Dealing with Doubt!

Adia Peterson
Founder, KingdomFive! Student Ministries

When I was growing up, I always second guessed myself. Always. It was hard for me to be confident about my decisions, opinions, and beliefs.  You name it--I was insecure about it. In Christ we know there is no insecurity, only 100% assurance. YET....doubt seems to show up in our lives whether we want it there or not! As a young person thirsting after God, know that doubt is an enemy of your purpose. It will show up to make sure we are not confident enough to do what God has asked (Jeremiah 1), or we won't move forward unless we have such and such signs from Him that He will be with us. We can learn four key lessons from how the Lord helped Joshua get ready to take the reigns of power after Moses died, to help us battle fear and doubt for good. 

God is clear about what He wants from you.  Joshua 1: 2
Know that God is not doubting. If he gave you a command, he has confidence in you and in the ability He put in you to accomplish that mission. God is not second-guessing His choice about using you. 

1. Have the fear, do it anyway! Joshua 1:7 I was listening to a podcast recently and I heard this phrase. Believe me, the Lord Himself is the true author of this concept! Three times He tells Joshua, Be strong, and of good courage. And with each command to be strong, another instruction. God understands fully the reality that we must have the fear and do it anyway. In the face of doubt and insecurity, refuse to let it be a stopping obstacle. In other words, you're going to feel the doubt but don't let it block you. 
2. Believe that God has your back.  Joshua 1:9  One thing God assured Joshua--I will be with you. He understood what He was asking him to do was NOT going to be easy and that in the natural, everything would scream do not try this!!! But God's promise was I will be there with you for every battle, every obstacle, every impossibility. In purpose, you're not contending to win on your own. 
3. Follow the Instructions Joshua 1: 7-8  It's important that you heed to the how in all God has told you to do to go after purpose and obey to the best of your ability, His instructions. God gave Joshua specific commands and warned him to be careful to obey. God is faithful, but we must uphold our end of the deal. 
4. Don't Give Up Joshua 1:5 When it comes to purpose, you're in for a journey. It's a marathon not a sprint. God was gearing Joshua up for the long haul and you also must be ready to commit to highs and lows, fears and doubts, and triumphs and victories! They all come together--so accept them all. 

"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5
"For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8