doubt and past failures, etc., looming large in my mind. I’ve allowed that big four letter word FEAR dictate a lot of my actions. Thanks for giving me some things to think about and take to God.
Jennifer
Whew! If people like you & Lysa TerKeurst struggle with self-doubt, then I’m in good company! On the one hand, I feel like God is calling me to write and speak more (homeschool, organization, etc.). On the other hand, I’m so often paralyzed by fear and self-doubt that I think I miss opportunities sometimes.
The lesson today is what I needed to hear. I am in my 40’s and self doubt has from time to time in my adult life comes to taunt me. Because of some things at work that I can no longer just ignore, I have decided to look for a new job. With that, there is always, Am I doing the right thing, What if I can’t find a job for the same amount of money, What if I am not good enough. I have turned it over to God and He is not only working in me but outside of me too. I know that He will take care of me and the perfect solution will take place. God is good–ALL the time, I just have to step out and accept that and know that I am HIS and he doesn’t doubt me. Penny
Suzz thanks so much for the post. God has been speaking to me to step out of the boat at church and I am going through all the self doubt that I am not able….not qualified…etc. Thanks for sharing in honesty truth and speaking to our hearts with this subject. Kathy Mills
No matter what day it is, an excerpt about self-doubt is going to touch someone. Who doesn’t doubt herself? Why do we concentrate on our past failures and pull them out again and again to go over what we did wrong? Why don’t we do that with our many successes? We don’t though. We lash ourselves with our failings and we brush our successes under the rug. I’d love to read the book to hear more about what you have to say on the subject!
Thank you for touching a subject that has bothered me lately. I need to remember Mark 9:24 “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”
That when I do call out to God, He does hear me. He is there. I just need to spend some time with Him. Like all friendships if you don’t communicate, sometimes misunderstanding happen. Thank God He is always there to have a friendship with me!
Blessings & Peace
Mary
God is just awesome how He always manages to send me the right words when I really need it. I have been asked to step up as a leader and have really been struggling with it for weeks, and this week have particularly been praying for guidance. And your words helped me see that my self doubt has been really undermining what God would have me do. Your word really couldn’t have come at a better time, I have been thinking that I have been trusting God, but I see that I haven’t, I have been too busy being distracted by self-doubt. What an amazing God we serve!!! Thank you!!!
Wow, where do I start? I think that self-doubt is an issue that every woman struggles with at least once in her life. We have a hard time trusting that God is really in total control and that He loves and accepts us unconditionally.
Hi Suzanne~ I was really hit with the quote today “an enemy that tries to steal, to take away, to wound by distracting us from God’s grace, call, and leading. Do we so intently focus on the things we didn’t do “right” or well, at least in our eyes, and fail to see the good that took place?”
I relate. I have spent so much time and energy on the areas I feel I fall short in, and haven’t looked to the greatness of God’s plan for my life!
Pray for me, that I would look to my awesome God, and His awesome plans and calling for me, and stop looking at my own weakness, that I would allow His strength to be made perfect in my weakness.
Thank you.
This was a special birthday present for me this morning. I’m 46 today, and it is this day that I doubt myself most. I sit, a grown woman, waiting for my parents to remember it is my birthday and call and love me…It’s early and I am determined that your post is going to be the one thing that stops this sedentary “Twirling”; finally. 🙂
Most of the year, now, I nolonger spin…there are a few “holidays/special” days when I begin again, for the day…like today.
On my birthday I Twirl the most, ending my day dizzy with sorrow. Not today.
Thank you. Thank you.
Your mention of Lysa’s twirling brought back the real events of my childhood twirl for dad…with the same results as Lysa’s.
Funny, right!
I wrote a poem (I haven’t written in months, except for blog posts) that I will publish in just a bit on my blog…
http://www.hopeannfaith.wordpress.com
So begins my assessment and what God and I can do to about this self-doubt.
Thank you, did I say that already 🙂
Blessings,
Andrea
Wow, if this didn’t hit home and feel like it was written for me. It’s so hard not to get discouraged. Especially when you feel led to do something and yet, it doesn’t turn out how you thought. We need serious prayer for our finances. I’m so tired. So tired of the stress and worry. I know we’re not to worry but when you see no end in sight and you can’t pay all the bills (and we’re not living above our means, we’re just poor).
wow….this is so where I am. I believe that ‘warfare surrounds the birth of a miracle” then wow…I’m in for a doozie!!! Not that any miracle at all is NOT a doozie! I feel like I know what God has called me to, but when breaking through the fear, making progress, being inpsired by the Holy Spirit….wham! slammed wiht doubt! So heavy and fierce, that my ‘over the top” personality is brought to a subdued, frozen, hard ot believe it’s me, state! I have no idea how to break through this wall, except for spending time with HIM. the author and finisher of my faith, the Holy One. It is maddening to see myself almost in a straight jacket, trying so hard to inspire clients (i am a personal trainer and nutritionist) I know God healed me (3 times from death) and taught me for me to go out and lead others in the same way. But if I cannot break free from this doubting mindset, I will not accomplish that goal. I don’t leave goals unaccomplished!!! I know God will work this for good.. thanks so much for all you do…please keep studying and writing, we need you!
I loved this post as I was just having one of those talks with myself. I just started a new job with the same company and after all the interview confidence faded and I set out on my tasks – I found myself distracted by all the doubt and questions that come when you go from being one of the most experienced on the old team to the least experienced on the new team. Yesterday I just stopped and regrouped – I wrote and posted a 4 x 4 stickee note right smack in the middle of my calendar that says, “Moments of distraction, temptation and doubt are a reminder for prayer.” So thank you for this message.
How many times have I looked to twirl, to twirl for those who may be just passing through my life in this season. And devastated when they didn’t see all that I had done, how hard I had worked, the time invested, etc.. Doubt in myself has been one of my biggest sins. Thank you for your words of encouragment today. I pray that I will continue to get stronger in who I am in the Lord. In Christ, Melissa
This devotion hits hard. I have been paralyzed by self doubt. I am one of those persons who is looking for someone to care and i have been guilty of “twirling” with the expectation that the person I want to see me would see me. I want to be free of self doubt and live confidently for the rest of my life knowing that God sees me and he cares deeply for me and I no longer have to”twirl” for others.
Thanks, Suzie – I am doubting that I will be ready to marry again, should my boyfriend ask. We have been together one year this coming weekend, and I love him to death, but am afraid for the future. SCARED TO DEATH is more like it. I have been “on my own” for almost 10 years now, twice divorced, with boys 14 and 22, but want the fulfillment of a loving husband to take me through my “golden years”. Please pray for David & I, as we journey together, and pray that I will turn to God and not David for my fullfillment!!
Blessings! Dori
Wow- just this morning during my quiet time, I poured out my feelings of regret & self-doubt. I had listed all the ways I messed up yesterday and had failed at a meeting, all because I hadn’t prepared. I had such a heavy feeling of gloom & doom walking into work this morning. And then I read the post from Prov.31 and linked to you — God just cracks me up! He really does know me and knows what I need at the right time.
Thank you for sharing this amazing site! Self doubt is something that I often struggle with. I try to tell God all of my worries and this is just one of the many. Sometimes, I find that no matter how much I pray or how much I try to focus on God, self doubt rears her ugly head. I doubt my faithfulness to motherhood, as a wife and friend. I doubt my worth in my career. There are so many things to doubt when it comes to your self. Thanks for your devotionals. This one in particular made me realize that self doubt is something that is common in us all.
i really enjoyed this one. i have alot of self doubt and really don’t know how to overcome it. i give it to the Lord and always end up taking it back. it’s a very hard struggle for me. i’ll keep praying for God to free me from this doubt that i have though. thank you so much.
I am so filled with self-doubt these days. Doubt that I am in the profession I should be. Doubt that I will ever have the kind of loving relationship I desire. Doubt that I am doing the right things for my kids. Doubt that I am really hearing and doing God’s will.
The past few weeks I have been drowning in self doubt.
Thank you for the encouragement.
I have suffered with inferiority complex or self-doubt all my life. Mostly I believe it comes when I compare myself to others. Please pray for me because I am having to take on added responsibilities at work and I am fighting self-doubt wondering if I can do the job. Your devotion is encouraging and gives me hope. Thank you.
Self doubt can paralyze us from acting for Christ. I was recently motivated by my a quote of Elenore Roosevelt, “Do one thing everyday that scares you.”
I have a dear sweet sister in Christ who is struggling badly with self-doubt right now. Like you and Lysa, I have struggled in that dark place myself, and my hope in those days was from Father God through Isaiah 43:1-2
1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
My prayer for this dear sister, and any other sisters who are struggling with self-doubt is that they hold on to this promise from Father God…HE sees us and is with us every step of the path.
I am so hard on myself and doubt myself after I’ve made a couple mistakes – then I start to over analyze and worry and it all keeps circling. I would like prayer that I can learn to forgive myself and move on. Thank you so much….
I was confronted by my women’s group leader. She indicated that she would like to see me venture out on my own and lead my own women’s group. My chest immediately constricted, and fear just took over. I mean she wasn’t telling me to start NOW, but that she would like me to pray about it. The first emotion that took over was SELF DOUBT. I have only been going to group for about 7 months. I must say I have grown tremendously, but lead my own group?? In the back of my mind, I know this is God, because the week before I thought about it, but it quickly left my mind. I am not spiritual enough…I’m not old enough…my husband is not going to support me doing this….I don’t have time…I hate to commit and so on….
After reading today’s devotion, I am realizing that when God calls, I need to listen. My leader would not even consider this unless God placed it on her heart….Please pray for me as I seek God for His guidance…I want to be used by Him in whatever capacity He wants. I want to be able to do it with a peace and with a servant’s attitude but also with boldness, NOT self doubt.
Love the reminder about El-Roi the God who sees. What a wonderful promise to keep in my heart.
Thank you for the reference to Hagar! I had forgotten about her. It helped me so. I am the self-doubt KAAAAWEEEEN!!! For 30 years I have been trying to be appreciated by my husband only to be let down time & time again. El-Roi, how wonderful! Love you Suz.
Wow, this really hits home for me as I am always kept up at night lying in my bed, my brain running with all the things I didn’t do, do right according to me, what I failed at in life, last month, with my kids, family, I could go on and on. At times I lay there thinking I am the only one that is doing this. It is good to know that I am not alone and there is a way out of this dispair or black hole I feel that I am in and can’t get out of at times. I know our Heavenly Father is always there for us but at times he seems so far away and I know I need to keep seeking and not let these thought keep me down.
I can’t imagine a young woman, wife, mother that doesn’t deal with self-doubt. In a world that sets forth such high and often unrealistic expectations, we constant seek to measure up, and then we question ourselves to the point that we don’t accept the things that we are doing well. Self-doubt crushes, leads to depression, destroys relationships. I pray daily that the Lord will guide me with his word and the Holy Spirit, and I’ll have assurance that I am following His will, not mine and not the will of the world.
thanks for the encouragement today! I think at times in all of us there’s a little girl, twirling for attention!
This came at just the right time. It’s nice to hear other’s have the same self-doubt, I think sometimes I feel alone, although I am not and God is always right by my side to listen and help. I just have to remember to pay more attention!
Wow, I’ve never really thought about self-doubt as a separate thing from worry..this is fascinating!! What a blessing 🙂
You’ve done it again. Reached into the very center of my heart and posted exactly what I needed to hear today. Your blog is such a blessing in my life. I have been struggling so much lately, mostly with self-doubt. Doubting my worth. Doubting anyone really cares. Doubting my husband’s intentions. Doubting, Doubting, Doubting. I know that Satan’s batting me around like a little ping pong ball. I just know it.
I ran across this verse in my morning reading, and I’m going to be memorizing it, hoping it will help get it into my hard head. 🙂
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV)
When I find myself struggling with self doubt I am reminded of Matthew 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Self-doubt is a huge problem in my life now! I am at a point in my life where I need to make a huge change. I feel like God is pointing me in one direction, but whenever I think about taking steps in that direction, the self-doubt kicks in. “I have no experience.” “I cannot possibly be good at THAT.” “What if no one likes me.” “It is just a fantasy, only other women can do that. I don’t deserve it.” It’s horrible because I feel like what I’ve been searching for is right at my fingertips, yet I keep doubting myself, pushing myself farther away from what I believe God has in store for me. Thank you for your encouraging words today!
“…where a father’s words and hugs didn’t” that’s where I’m (slowly) coming out of. I wish I can say that the process is done but it’s not. There is still a long road ahead of me.
Thank you so much for sharing these truths. As many of the ladies before have stated self-doubt is a friend who has been hanging around and I am working to get rid of her. I am working on my degree in Counseling. I want more than anything to successfully help women overcome the grips of abuse to whatever degree they have experienced it. However, I struggle with my ability to complete my degree. I am working full-time and have children and a husband. I am excited to read your new book. I look forward to reading more of your blogs and books as I find them to be great encouragement for the journey. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing the information on self-doubt. I sometimes I can be my worst enemy! I worry and doubt, when God says I am in control. What can I can gain from this? I need to let go and let God take over!!
This message on self-doubt is so timely for me. I began a class for teens at our church and have been struggling with each lesson wondering how it will be received and if they are even interested. I even questioned whether I had heard from the Lord to begin with! I now have a better perspective and some tools to examine my thoughts constructively! Thank you for touching on this subject today.
This is soo good. Thank you, Suzie. 🙂
Whenever something goes wrong, especially with one of my kids, I always assume it is because I DID SOMETHING WRONG…in fact, it is the self-doubt you speak of here. I need to stop doubting myself (and in turn doubting the person God made me to be).
Self-doubt has been a piece of baggage I have been hauling around in my life for a long time. God has developed some special talents in me through His unique process. However, sometimes I’ve doubted my abilities because I lack the “formal training” others have in this area. Within the past couple of years, God has been helping me work through my doubt and let go of this unneeded load. I find that when I have opportunity to use my God-given talent, I need to remind myself that it is a special gift from Him, developed through Him, and used in service to Him. Then my self-doubts can step out of the way and my skills become His tool for service as a ministry to others for His glory.
How timely, I have just set some huge goals for myself, both spiritually and professionally, begun working with my mentor, and yesterday – whack! I had a day that rocked my foundation and left me wondering if it’s all worth it, if I’m capable, if what I want is possible… God brought your amazing devotional to my inbox in just the right season to remind me that I need to continue to lean on Him, even when Satan comes in to question all that I know God has for me. Thank you for your amazing insight and precious words.
This has been my struggle for a long time. Thank you for writing about this today. I have a 23 year old I am going to buy this book for, she and I could read it together maybe! Prayers for my Christina as she looks for meaningful work after college. Thank you!
Ladies, I hear you. Reading each of these. Isn’t it interesting that we, with all that God offers, get stuck in self doubt. What might happen if we cast it aside to discover the truth: that God is enough. That He will fill the gaps that we cannot. That He can show us the way. That even when we fail, that God steps in to teach us and show us through the fall. I love your honesty, but also delight in what God can do through each of us as self-doubt is replaced with confidence in who God is.
Thank you! This devotional has hit on my problem that I have been dealing with recently, doubting myself. I have been spending more time reading the word and praying. Each day I have been trying not to critize myself or others, and just focus on the next thing I have to do. I hope you and your team will continue to provide more examples of how to fight back with our faith.
There are many times that I find myself doubting me and inflicting myself with doubt. Its those times that I find God talking to me the most thru a devotional letting me know that He is bigger than that and helps me to overcome the issue. Thank u for your devotionals.
omg-(goodness) Eureka moment! I think I have totally become paralyzed with self-doubt. I am “afraid” to do things for no specific reason. It is kind of funny, but such a God thing, when you receive tidbits of information. I really think this is the thing God needs me to work on the most.!!! Thanks
After reading the comments, I realize that I am not the only one that suffers from the self-doubt syndrome. Thanks for the encouraging words and thanks to the other commenters for sharing their feelings.
It is like a little voice that makes you remember times when you may have failed or made the wrong choices. I wonder why did I do those things then and it stops me from truely being who I can become now. it is hard to let the past go, I need to focus on the better times. Sounds liek the book is great!! I will request the library order one!
Self-doubt is one of my weaknesses. A lack of confidence has certainly kept me from applying for jobs or trying new things for fear of not being good enough, of rejection or what others might think. God has really been working with me on this area.
Hello, Friends in Jesus! I looked through all three Gospel testimonies (Matthew, Mark, and John) concerning “walking on rough waters”, and I got truly excited about the immediacy od our Lord’s reactions to the actions of the Apostles. Without going into all the details of my own personal situation, I want to hear Him say, “It is I. Do not be afraid”, immediately, every time I reach out to Him… 🙂 Shout to me, O Lord!!!
I love the description of Jesus retreating to the mountain, being all alone in the land, just like He wanted, and then Him being recalled immediately to minister to His Apostles. I do not want to doubt you, o Lord! I love solitude, just like You did… But I’m finding it difficult to “switch” from my own, personal time with the Father to a personal, immediate ministry between a fellow human being and myself. Still,
“It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Thank you for a wonderful article. I always saw my self as a confident individual…but after having children, I began to fill very inadequate. Self-doubt is a tactic of the enemy – thank God there are those like you who will share His word and be His voice to a generation of women struggling with this more than ever before (in my opinion).
Self-doubt . . . well, didn’t you hit the nail on the head! Okay, I’ve brushed myself off, forgiven myself because I know His payment is enough for ALL my sin. Back to traveling the narrow path with Jesus.
How funny…the comment before quotes the same scripture I was enjoying with and encouraging my friend and myself with today…getting past our unbelief in situation and realizing our faith is more properly placed in the ONE who is the author and finisher of our FAITH…wow…this blog is such a blessing…what confirmation….LORD….I do believe…but help my unbelief!…worry fast is still in place!….
I am still new in my walk with Christ and there sure is a lot of “self” doubt! However, he has already helped me quit smoking. Something that anyone who knows me would have never ever believed possible! In Jesus I have learned all is possible. Love this site!!
Thanks for the great encouragement and reminder of one of God’s names – the God who sees. I love that name!!
I am filled with self doubt and I am 65 years old. I wonder if I created the right bond with my now adult children, Did I fail? Did I lose my cool too often? Did I give them enough attention?
Did I pray enough? God was and is the center of our lives. But where do we fit into each others lives?
Is this the way of Life? Do children not have to form their own indenties, without you?
I believe they do as that is how they survive without you.
Now as life is winding down I feel lost, Not sure of my place in this world or in their lives.
Being ill has sent me on a search for myself. I was always someones daughter, someones Mom, someones Love, and now I am not sure who I am.
So in response, No I am not sure doubt ever truly leaves.
You turn it over to God only to pick it back up the next day.
I wear my doubt and fears as a cloak, I want no one to see inside my heart as they would see too much.
Every single day I battle with this, and I just turned almost half a century old!! As a child I really tried to be invisible because I doubted and I let myself be ruled by fear. AS a young adult I used to have a reoccuring dream, I was carrying this heavy bag, filled with my problems, and worries, it was so heavy, and I struggled so hard to get up this hill. Once I got to the top, Jesus was there and I would drag to bag to him, exhausted, wordless, and drop it at his feet, fearing to look up and face him due to my doubts of worthiness. But, without looking up, I knew he smiled, I felt it to my core….like sunshine, and he would whisper, “My daughter, I already carried this load for you…”, and he did, because then I realized the hill was Calvery. This has helped shape and define my approach to my doubts, they are still there, every day, but HE already carried this load for me, and you, and all who will believe. What a blessing to be reminded…
Thanks for this great post. I believe I struggle with this too and that I need to have the confidence to keep doing my best and serving God and fulfilling my life’s purpose. If we’re so focused on our own selves (including self doubts), we won’t have enough focus on what God is leading us to do. Thanks for helping me think about this.
Thanks for your post today. As I look out over this year, I realize so many changes need to be made. I’ve known that and have finally acknowledged it. But doubts come in the midst of trying to change and I get scared – really scared. Thanks for reminding me of these truths through your psot.
Self doubt usually rears its head when my children are involved. Am I making the right choice in my decisions? I have to leave them in God’s hands, He’s the best Father there is! Your website is awesome, so glad I found it!
Self doubt hit me right after lunch today. Right after I had tweeted a verse. The enemy is just so smart and sneaky. I have to constantly remind myself to listen to the voice that is speaking truth, not just the truth in that moment, but the over all, big picture TRUTH. bottom line is he knows us, he sees us and we are his.
This morning I was praying and asking God to give me wisdom and confidence. God knows the desires of our heart and this was JUST what I needed today. Thank you so much!
Self doubt is me asking myself every single day…”will I fail them”? Trying to become the mom I want to be has proven my most difficult journey yet. Although I rest in ease knowing I’m nothing like my own mother, her words still haunt me. Yes, I’ve read The Mom I Want to Be: Rising Above Your Past to Give Your Kids a Great Future…in fact I’m on my second read thru. The fear of not being good enough cripples me every day, but I am reading the bible, praying thru it and maybe one day..I’ll be as confident, peaceful, and joyful as I’d like to be.
~Deanna
Oh self doubt and I go round & round!
I have wanted to do some BIG things for God and that little dude has stepped in and wiped out all my confidence for the last 3 years!
It’s as if I’m living in a sort of shackle or bondage! I would love to break free and DO WHAT IT IS MY HEART IS DESIRING!
Oh self-doubt has been huge in my life…thankfully GOD is helping me see this and move past it. But I believe in one way or another it will always be a thorn in my side. My prayer request is that I would recognize when this is happening and keeping me from doing what God has called me to do and more importantly keeping from being who He made me to be. I need to realize this so I can take my eyes off myself and put them on Him! Like your P31 sister, Renee, says there are times I need to move from the shadow of doubt and live under the shadow of the cross!!! And as God continues to call me to write I pray that I’d let go of that doubt and simply trust and obey!! Thanks and God bless, Jill
Oooh! Thanks for this post! I so needed to hear it. God is working on me in this area. Today, I listened to a song that brought me such refreshment and a strong reminder to remember who I am in Christ! I already set up a post on my blog for tomorrow with the song so others can be refreshed as well. Ladies, if you struggle with self doubt or guilt please come give it a listen at http://www.vintagegospelgirl.com if you prefer just to find it on You tube it’s Remind Me Who I Am by Jason Gray…hope it encourages you
For me right now I am not going through some major changes (becoming a new mommy and learning to be a good wife) I also want to start off on a business venture or actually two. I am feeling a bit discouraged already though. I want to make sure first that I am called to do these thing and i want my time to be productive. Also one of the business ventures is really out of my comfort zone so I could really use some advice and encouragement regarding these things. Right now I am praying and reciting verses and I am now about to talk about it with my husband and all that is helping… but if anyone else had some wise advice I would surely be open to listen.. thank you in advance :))
suzie ‘thank you for explaining about forgiveness you hit it the nail right on its head ,, I really needed to hear this today !! yes forgiveness is a process I have had so many people tell me I need to forget and put my past behind me..I really want to put it behind me so that self doubt, so many other things I deal with be put behind so that it does’nt distract my relationship with God but I need to go through the healing process so that I can move on from here.. forgiveness will be a process but forgeting will be alittle hard to do I dont think I will ever forget …
suzie you’re encouragement to me.. p31 and encouragement today are such a blessing …
geri
I don’t think we so much forget, as it takes its rightful place in our heart and lives. I haven’t forgotten a painful childhood, but it’s not who I am anymore and hasn’t been for a long time. I also see it in the overarching picture of generations of brokenness passing from one woman to the next, so I can absolutely celebrate in what God has done in my life. He healed my heart in such a way that it stopped at me, not because of who I am, but because of what He did in me. My daughters will look back and see wholeness. Their daughters will look back and see wholeness for generations. That’s the power of this process. And, Geri, please understand, self-doubt is not big enough to get in the way of your relationship with God, because nothing can separate us from His love. Hold tight to that truth.