At our church, I’m a Senior Pastor and the Senior Pastor’s wife.
I also lead our staff team.
That sounds nice…
But sometimes these positions are at war with one another (inside me).
My top priority is being a mother to the church. Loving the congregation, praying for them and being there for them. Right?
But another top priority is making sure that the congregation has an excellent worship experience. An experience uninterrupted by flaws, technical errors and lack of planning or training.
Isn’t this true?
Decisions I Doubt
If someone is crying on my shoulder during worship and the service is falling apart – what am I supposed to do?
This is my personal quandary every weekend.
I know that there are several places in your life too… where you feel torn between two obligations, two loves, two places or things you feel you should be doing at once.
Many times it seems like no matter what I do in that situation, I feel like I am letting someone down or not doing my best. Doubt creeps in.
Doubt
Doubt is one of the main tools of the enemy.
If he can get us doubting our moves, then maybe he can paralyze us. We do nothing for fear.
Ooooh fear. That’s another one of his big bombshells.
You might hurt this one…
You might not succeed…
They might not like you if you do that…
You might fail in front of everyone…
Doubt is a breeding ground for fear. Fear is a paralyzing position that usually brings about wrong decisions.
How to Avoid Wrong Decisions
I am blessed to have access to a lot of leaders. I love to sit back at the table and listen to them share their concerns, successes, wisdom, questions and thoughts. I learn so much from listening to others talk.
Many times I hear doubt. Doubt from those that are supposed to be leading us.
Doubt in their ability and if they are doing a good job. Doubt about their ability continuing. Doubt about the future and if they have one. Doubt about if what got them here will get them there. Doubt about whether they are as far as they should be.
They doubt to the point that they bring in people from outside their organizations to measure them and consult them on their progress.
If the very people that lead us are assaulted by doubt, don’t we think that we will be too?
YES!!!!!
Because the enemy knows what is written in the Bible.
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
— James 1:6-8 NIV
A friend of mine once said, “Any decision made in fear is the wrong decision.”
Now whenever I am scared, I repeat that phrase and try to think of what I would do if I wasn’t scared.
The enemy knows that when he can get us to doubt, he takes us out of the game. He gets us to slow down or stop.
To make wrong moves…
So what do we do?
We back up a verse.
If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. 6 Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting).
— James 1:5-6 AMP
Just Ask
Just ask God. Talk to Him. Take time. Listen to Him and obey what He says.
Get in the House of God and worship.
He whispers the answer with no doubts.
Lord, here I am to listen.
14 comments
Oh my word you hit a difficult one with me,
You mentioned these 3 below
You might not succeed…
They might not like you if you do that…
You might fail in front of everyone…
These 3 have been torments of mine for years and as far as getting out and getting a job in the field I graduated from but..fear & doubt come through with those 3 statements you mentioned. It’s so hard for me *tear*
Kimberly – I know God has good things for your future. Follow His will to the closest of your ability. It is our highest aim.
Oh wow!!! What timing with this word. I struggle with this way too often. Especially right now a I look for a job. Thanks for sharing!
Debbie –
I am praying for correct job placement in the will of God!
What a profound statement … “Any decision made in fear is the wrong decision.”
I can’t take credit for it Patti! I was told that by a wise man!
“Any decision made in fear is the wrong decision.”
“Now whenever I am scared, I repeat that phrase and try to think of what I would do if I wasn’t scared.”
I wish I could tattoo this on my mind. “What would I do if I wasnt afraid”….
I struggle with always wanting to please other people… I am afraid of what they will think of me. This is my biggest character flaw. 🙁
Excellent topic, Pastor!! Doubt certainly IS one of the devil’s “basics” and no one is untouched by it – at every stage of our lives. But once we realize who and what it is, we know where to go in the Word and banish it.
thanks once again for keeping it real and letting us know that leaders have the same “issues” as everyone else. This will help many…………..
Very. Powerful. Blog post.
Indeed, necessary tools to live by. If it were easy no one would do it, right?! Sometimes that helps give me courage.
I meant “everyone” not no one:)
Self doubt is a very strong weapon. Keeping the daily conversations with God going—as you and Pastor Dave suggest—reduce doubt in my life. I try to follow what God tells me, then when doubt creeps in I simply remind myself that God told me to do this! If He guides me, who am I to doubt Him?
I love it. Get in the House of God and worhsip. So often I find that when I am struggling with issues, that seem to be so overwhelming, they are placed in perspective when I step into His House. There’s just something about the unified voice of believers worshipping the Lord. I always leave with a renewed spirit and a sense of peace.
Very powerful post!!!!!!!!! THANKYOU for you and all you do for all of us at FCSL!