We’re back with day 2 of some seriously honest conversations I’m having with my pastor, Steven Furtick.
The topic we’re tackling today? Doubt.
If your mind works like mine, doubt can feel like the uninvited visitor who hangs around way too much. It’s something I really struggle with – in my parenting, in my leadership, and in everyday decisions. Often, I’m too surprised by my struggles. And Pastor Steven has been showing me that if I’m surprised by my struggles, I won’t be prepared to fight them.
Thankfully, he’s answering some tough questions about doubt today and also providing some tangible ways to conquer that negative inside chatter. To see what I mean, watch the video below.
(If you are reading this blog from your email, you may need to click here to see the video.)
Wow… what an amazing perspective change on the struggles we face every day. One of my favorite takeaways from this interview was that a struggle is a sign that we haven’t been conquered yet. And Romans 8:37 tells us that we are MORE than conquerors. There is such freedom in that.
Like I mentioned in the video, the publisher of Crash the Chatterbox is offering a great “buy one get one free” deal today. For more information, click here.
I’m giving 3 copies away to randomly chosen commenters. To enter to win, leave a comment below telling me one doubt that you’re going to work on eliminating from your mind.
Tune in tomorrow for my third and final interview with Pastor Steven. It’s going to equip you in some amazing ways to crash the chatterbox in your mind – you won’t want to miss it.
Fear
I want to overcome the doubt that I’m ruining my children, that as a mother I am not doing anything right. Satan really gets me with this one. I constantly have to quote scripture and talk myself out of it.
Some days I struggle with am I doing enough to be a light of Jesus yo my family. So many of my family members do not have faith
I am struggling with weight loss, I doubt that I will ever be thin again, etc…
Lysa, I have been so blessed hearing the show yesterday and the various interviews. So excited to try and get my hands on a copy of Paster Steven’s new book. As for my doubts…the biggest struggle I am facing right now is confidence in pursuing a career change. The Lord has laid this change on my heart for quite some time, but the enemy keeps filling my mind with thoughts of not being good enough, too weak, to imperfect, not the right fit for the job. I keep repeating to myself that this is just the enemy attacking–the chatterbox of lies–and that I was Made for More. (Hmmm…I guess Pastor Steven’s book is coming at just the right time, as I finish up Made to Crave).
I struggle with the doubt that maybe God doesn’t want me to have children. Or that this trial is permanently who I am.
I struggle with the doubt that I “can’t” do what God has given me the abilities to do.
I would love to overcome the doubt I have about winning the battle against food. (P.S. Your books, Lysa, have been a HUGE help in that dept. Still a daily struggle though.) I would LOVE TO WIN THIS BOOK!!!
That I am not enough.
One doubt that I’m going to work on eliminating from my mind is the doubt that I will be able to provide for my children in the future. God has seen us through everything, from good times to hard times and beyond. Yet I still struggle every day with worrying that there’s going to come a time where I’m not going to be able to afford our home or food on the dinner table. Being a single mom with absolutely no help is definitely a struggle, but I need to keep in mind that God is stronger and He loves us and He will not leave us or let us fail.
Good Morning Lysa,
First, I would like to tell you thank you for writing Unglued, it has helped me learn more about myself and what is best for my family. The list of sweet moments and goodness is too long to post, but what I took from the book was a treasure I plan to always keep. Happy to say we are that family, and that is perfectly okay with us! 🙂
Second, reading the above post this morning was a little ironic. I have an overactive imagination and the image of God smiling smugly and nodding his head at me while reading the above was a wee bit amusing and comforting.
I have been dealing with self-doubt for a long time and have recently realized the only person holding me back was sadly, me! (I even had a little doubt posting a comment here because I thought I might look silly.) I am learning to deal with this ‘doubt’ stuff, and lately with a little prayer and self-encouragement I have been gleefully stomping on a few of my insecurities and learning a lot more about myself. Again, thank you and have blessed day.
I struggle daily with the doubt that I am not good enough….not a good enough wife, mother, worker, Christian. I wear myself out trying to do more and more….but it never feels like enough. This book sounds like it is just what I need. Love you Lysa! Thanks for all you do!!
Did I make the right decision to stay with my husband two years ago.
After reading some of the other doubts that the ladies have, I can say “ditto” to most of them. But God created me for a special purpose and that was to live for Him and Him only. The rest is just gravy!!!!! But the one that I want to conquer first is stop the “can’t” and do the “can”! Thanks always for your inspiration!!!
I struggle a lot with negative self talk. Telling myself things like….You don’t matter… You didn’t raise your children right and that it’s too late to teach them about God….You can’t make a difference in the lives of your family… I have to renew my mind each morning…sometimes all day long by reminding myself that God has a bigger plan and a purpose for me. I am learning to trust Him because He is faithful to His promises. No I can’t do this on my own, but He can through me!
Thank you for your ministry! It encourages me each day on this walk with Christ.
I struggle with doubting that I am loved, and that I am ‘enough’. I am learning, with God’s help, to truly believe that I am loved, but am challenging 30+ years of automatic thoughts telling me that I am unloved, unworthy, and a failure. God promises me a hope, and a future, and I am trusting Him and His promises. I am loved.
I love the thought that that a thief only comes if there is something to steal! There are so many times that for all the effort…even the effort that produces mistakes…that the effort is irrelevant. For a working mom of college and teenage children I can’t afford effort expended to be irrelevant. Because as i transition into the next phase of my life and adapting to my new role i still desire to be needed and pertinent. But the thief wouldn’t come if I didn’t have something of quality to steal.
Negative inside chatter is something I have struggled with all of my life. I just ordered my copy of this book and I have a recipient in mind for the free copy. Now that I have just about finished MTC, I will read this book next. It couldn’t come at a better time. I thank God every day for your ministry, Lysa, and for Pastor Furtick!
These are life changing principles! “Inner conflict isn’t a contradiction of your destiny or calling. It is proof that your calling exists. It shows you that there must be something great in you that the enemy is fighting against. The point is that what’s on the other side that you are meant to accomplish is so great that there is going to be resistance. When you see it that way, the doubt can fuel your faith rather than defeating and fighting against your faith.”
I tried posting here, but I do not think it went through. Just wanted to say thank you for your books and blogs.
I am currently job hunting and have been for 2 months without much success. I am working on the doubt that creeps in saying “no one wants you, you have no talent or skills that employers need/want, you’ll never get a job”.
I was looking back over this blog and my computer froze on your comment. 🙂
I pray you find a job that suits you and provides what you are in need of. God has a plan for everything and everyone. Utilize the time you have to reflect on yourself and your talents, and your blessings. Take the time to love you. God will provide and reveal his reasons in time.
I struggle daily that as I get older I will not have anything more to offer others. My doubts and fears paralyze me and have made me ineffective even now. I love what the Pastor said…that as long as we continue to struggle in an area it means we have not given up. I know that God wants to persevere no matter what I am thinking or feeling. I am determined to continue to fight and overcome the doubts the Enemy places in my head. Lisa, thank you so much for this encouraging message!!!
I was so surprised to hear someone else talk about being a bad parent because they were tired. I mean I know we all get tired because we are all busy but to hear a pastor say that was so refreshing. Refreshing because we often think of our Pastors as super human beings and realizing that they struggle just as we do is an eye opener. Looking forward to tomorrows conversation. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you for sharing. I care to cast away the doubt within me that Jesus died for everyone but me. I can’t stand the attacks of being condemned the enemy tries to trap me in. Therefore I proclaim now that Jesus died for me, I have been saved by His blood and healed by His stripes and there is NO condemnation in my Lord and Savoir Christ Jesus. I abide in Him, therefore He abides in me. Thank you Lord for your grace and tender mercy. Amen. Amen.
I want to overcome my doubt that my husband will be healed from cancer, a cancer that is incurable right now.
The doubt I need to so be rid of is that My husband and I failed as parents because our boys walked away from The Lord when they went to college , Therefore the mistakes they have made are our fault .
That I am not good enough
What a blessing listening to your conversation with Pastor Furtick was for me today. I needed to hear that I am not alone in my struggles.
Pastor Furtick mentioned in yesterday’s interview that it is hard to preach something to others when you have not fully conquered it yourself yet. That is the doubt that I am going to work on removing from my mind, that the Lord can’t use me to encourage others when I am still struggling with the same issues in my own life. I do not have to allow doubts and struggles to eliminate me from serving the Lord and ministering to others. The Lord has already helped me to learn so much from your interviews with Pastor Furtick. Thank you for doing them!
My husband and I are dealing with what seems like one hurdle/struggle after the other. Growing up I did think that if you were a believer then your life should be easy. So as I got older and started experiencing frequent struggles and having so many issues to deal with at every corner we seem to turn then I started to think we must be doing something wrong and God can’t use us to minister. We frequently get discouraged and start dealing with the negative thoughts then we feel like crawling under a rock and just giving up. I know God led me to hear this message today. I don’t always get to read the devotion from Pro. 31 but when I do I always go away having a renewed energy, faith, and some practical tips to use that helps us continue to keep pressing on; to fight that good fight.
God is amazing! He has already been working in me the past few weeks concerning my doubts, insecurities, etc. and I love that He just continues to give me help to become victorious in this area. One doubt that I have really been working on is rejecting the lie that I’m not good enough. It encompasses so many, many areas of my life. It holds me back from trying new things and putting myself out there; it holds me back from truly serving God with passionate abandon. I am good enough because He made me. He put me on this earth for a purpose, His purpose, and I will continue to fight the doubt that tells me I can’t do it, that I’m not good enough.
Doubt! Ugh… that little voice of doubt is a constant in my head. I am right now tackling the doubt of being a Godly mother. I long to be the patient, gentle, soft spoken mother and wake up each day with those intentions…. but then comes the one “snap” and I’ve got the little voice of doubt that says, “look at you, you’re not a good mom. you are a failure”. I am a conqueror through Christ and He will help me to be the Godly mother that He’s called me to be… I won’t be the “perfect” mom but He’s told me that I can be a Godly one even when I fail. How? It’s by making those “snap” moments God moments, take time, stop and apologize for losing your cool. Tell them I love them and God loves us.
Powerful conversation. Replacing those negative thoughts before we get so far down the road great advice. Good to realize that I am not alone in those struggles. Thanks for sharing.
This is so timely. I was just talking to my husband about this last night before bed. Then I woke up to this email. 🙂 I struggle with doubt over my purpose in this life. We are almost empty nesters and I’ve always been a SAHM. Facing my future of “what is next?” Is overflowing me with doubts. I’m questioning everything because it feels like literally everything is changing. I desperately want to know the next steps and God has only responded with “Be still”. Very hard for this type A planner to just be still and wait. It gives me more doubts. So to see it worded as chatter in my head…wow! That was just so freeing this morning. I’m struggling because I AM on the right path. Although I still don’t know what that path is leading toward exactly I feel I can be still and rest in the wait now. After all the rest may be what God wants me to do after years of busy childrearing. Thank you so much for some new clarity this morning. What an answer to prayer!
Thanks for the terrific insight. I just ordered Furtick’s book. Have been in a year-long battle with huge doubt. Doubt truly is a constant companion of destiny. Thank you so much for putting this out there!
My recurring doubt is His ability to provide all the financial resources that I need. Shame on me for doubting!!
I am a widow living on S.S. alone and everything is going up in price except what I receive each month. Why I ever doubt Him is ridiculous because He has taken very good care of me every day, week, month and year of my life.
I praise the name of JESUS. Help my unbelief (doubt), JESUS.
I am going to try and do away with the doubt of self-worth.
So encouraging to hear that others – I mean – you guys, struggle with doubt. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one. I DO want to change that chatter in my head – and at times I am able to, but not always. Important to realize it the second it pops in our heads.
And 5 teenagers??? Lysa, I am going to pray for you daily!! Kudos to you for all that you do daily.
Thank you, Pastor, for reminding me that I am valuable and I have not given in and am still a conqueror!
Thank you Lisa…it’s as if the Lord is working through you to reach me in
my state of doubt. I have been struggling for sometime now. I have surrendered my
life to the Lord but my husband and children (who know and love the Lord) are still
of the world. I feel as though I am “walking up river” pushing and struggling daily to walk against the strong current. It is exhausting and discouraging. I doubt that I will ever any get to the calm peaceful waters?!
I loved what your Pastor Furtick shared in his video which brought me to tears! I
must still be doing OK …. struggling daily to walk through the current is a
good thing!! I see that now because I have not decided to get out of the water!!
Praise God for helping me see things in a more positive manner!!
I ordered his book and I pray to be able to shift my thoughts
when I feel doubt consume me! God always shows us the way…he is so GOOD!!
I thank you for making a difference in so many lives! God Bless you as you continue
to serve the Lord and do his work.
This books sounds like it is exactly what I need right now. I struggle with the doubt that I am not a good enough wife and mother on a daily basis.
I struggle with the doubt that I’m not good enough…..
I have doubts play often in my head, words like, “You don’t have what it takes to make a difference, so why even try?”
I loved this interview. Thank you…
So powerful! I’m smiling as I write this and I haven’t smiled all week, the enemy has been stealing my joy in all areas. The enemy, the doubt in my mind were screaming – You’re not doing enough! nothing You do is ever good enough!. As I listened to the video, God showed up! And set my mind free (again!) by reminding me That HE is ‘more then enough’. I don’t have to do it all perfect, I just have to do my part. I’ve heard this before, but right now, in the midst of the my doubt, it was so insightful! Doubt is a constant companion to destiny ??? Wow!!! I want this book! Thank you so much for sharing!
I am so blessed by watching the two videos with Lysa and her Pastor. I took a lot of notes, just from these short little videos. I really want to get this book, as I struggle with insecurities way to much. And I’m tired of the enemy beating me up with it. I want to conqueror insecurities!
I’m really looking forward to tomorrows video~
I’m currently taking a class and last week and this week’s lesson is on anger management. I was surpised to learn last week that it is my right and responsibility to be angry in the right circumstances. Your post today fits right in about doubt. I really liked that “if I’m struggling it means I haven’t been conquered yet”. The doubt I am going to work on and focus that comment on is doubting my self in possessing the right skills to handle the job I have been assigned professionally. I’m struggling internally but now I know I haven’t been conquered and there is a great chance I will overcome the struggle and succeed as needed!
Oh and my doubt that I am going to work on – is the doubt that God is in control and that HE HAS PLANS FOR MY GOOD!
I want to work on the doubt that my husband will land a job (been 10 mo)
I am working through the lie that I am not good enough. Currently I’m doing the Made to Crave OBS and am pushing Satan out and inviting Jesus in because I am worth it! I’m praying that this will help me with other area’s where I also struggle with doubt. I know I have failed my children but I also know there have been lots of success as well – over coming the failings is hard to swallow at times – I’m praying that Jesus will forgive me. Satan has allowed me to place so much doubt in myself about that that I have dialog in my head with Jesus trying to explain – I so much want this to end.
I am working on my constant worry that my faith is eroding. I would love the oppertunity to read this book. Thanks
doubt That I Will Ever Be What GoD Made Me To Be. Not Good enough.
What a huge eye opener and blessing this post was for me today! Thank you so much Lysa and Pastor Steven for your amazing perspective change on the struggles we face and the doubts we constantly tell ourselves. I am continually amazed at God’s perfect timing and your deliverance of messages and topics you talk about!! I see now that God has been working in my life (very persistently) to be PREPARED to handle life’s struggles and to not become UNGLUED by them!! Thank you Lysa for allowing God to use you. I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am for the work you do for HIM. The books and blogs I have read by you, Renee, Suzie and Proverbs 31 Ministry have changed my life this past year! So very thankful!
My doubt rests with where to retire. No mater where I select, there will be family and friends who feel I have abandoned them by living farther away from them. This has kept playing in my head over and over. Who will be the least hurt. My husband was supportive and willing to go wherever I decide. After a year of doubt and searching, he has now weighed in on the decision and picked the area. His contribution has moved the decision from “me” to “us”. I know God will bless us no mater where we end up.
Thank you for your messages and sharing struggles and doubts that we all have.
It’s crazy, I’ve been talking a lot with my husband over the past couple of weeks about my insecurities, doubts and negative inside chatter. Then I get your post yesterday and learn of this new book. I really need to conquer this. It dawned on me about a month ago that what I’m really concerned with is that doubt that God loves me. I’m afraid that many of my issues are stemming from this major no brainer. In my head I know God loves me and all, but I’m having a hard time connecting it in my heart.
At church Sunday, I was thinking about the fact that there aren’t that many people in the world that I’d sacrifice my life for – but I would certainly sacrifice my life for m kids. And it dawned on me, that’s exactly what God did. Abba Father sacrificed himself for his kids (you and me). Praise the Lord that He loves us that much….
As a woman who supervises mostly men, I sometimes doubt my decisions based on subordinates’ criticisms even though I am confident when I make those decisions. I find that men are moody, back-biting, cause drama and gossip just as much as women. I am bothered by injustice and lack of integrity. I struggle with being assertive enough to deal with those issues and not have conflict and tension. I am getting better at pushing away the chatter when I leave work so that it doesn’t affect me family, but it is hard.
Wow! LOVE this video!! Thanks so much for sharing Lysa and Pastor Steven! I dislike that you all struggle with this doubt problem (I felt like I was the only one!), but I’m so blessed that you all were willing to share and encourage on how to overcome!
Like Lysa added, “We are MORE THAN CONQUERORS!” (Romans 8:37)
I have a chronic back pain, and when it’s really bad I struggle with the lie that it makes me a bad parent. I can’t pick up my daughter every time she wants or take her to the park every day. The enemy tries to convince me that my daughter loves me less because of it. I will be transparent and say I don’t want to be THE perfect Mom, but I do want to be HER perfect Mom. So I start with an impossible goal, and it leaves a lot of room for Satan to work.
Thank you again for your encouragement; I am SO encouraged! God Bless!
I am struggling that I didn’t do enough when my children were younger to point them towards a lifelong relationship with God.
My biggest doubt as well. I struggle w/ wishing I could go back.
I’m working on that little voice in my head that tells me I’m not good enough.
Thank you for your transparencies! I thought I was lacking in faith and perhaps not really hearing what God was telling me to share. When asked to tell my “story” the fears,doubts and condemnation come rolling through my mind, accusing me of my sin all over again. Then I fear the potential gossiping and finger pointing. All the while I know I am washed, forgiven, a new person in Jesus Christ. But the argument in my mind rages each time God wants to use me with opportunities to tell how He changed my life.
Now I have a firm answer for these accusations from the enemy! I love the explanation from Pastor Steve. That I CAN minister out of my inadequacy, “For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strenght” And II Cor.3:5 ” Our adequacy is from God “
Doubt with being in God’s plan. How long do you be still before you get moving. Doubts of where and when He can use me at my season in life.
Like Kathy, I struggle with the doubt that starting now, I mean really starting now instead of a long time ago, with leading my teenage kids towards Christ will be enough for them to be saved.
Doubt in my abilities as a parent, especially a Christian mother.
Fear and insecurity.
One doubt I struggle with right now is Faith. I struggle with believing I am all that God says I am on a bigger level. He has called me to minister to women specifically married women and moms as well as educate people about natural hair. He is calling me higher but I doubt that I can achieve this. I am a control freak and only see things one way and He is trying to change my perspective if I would just believe. He brought to my mind that I can be negative so I’m struggling with thinking on good things.
I often doubt my ability to do the things that will please God consistently. I have to remember that I am right, “I” can’t, but WITH God I CAN! It’s a constant struggle.
My doubts usually step from my limitations and having to press through wall after wall that I encounter along the way. There’s definitely been resistance and opposition. I keep going back to God’s word to remind myself what God says…
Looking forward to reading this book. Love these discussions!
Doubt that I’m not strong enough to get myself out of an abusive relationship!!
I’m going to work on the “bad mother” doubts. I loved Pastor Steven’s comment about changing his thinking from being a bad grumpy parent to simply a tired man who is a good parent with God’s power.
I struggle mightily with negative chatter and am not really sure how to identify it early enough to stop the “damage”.
What a great message! I love the practical advice your pastor gives for identifying the false beliefs the enemy is speaking aloud, and combating it with logic – e.g., I’m not a bad parent, I just made a bad decision. I can’t wait to share this with my family and friends. God bless you!
I wish I could sit under Pastor Furtick. It is so refreshing to see a Pastor so down to earth, honest, open, displaying his human side and not always revealing in the “Pastor mode” only.Lysa ask questions I struggle with daily and Pastor Furtick reveals ways to handle the issues and how to see them. What peace comes to my spirit because of these interviews. What a breath of fresh air you are Pastor Furtick. I find my walk with my Lord growing more deeply because of these interviews with Pastor Furtick. Thank you so much Lysa. I am seeking to purchase the book from the Family Christian Bookstore. I can’t wait to read, grow, learn. God continue to bless both your ministries He has given you.
I am always feeling like I am not pretty enough. I am a little over weight and have been fighting the fact that I need to get healthy, wether or not I lose weight. I am going to face the devil head on and prove to him that I can work out despite my physical struggles and I am going to become more healthy and the beautiful me that God intended me to be!! Thanks for your encouragement.
being a newly divorced mom, I doubt my ability to be all my girls need. Their dad is absent a lot…
My biggest doubt is that I’m not good enough to be loved, I’m not enough the way that I am.
by Roy Lessin in a DaySpring calendar:
Just Think, you’re here not by chance, but by God’s choosing, His hand formed you and made you the person you are. He compares you to no one else – you are one of a kind. You lack nothing that His grace can’t give you. He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation.
I’m really struggling with staying in the moment. I constantly find myself in the past, beating myself up for a mistake i made, or worrying about the future, and literally fueling my fear of living on my own and paying all of my own bills. I’m 31 and i have a 7 yr old little girl. Its just me and her and i am scared. Your pastor is amazing. I didn’t realize other people struggle too. This is a reminder that it isn’t all about Me!
Tracy, when I divorced at 50 after 28 yrs of marriage, I felt all alone with my 2 girls, ages 11 and 8. God has constantly reminded me that I’m not alone. I kept taking things to Him and He is the man of the family and just started taking care of one thing after another. Keep your eyes open to what God is doing in the every day. Cast your cares upon Him. He is faithful and can be trusted to take care of things – in ways you cannot imagine. You don’t have to do it alone. It’s not just you and your daughter. It’s you, your daughter and Abba Father.
I doubt that I am good enough for what I feel He has called me to which is to have a women’s speaking ministry.
I’m struggling with standing my ground and self esteem. I will conquer both with Him by my side. I want to feel pretty I want to be respected.
The doubt I struggle to conquer is with encouraging/speaking to the women’s leadership team and our small group leaders about not being discouraged when there’s not a lot of participation or if they hear criticism about what they’re trying to do. I have that same struggle with putting a lot of time and research into preparing to encouraging them, and then having just a couple show up and be encouraged. The ones who don’t show are the ones that I feel really need the information and encouragement, but they don’t see it. I feel called to a ministry of encouragement and leadership with the women in my church, yet I doubt I’m taken seriously, even though I’m doing what I feel God is calling me to do at this time. It seems like an endless circle, and I’m right back where I started with no progress toward a deeper walk with the Lord in the women around me. Do I sound like I have Elijah syndrome? (LOL!)
I’m going to try today to let God capture my thoughts. Replace my negative ones with His promises. On top of trying to move, do a good job teaching, being strong for my teen girls and their issues (which I’m not doing very well), my car is leaking antifreeze. I just keep having one problem after another. The roads are too bad to even take my car into town so I’m praying I can just put more in and make it to and from work tomorrow.
I struggle with “Am I a good mother? Am I doing enough to teach, train, and spend time with my kids?”
Hi I have had so much doubt in my life that I cannot even remember when it started and why. I used to have Bible studies in my home, teach Sunday School, taught the children that belonged to the women that came to my Bible study and let someone else teach.
So, my dream doesn’t seem to be, as I struggle to WANT to have simple Bible prayer in my home to women in my neighborhood. And so the guilt begins, and I feel this way because it has been 18 years, and I can’t seem to do anything. I actually had a letter in my mind as to what it would say about prayer time to anyone Lady that needed prayer to come to my home. I feel so DOUBTED in my own life that I feel so useless!
I feel so unworthy when friends or people in the church say how much I have helped them or the difference I make. Its like I want to say..How! I don’t even feel like my own life is is any shape to help someone else!! Thankful for these encouraging videos!
Love this video! So powerful, now to put it into practice…
Said this many times before but this hit very close to home today. Been struggling spiritually lately, thank you for the reminder
I am a huge self doubter. I am a homeschool mom and the women’s leader at our church. I struggle everyday with doubting if I will be good enough to complete the missions that God has led me to accomplish.
Whoa..powerful comments! Thanks for a new way of looking at that inside voice.
Wow! what amazing insight and perspective he has. I have so much chatter that it hurts sometimes. He gave me a great new way to look at it and deal with it. Thank you so much.
Thank you Pastor Steven and Lysa for not listening to the chatter but instead listening to God. I will no longer doubt that I can be my granddaughters’ spiritual mentor even though we live miles apart. I always speak openly to my granddaughters about my love for Jesus and His promises, but I was shocked within a two year span when both granddaughters age 7 and 5 asked Jesus into their hearts. Amen Pastor Steven when we block the chatter by plugging into the promises of God lives are changed. Truly excited to read the book and use it in our small group.
that i’m “in” God’s will
I commented before watching video. Obviously I am valuable! Pastor Steven always has a way of helping me to understand and uplifting me.
Hi Lysa,
i am going through a very difficult divorce . My husband is being extremely un co-operative and is hiding finances so that he doesn’t have to give me what is truly supposed to be coming to me. i am 75 years old and cannot get a job due to my age. I have been living with my son and his family for 2 years now and it is time to move on. I know that my Father promises that he will never, ever leave me or forsake me but doubt creeps in and I find myself in stress and fear over my future. My emotions are not facts I know that but it is so hard to stay focused on my Father’s word and His promises to me.
It is do refreshing to hear such transparency.One of my favorite statements to use when I feel this coming on and I can catch it is, I’m not going there with you today.I hate that what is wrong with me feeling. I read the Proverb 31 devotions snd see thst I am not alone and completely crazy.
The main insecurities I face daily have to do with living with a chronic illness (advanced lupus). God has been faithful to me, and so graceful as adjustments are made in my life, and while I know that, I still have nagging thoughts regularly about my ability or confidence to accomplish what He sets before me. Thanks for the blog, the video, and your daily inspirations.
I’m really struggling in my marriage and I have so much doubt that my marriage can be saved. I’m really struggling even just to pray for my marriage.
I doubt that God hears me.
My main struggle right now is worrying about my family and doubting that God will take care of them. I remind myself of the Scriptures that say to not worry and that promise me that God will protect me, but I still fight with it. I also used to fight with the lies that I’m ugly, and unloved and unaccepted. I spent a few years with no friends, and I felt so alone and unloved. I wanted to die, and I considered killing myself. But God stopped me with songs I had heard (mostly on the radio, but also on my BarlowGirl CD), and I eventually stopped being suicidal. But I still felt unloved, unaccepted, hated, and ugly. But after starting the women’s Bible studies at my church, that all started to change. My first ever Bible study was “Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl” (which is a funny title, btw, ’cause it forces me to slow down and not be in quite so much of a hurry when I’m talking about it, lol :]), and God used it to show me just how much he really, truly does care. After that, my church did a study on Philippians, and then “Made To Crave”, which I had a little trouble with ’cause my food struggles go in the opposite direction. But God still has shown me great messages through it. He does LOVE me, but he LOVES me too much to leave me where I am. And, by some fluke of events that I don’t quite understand, I was able to get a copy of “Made To Crave For Young Women”, and now I see that God LOVES me, ACCEPTS me, does NOT hate me, and that I am beautiful in his eyes. Now, because of God’s message for me through your books, I am FREE. Thank you for following God’s lead and doing what he has called you to do. May you be blessed. 🙂 <3
I am working on eliminating from my mind the doubt that I’m not good enough. It’s a struggle (which I just learned that it means I haven’t been conquered yet), but I’m making progress.
I doubt my purpose
God’s timing just floors me! This video and it’s content is exactly what I struggle with daily and through God’s grace I’m learning to overcome. I love the candidness of this video. When your pastor starts to spew out all those negative thoughts, all I could think was wow, there is someone else out there who thinks exactly like me and how refreshing to hear it said out loud!!! A friend of mine and I started your “Made to Crave” book and DVD yesterday and are meeting once a week over the next six weeks. I broke down and had to confess to her that there is a part of me that doubts/fears that after the six weeks are up all I learned will go in one ear and out the other. I feel like a failure in most areas of life. However, through counselling and books like yours (Unglued) I am learning to replace my negative thoughts in much the same way as your pastor has described! Thanks for posting this, I’m passing this along to others that I know struggle with this as well!
Oh my goodness! Sometimes the dobt in my mind speaks faster than my mouth ever could!! I ask the Lord to speak through me to women in the church and long for the opportunities to come. When they do or I get asked scriptural advice out in public, I feel as if the words come straight from the Lord and I am almost amazed at the way they tumble out of my mouth. When I am done though, and I walk away from the situation, Satan plagues me with doubt as to whether I offended them with my honesty, if they were totally bored, if I sounded like a total goofball. I have to work really hard to squelch those thoughts and sometimes the best way for me to do that is to get alone and pray out loud for help from God. I want to be one who speaks only when it is necessary and not to doubt what God gives me to speak! I pray for this alot! 🙂
I want to work on doubts I have about my 22-year-old son’s success as he starts a brand new job. He di dnot complete college. He has learned a new trade that is totally out of his comfort zone.
I love hearing I am not the only one who has had a calling along with every doubt in the books. I am 21 years old and currently serving my Father in an orphanage in Guatemala. Last year after my second week trip I knew HE was calling me back so I am hear but searching for where HE wants me to go next. I struggle with doubting him to come here because I lacked the support of my very supportive family but yet thru it all my prayers were answered ten fold and my doubts thrown to the wind. I am seeking him for direction and yes my mind is full of directionS and also the doubt that comes along with those directions. Now I need to trust in HIS path and tread past all the doubts and fears.
I doubt God wants me to succeed at my business and homeschool my children. My friend forwarded your email to me and it is at a PERFECT time! As a mature Christian of almost 15 years, I was extremely disobedient and have a consequence for my actions. I continually think that God is punishing me even though I have repented and am walking with Him. Now I am having to relearn how to listen to Him and discipline myself to put Him first and let all other things follow. I believe I know the calling that God has placed on my life and looking at my circumstances, it doesn’t look possible…without God! Thank you both for your honesty and transparency! Blessings!
Thanks so much for posting this conversation! I’m encouraged by the statement that “there must be something good in me” because I’m still struggling in a certain area. I have recently come across your “Made to Crave” devotional and have ordered the book. I’m excited to read it and experience victory in this area but it is also my area of greatest doubt. At times I doubt that there is victory for me…
I am going to try to eliminate the doubt that I am a good mom. It’s so easy to beat myself up after I lose my temper (again) and yell at my daughter. I just get so frustrated with myself and start thinking what a horrible mom I am and how unequipped I am to do this job. But this video gave me hope b/c now I can see that even pastors struggle thinking they are bad parents. I like how he said, “I made a bad decision.” But that doesn’t have to define us as a parent. We must ask forgiveness and move on. Thanks for this video!
it’s difficult to even post a reply…trying to dispel those thoughts of worthlessness…thank you for you fb posts every day!!
Laura, your post hit me like a ton of bricks. There was a time when I felt worthless and broken, but God reminded me of His great love for me.
Jeremiah 31:3 says, “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”
David said of God in Psalm 51,”1.Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions…. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Then in Psalm 139:1-18, “1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. 5 You hem me in–behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.”
God’s love for you is everlasting. He cleanses us from sin. He knows where you and is there with you, even in the depths–the darkest places of life. And, when we turn to Him in faith He makes us His children. John 1:12 he tells us, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God– ”
All because of His love for us. “16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”–John 3:16
And finally, He doesn’t just love us a little. No! He lavishes His love on us. ” How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!…”–1John 3:1
If God loves you this much there is nothing about you that is worthless. You are of great value to the Father. And, because you are great value to the Father, you of great value to me, to the body of Christ. Without you, we are incomplete.
Praying that you will know and understand the love God has for you. God bless you!
Oh boy… My life is one big doubt.
I doubt that God is calling me to do anything in this life of meaning. I doubt that I am making the right choice in homeschooling my four kids. I doubt that my life is even worthwhile…
I know Hod has a promise for my life. I just can’t seem to find it…
I doubt wether I am supposed to be homeschooling my four kids as well! But like the pastor said, thieves don’t break into empty houses. There must be extreme value in what we’re doing if the devil wants to plant seeds of doubt and steal our desire to accomplish that which God put in us. You are doing an awesome job! Keep at it momma. God will get us through what He called us to and we will be victorious. 🙂
I struggle with doubt a lot, in everything I do. For 27 years I fell into the victim mentality and really let my negativity control me. The last 5 years God has been breaking bondage after bondage, healing me, and I am still struggling with doubt. lol. You would think I would have learned by now to trust God not my emotions. But I am like those silly Isaeralities, that after all the miracles, can’t seem to stay focused on God. A couple years ago God gave me a dream that I will write a book about my life and how God saved me through it all. I still haven’t started writing that book, I try but it is to hard. I doubt that it will happen. And I also doubt that God will heal me from everything. Because of my past being so traumatic, I am still dealing with a lot of brokeness. I am fearful of a future relationship/marriage, because I feel God won’t heal that sexual part of me, and my future husband won’t understand. I don’t want to doubt God, but it’s hard when I focus on the day to day, and focus on my weaknesses. I really do need to focus it all on God, and trust in him. He’s brought me this far, why couldn’t he bring me farther then I ever believed. The funny thing is I know a lot of women struggle with doubts. But sometimes I believe that I am not like everyone else. I think it’s just Satan trying desperately to pull me back into that dark pit. I think he is fearful of me, because my testimony of what God is doing in my life is awesome!!
My mom was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with a brain tumor…2 days later she was having brain surgery. I had begged and pleaded for God to perform a miracle on that operating table and when the surgeon came out to talk to our family, I had realized God had not performed “that” miracle I had asked for. Over the last two weeks, I have hunkered down in the Word and tried my very best to stay faithful to His promises but I’ll have to admit, I have struggled with the “why?” I know deep down I should be asking “what?” What should I learn from this? What does God want to teach me through this trial about himself? About myself? About my mom? Three years ago my 35 year old husband had unexpected open heart surgery for a heart defect he never knew he had. At the time we had a 2 year old and a newborn…I thought at that time, that was all that I could handle. Of course, when my husband survived, even though they said he should’ve dropped dead, I praised God for preserving his life and knew that from then on, we would always seek to glorify God and be true to all of His promises. But deep down, I said, this is certainly as bad as it will ever get, right? ….WRONG! My mom just had her oncology visit today to hear the final prognosis and unfortunately our worst nightmares were confirmed. I was ready for it, or so I thought…but I’ll have to admit, evil doubts began swirling in my head again. I feel like I have an angel on my right and the devil himself on my left…its almost like living with split personalities. I hate the feeling of being pulled over to the dark side because I do believe that the Lord’s plan is PERFECT and that he will never forsake us, no matter what circumstances we encounter. I need THE WORD, now more than ever before. I am the only child and I’m trying to lift up my entire family, stay focused on the things that we can control and keep praying for a miracle. I could really use this book about quieting the chatter within, I feel like I’m fighting world war III with myself on a daily b
Wow- interesting timing. So much about have I’ve been reading has been about doubt. This book looks like an interesting read.
I struggle with doubting if God will ever call my husband to be saved. He is a great man but doesn’t believe on God and sees no need for God. U was saved 4 years ago and baptized this past December. I pray for my husbands salvation but I struggle with that.
Thank you so much for this post and please thank Pastor Steven for sharing, I can’t wait to get a copy of his book. The couple things he said were so eye opening. There are so many doubts that I have, and need to stop them from directing my life, I need to locate the lies. The biggest doubt that I struggle with is my relationship with the Lord. I have been a believer since I was young, however I continue to doubt if i’m good enough, what i’m doing wrong, that I don’t know enough to share Jesus with those around me. I know that those are bold face lies from the enemy that I need to squash underneath my feet. However, I struggle with those thoughts at times which creates doubt in what type of wife, mother, friend, worker that I am.
I often doubt that God can restore my marriage. That there has been too much pain to love and give grace as Christ does.
I am loving all these posts & my main source of doubt comes with my weight…that I can;t lose it. Deep down I know that is not true – I’m just lazy. Yep – plain and simple. To Christy in post #113 – KNOW that God can restore and your marriage can be even better – I know because that has happened with mine. Praying for all of you! XOXOXO
I doubt that I could fall in love and get married. I doubt that someone could love me for me.
Doubt….it’s always there like an unwanted weed!
The doubt I seem to struggle the most with is that I will be in the position of leadership that I feel God has called me to. I am seeing it in my spiritual walk, but have not walked it in the natural yet. The season of changes and waiting is still here, and sometimes my faith wavers.
As a single mom with 4 children at home, I often doubt that I am a good mom. I struggle daily with time issues especially.
I want to work on my doubt that God will see to fruition my and I believe His desire for me to get accepted to and complete a degree at a Christian college so that I may be used full-time in vocational ministry. I let my past (prior to salvation), creep into my mind and tell me because of my old life, I’m disqualified from God’s use in vocational ministry.
I doubt my roles as wife & mother. I take both these roles to heart & feel as if they define me, but never had my own role models growing up.
I often have self-doubt in the area of motherhood. I grew up in a broken home and I often find myself thinking that I’m not a bad mother, but one that doesn’t compare to all the other moms I know. I usually blame my upbringing; that I didn’t have a good example to follow so I’m disadvantaged compared to others that grew up with good examples in the home. But I know that this is not God’s truth. I am trying not to compare myself to other moms and know that I am unique. I have the bible to set as a standard in my home and I can only do what I can do. I want eliminate this doubt from my mind because I know it’s not God and it’s just the devil trying to bring my mind to the depths of darkness where it doesn’t belong.
Thank you,
Carissa
I need to turn to God more and get rid of this doubt that “I am too old to work with younger kids” mentality. I know it’s from the world and I know I have a purpose to fulfill no matter my age.
I’m curious about how you know exactly when the Spirit is speaking to you. Is it through the Word, prayer, ?
I doubt my marriage will last.
Doubt – my concerns are “big” enough to bother God
I often doubt that I will be able to accomplish the things God has called me to do. I often say that I feel like I’m constantly playing catch up and can be very critical of myself. I am thankful for God’s reassurance and guidance.
The inner voice, one that I’m not even aware of unless I stop and think very carefully, tells me, “You are going to fail at this… like you always do.” I know God’s Word says He will help me, give me everything I need to do the work He gives me, He will not abandon me nor forsake me. I know the promise that He will work everything for good, and allow only what will glorify His name and be a blessing to others. But that quiet voice reminds me I am not enough. It lies to me telling me things depend upon my skill. And it reminds me of all the times I have “dropped the ball.” When I doubt, when I fear (which is far too often) it is because of that inner chatter.
I have a dream to speak and write. God has provided me with the perfect platform to speak and doors have opened for me to write as well. I have such huge doubts that I could be good at writing that I can’t seem to push through and put a pen to paper. I can’t even get started.
I struggle with knowing God had a plan and reason for calling my brother home at the age of 33 5 months ago. I struggle carrying on with life, as an effective mother, wife and speech pathologist.
More often than not, I struggle with my identity in Him – as a new creation. Redeemed to walk in His righteousness and not condemnation. In preparation for this fight – I’m working on taking every condemning thought captive because His Word says I can. God has also shown me that to be prepared, I MUST put on the whole armor of God!!
I have doubts that people like or love me, for me. I am constantly trying to be better, look better, say ‘better’ things…the list goes on and on. Although this constantly motivates me to be a ‘good person’– It has also become an idol for several different phases of my life. I put my doubts about myself above my trust in God. I am going to try harder each day to let go of those doubts and embrace the love He gives me!
I will be strong of heart & never question his presence.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov 3:5-6. I am disabled & sometime people don’t understand how hard it is to stay involved. I have the Lord most of the time to keep me company. But sometimes when my condition hits the wall I am so discouraged & rail against my illness. But the Lord brought me to this point so that I would depend on him every second for the next second. I doubt he is with me all the time & he is letting me down.
What doubt haven’t I been struggling with lately!? I feel I’m spinning out of control with 3 children, how in the world will I be a good mom to 4? Have i missed all opportunities to answer God’s calling in my life because I have doubted my abilities time and time again? I wrestle with these question often and lately, it feels as if doubt has been winning.
LG
As a SAHM, like so many others, I struggle daily with doubting my own worth and value. When completing the same tasks every day, just to have to do them again the next day, it’s difficult not to wonder if what I do matters at all.
I have raised two boys by myself, I take care of my mom, and I take care of a brother that has put himself in a bad position because he is addicted to food. I work 3 jobs, and yet I am on the verge of filing for bankruptcy. Every day I wonder how I got here, and I know I would not be here if God had not been with me every step of the way. Yet, I feel like I can’t be a good mom, daughter, or sister with all that I worry about financially. Then the next moment I feel so blessed that God is with me, that he helped me raise the most beautiful boys, that I have been able to be here for my mom and brother. Doubt is always there, and yet I try to fight it with all that I have. I sleep with my Bible because it keeps Him close…and it helps keeps doubt away. I hate it when it creeps in…
I would like to eliminate the doubt or my mommy/wife abilities! We, as women, live with SO MUCH guilt that we are screwing up. Thanks for the chance to win!
I often doubt I have the ability to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”, Romans 12:2. The perfect will of God stated in Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?.” This seems so simple when I read it (desperately desiring to do this) yet in practice, with so many struggles from work & finances that lead to struggles in my marriage & trying to raise my kids with love & integrity, yet still battling my own struggles & sin. I become so beat, yet God’s word reminds me of Paul who wrote, “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”, Romans 7:23-24. Then God reminds me of when Paul came to realize the power in his struggles & sufferings & how it’s in this suffering that God will do His greatest work. He wrote in Philippians 3:10, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” His greatest work being the redemption of mankind, answering Paul’s question, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?”, & the reassurance of God’s long suffering toward my sin, & the realization that it’s in my struggles that God is doing His perfect work, then with His grace, allowing me the priveledge to say with Paul, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” Philippians 3:12.
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has become His counselor?”
“Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?”
For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Romas 11:33-36
All of my self doubts and insecurities about my body. Thinking that I’m not good enough because I’m fat! How can Jesus love me when I can’t love myself? This negativity is making it hard for my family to live with me because I’m hateful and always in a bad mood. I need to focus on who I am in Christ and that he loves me just as I am.
My biggest issue with doubt is my own impatience. When I don’t have a direct time line being convicted to me by God I begin to doubt if my convictions are even real. I start to hear the chatter of surely if this is what God wanted for you it would have happened by now & I get more chatter to defend that theory with you are crazy, you think God was trying to tell you that but it’s just coincidence or you are tired & just imagining things. I hate that expression of if God wills it then he will open a door cause again I start hearing it’s not been open & it’s been months or even yrs so surely it was not God’s will so give up that dream. I say no more , if I am imagining things then I am imagining the wicked things lying to me too. Take that. Thanks God for the encouragement Lysa & Steven sent to me today !
I have read Made To Crave and I get the concept, but I am struggling with food being an addiction for me, so I am looking to get the importance of eating food out of my head. The main foundation is laid, I just need a few more tools.
This is very helpful and I thank you for being so open and honest. I know that I struggle with feeling like a bad mom or that I am messing up my kids. I need to watch that negative chatter and instead say that was a bad choice and it does not define me as a bad mom. Loved the part about if we are struggling still, it means that we have not given up. So great- going to have to watch again and take notes the second time around!
Thanks again,
Jodi
The doubt I deal with is comparison….I doubt I could do this or that like this person can. I love the verse you quoted today, “We are more than conquerors!”. Thank you Lysa for all you do to encourage women!
I feel like I am constantly doubting God’s will for my life and my family. This was such an encouragement to me because I have been struggling so much lately and just to hear Pastor Steven say that means there is something valuable there!! Wow !! I so needed to hear that !!
I am struggling with doubting my value. Trying hard to remember each day that my value lies in being a daughter of the King. Tough to do: “Recognize, Replace, Repeat”! 🙂
I am currently fighting breast cancer. The doubt that I struggle with is whether or not I can beat this. I spend lots of time in prayer and in scripture looking for hope, but that lingering doubt creeps back into my head trying to control me.
The doubt I am working on eliminating from my mind is that I am not good enough. I am working on knowing thru and thru that I am a good mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and employee. And I deserve all the good God has for me.
I have been doubting and as a consequence, opened myself up to attack from the enemy, about whether I should have gone back to work. Am I capable of doing this? Am I neglecting my parents and my home? Will I disappoint the people I am working for and let them down, when I so want to do a good job?
I am now working with my church setting up a new systems and am more involved in the leadership in my church. This is a dream come true for me and I praise God that I have trusted this journey that he has put me on despite this inner conflict that I have been experiencing. I love what Pastor Steven said, “I can’t stop the doubts from coming, but I can stop them from influencing my life.” Love this and thank you so much. Trusting God on this journey and staying in constant conversation with him.
I struggle with the doubt that I’m getting too old to do something big for the Kingdom of God.
WOW!!! So even at 56 I can look to fulfill God’s call in my life, even if I thought it was too late or I am too sin-filled? I struggle with not just doubt, but fear of rejection. So, instead of pushing through I have settled. So, is it too late for me?
Judy,
I am not a minister, but as one who had much experience with rejection and closed doors I feel I can relate. At one time I thought I was too “dirty” to be a child of God. I was not raised by Bible-quoting God-fearing parents. I had a child out of wedlock and lived a reckless life; often endangering my body. When I first learned of God’s unfaltering love for me…not just the world….but me specifically, I felt like I did not deserve it. It was too late; and I ruined myself…my body…my mind…my heart which was actually intended to do HIS Work. Without a doubt, I can tell you it is NOT too late for you. The best part of the love of Jesus Christ is that he rejected NO ONE. Not the lepors, or the prostitutes, or those that were older. (I prefer to say more REFINED 🙂 God may have waited until you were this age to make the message very clear on what exactly his calling was for you. Perhaps he felt your heart was ready to really help others and to be the good that you wish to see in the world. I hope I was able to encourage you and did not have too many typos. From me Personally, I want you to know that just by commenting you were very brave to discuss your doubts and share with us. Your questions might help others who have the same questions feel less alone in their struggles. God bless you Judy.
Thank you, Sheila, for your encouragement. I am amazed by your courage to be so open here. Yes, I have known the love of Jesus in my life for many years, and I realize He has not rejected me or you! I appreciate your analysis of my “refinement” and pray God’s richest blessings for you as you continue to follow Him!
The doubt that friends are looking for a better friendship outside of one with me.
Tristi,
Wow, I can really relate to this as I often felt left like I was on the outside looking in on my circle of friends. Why was I left out of plans? Why did they have secrets that didn’t include me? Perhaps God is leading you to seek friendships with people that make it very clear and consistent that they care about you and enjoy your company. I can tell you my biggest fear was being alone for most of my life, and I still struggle with that. I promise you that you have a friend in God, you can develop a friendship and acceptance within yourself by reading his word and continuing to reach out like you did today, and you now have a friend in me. You are very brave to share your doubts, and I am sending a prayer to our God Almighty now as I type that he wraps you in his comfort that he embraces you in friendship, and he provides the type of unconditional friendship that you need. There is NO better friendship than the one that you can develop with him. I hope you find comfort and know that there are people that genuinely care for others and will be the kind of friend that is unconditional.
The one doubt that I am going to work on is self doubt. I find myself struggling with this issue daily. The comparison of others is my biggest failure!
Self doubt is my issue that I need and will work on. The comparison of others always gets me every time. You know the I “doubt” I will ever succeed … I doubt that they will call me or include me. Some times the labels or commas we put on ourselves are harder to live with than the actual label itself
The doubt of whether I’m saved or not. Know I am, but assurance of salvation has been a huge issue lately!
I was offered an amazing summer job and I keep telling myself I don’t deserve this, I’m not good enough, and I know that God is the only reason I got the position. I am going to work to eliminate those thoughts from my mind while still praising God for this opportunity.
I doubt That God has my best interest in mind.
I struggle often with the doubt that I can overcome my bad habits . . . as a mom, a wife, so many things. I am so tired of perpetually repeating the same mistakes and feeling the regrets at the end of the day. I really want to overcome this doubt and live like and for Jesus. I can overcome through Him and need to put this doubt at His feet.
Amen to that!
That is so true lisa, thank you to you and your pastor for being soo real. i am learning though ghat when i struggle with a lie if i confess it and expose it looses its power!I
Oh WOW….where do I begin. I often went down the wrong path by not being able to commit to a decision. Doubt is the main culprit for my lack of decision-making. When I registered for classes to finish college as a single mother, I initially wanted to be a Registered Nurse. During admission I was told very clearly that they had a very challenging but rewarding program. When I left that day all that kept ringing in my head, was CHALLENGING, CHALLENGING, CHALLENGING. It would be a challenge as a single mother, a person living in poverty, and a person with limited time in a post-high school academic setting. What my brain tuned out was the Good Lord reminding me of the REWARDING, REWARDING, REWARDING career that nursing would have been for me. The enemy pushed out the hope in efforts of making me weak. I chose another path, and then another, and then another. Eventually I did graduate with a General Studies Degree. I am pursuing an additional certificate as I am now employed working in a childcare setting. Doubting my ability to take on the challenging was a sign of total lack of faith. Unfaltering faith pushing those doubts away. So now when I tell people that I am entering the childcare field, and they tell me how very difficult it is going to be, I smile. I smile and look to heaven and tell them that it will absolutely be a challenge, but I do not DOUBT in my God’s strength to inspire me to pursue a passion that will also benefit my community.
What I meant to say towards the end was that now “I have UNFALTERING Faith to push those doubts away. Sorry that my words got jumbled.
The video with Pastor Steven was wonderful. It is so reassuring to know that we all have that endless chatterbox running in our heads. Thanks you Pastor Steven for re-adjusting my view of what that chatter is trying to accomplish and how to reign it in and use it focus my thoughts towards God’s plan in my life. We must press on through the lies and replace them with His truth. Thank you!
My most often thought of doubt is about my relationship with my mom. She was very abusive and controlling when I was a child and I doubt that she will ever be pleased with me or my care for her. I do not like to visit her in the nursing home as she is very needy and unpleasant. I pray that I can love her more.
I doubt often that I am able to do this job of mothering these boys, teaching them and leading them to the destinies God has for them. These talks the last two days with your pastor, Steven Furtick, have been so insightful. I know there much more to glean within the pages of the book!
My doubt is in my parenting – should have done this, shouldn’t have done that, I’ve failed my kids. If I had been a better parent, they both would have been devoted followers of Jesus.
I worry about being a working mom of a toddler!
My doubt is how I can be an example of a Christian to my adult children when I am divorced.
My doubt is my relationship with my dad.
You’re so amazing! May God bless you always! 🙂 Thanks much, really appreciate this post! <3
I struggle with doubting that I’m good enough. A good enough parent, or at work, or as a friend etc. I’m looking forward to reading this book!
I struggle with doubting I can overcome my present situation to come into what God has for me.
Oh. My. Word!!!! THANK YOU!!!! Absolutely incredible……this video clip will be on REPLAY!
Oh for me….1 doubt…That I am not worthy of anything….not worthy of a compliment, of appreciation, of love, or life……
You are Worthy because you are a Child of God. Period. No matter what has happened to you, who has said something to you, what you have done…you are worthy in God’s eyes. Let that sink into your soul because it is true.
I struggle with the constant doubt about not being good enough, why I don’t have friends. Over a year and a half time frame literally 14 friends moved away due to new jobs, and four of those were my closest friends. It’s been very difficult for me and as I find I feel like I’m the one who moved trying to make new friends who are already in their established circles I find I’m constantly doubting myself as a person. Something I really struggle with and something I’m consistently praying about. I really look forward to this book and learning from it.
I am constantly doubting myself on my job if I’m good enough will I get a promotion if and what I can do to make it better for everyone around me!
I would LOVE to read this book! I struggle to be confident in my identity in Christ! I doubt the words I say, the actions I take, the voices I hear…”Is that my voice or God’s voice I hear?” This year I want overcome doubting my leadership skills, my worship leading skills, and my mothering skills. This is my year to overcome doubt and then move to the next level! This book would really help!! 🙂
The doubt I am going to eliminate is that no one values me.
My struggle with doubt is immense…I doubt that I can be happy on my own given a recent change in marital status. I doubt I can make a difference with the special ed. students I am working with. I doubt my ability to do anything right and that in all my negativity I am not being the Jesus Girl I should be…..
Loved listening to you guys talking about the book yesterday and all the great interviews. I especially like the interview with Mandisa. Hmmn, one doubt I am going to work on overcoming??? I have some promises I have been hanging on to for a very long time, I often have to fight a couple of doubts in that arena, #1 I’ve goofed it up somewhere along the way and it’s just not going to happen. #2 I just don’t have what it takes to see it through to the fulfillment and #3 Who the heck do you think you are, you don’t deserve any of that. So glad God loves me and helps me in my unbelief. Blessings to you Lysa!
I struggle with using the gifts that God gave me… like is this really a gift and who in the world can benefit from that? Also been struggling lately with a dream of mine from many years ago to start a business – a Christian bookstore type but with added features… I started the process and began looking into things and big time doubt came in and said how can you afford this, you just got laid off and you have no experience and what if you fail then you lose it all… and on and on… I keep saying God is bigger than any doubt or fear I have and if He began this work and it is what He wants me to do then it will be accomplished. Lord lead and guide me, help my fear and doubt that I may accomplish that which You have called me to do… here am I Lord…
Thank you Lysa =)
One doubt that is always underneath the surface in my mind is “Am I too broken for God (to fix) (to accept) (to love) (to save)?” I have been working through a Beth Moore Bible study that is to help identify those strongholds that keep us from realizing our full freedom in Christ (such as those doubts, fears, lies, etc) and work on facing them with God’s Word (Scripture). I am glad I am becoming more aware of the lies underneath the surface and becoming better equipped to face them. But I know it will be a lifelong struggle!
Just one? LOL I guess my biggest doubt is that I will ever be “good enough.” Whenever something good happens and I share it, there’s always someone willing to chime in with a story that tops mine. If I leave the house feeling like I look especially great, I’ll get to the restaurant to meet my friend and she’ll look drop dead gorgeous. I don’t need people to tell me what is wrong with me, my life, my faith… I constantly do that to myself. I need to take pains to remind myself that outward appearances and what you see on social media are just a very, very small slice of what is really going on in someone’s life. My family loves me. My best friends love me. And only God can judge me. HE knows my heart. And that is all that matters. As I type this I wonder how we can have so many precious copies of His Word available to us, and still doubt so much?
I doubt my effectiveness on the job. I know God gave me the job that I have. And that should be all the reassurance I need. But I continually compare myself to others and find myself lacking. Others appear smarter, more confident, better liked, better conversationalists, better everything! I know that it is not wise to compare myself with others but it is a hard habit to break. I am training myself to take every thought captive and to worship God instead of looking at what I think are my flaws. And I am also learning to trust that God designed me just as he wanted me to be, to fulfill his special purposes in my life. It is a work in progress:)
Thank you so much for this! One doubt I am going to work on eliminating from my mind is that I dont have much to offer others or the bidy of Christ. I have a story to tell but doubt anyone can relate or wants to hear it.
I’m working to rid all of my self doubt. I foolishly believe so many lies contradicting all that God tells me :/
My doubt is that I am worth abundance in my life. That doubt and insecurity has led to financial struggles. I know that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but my savior came to give me an abundant life!
I always doubt my decisions… All of them across the board. But I know it is fear. I don’t ever want to make the wrong choice, with my kids, marriage, jobs…
Thank you! I am very encouraged by this video conversation. So much truth spoken in these life giving words. A doubt that God is currently helping me with is about my ability and desire to continue learning and hopefully becoming the children’s ministry teacher God has called me to be. It is a bit of a roller coaster at times working through the doubts.
…the doubt that the enemy put in me through an abusive relationship…the doubt that God will ever deliver me and my son from the lies, the control, the manipulation. The doubt that God will protect my son’s heart and mind from the abusive ways he will encounter…the doubt that I won’t believe the enemy’s voice, but will internalize the words of my Lord…the doubt that God will heal me, protect me, and deliver me.
I doubt that I will ever be able to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Always struggle with feeling I can never live up to others expectations. Even though I KNOW that I don’t have to it is hard to fight the insecurities.
As much as I hate to admit it, I have doubts galore! I doubt my adequacy as a mom, my ability as a writer, my imperfect progress as a reformed freak-out woman and so on. I can’t wait to read this book! My focus word for this year is “belief.” Sounds as if this book makes my list of MUST READS!
I want to work on the chatter that I’m not good enough, nothing I do is done right.
My biggest doubt in life is “will I ever be good enough”. Whether as a wife, mom, family member, friend, employee, etc. it is a daily struggle that I want to end.
I’ve been reading Made to Crave and studying the participant’s guide. I’m a long time binger and sugar addict. I struggled with attending the study group at our church because I desperately didn’t want to look at why I ate. too painful. I felt like I literally had a board across my chest. a few weeks ago I had an amazing spiritual experience. I had read some of my Bible and some Made to Crave and started praying. I felt filled with the Holy Spirit and felt God reach into the depths of my soul and lift out that pain. I’d felt my eating was keeping me from getting close to Him and He removed it all. I felt awesome for a while, then fear and doubt started creeping in. I know He did a miracle in me but I’ve never managed to stay away from food for too long. I always go back to my bad behaviors. I know there will be temptations. What if I can’t handle them? BUT, God had worked a miracle in me. I’m free now. Why am I doubting my strength when I know I can do all things through Christ Jesus. I’ve often wondered why the disciples doubted Jesus at times when they personally witnessed His miracles. They saw it with their own eyes and still doubted. I know in my heart God worked a miracle in me. I feel guilty every time I start to doubt that I will turn back to my old ways. I imagine that makes God sad. He freed me. I want to stay free.
When in a professional setting I always leave feeling less then and obsess over every word I said during the visit. I will find and replace those words with Gods truth. He has equipped me, prepared me and is not finished with the work he started in me.
The thought I’m going to work to eliminate from my mind is “I can’t.” I can’t get my business of the ground, I can’t get my finances under control, I can’t be as pretty as her, etc. I need to rid of “I can’t.”
I am currently reading made to crave. I have been struggling with all or nothing attitude with healthy eating. I want to quit the roller coaster mentality & I have set goals, got accountability partner, and have a plan I’m following…however I still doubt that I can do it. I know I deserve more. I know God is my strength & I need to rely on Him to help me thru this. I want to be healthy so I can do the works He has planned for me.
Lysa- Thank you for being such an inspiration! About one month ago, I was offered a publishing contract for my first book, and it really took me by surprise! I had assumed that I would self-publish my book, as I have no track record, fame or significant authority. God had other ideas, and He is taking my book on Gratitude and running with it. I am so excited! I am so scared! And I have had doubts pop up what seems like every minute or two. What if they realize my book isn’t as good as they thought it was? What if nobody buys it? What if I can’t live up to how “Godly” I sound in my book? I know all of these doubts are from Satan, but they seem to debilitating at times. I am “taking every thought captive unto Christ,” and moving forward in what seems like an overwhelming and scary adventure that I am not equipped for. I have also started a blog since starting the publishing process and would love for you to check it out. ad-masters.blogspot.com. Thank you so much, Lysa, and keep it up! You are an inspiration and an encouragement to me.
Your transparency as a woman of God, a wife, a mother is so amazing. The words you share on your blog, books, Bible studies, quotes (everything) is so relevant to where I am in my life – as a believer, a wife and mother. So often as I read your words I thank God for using you as He does.
As for doubt, it’s daily. The “negative inside chatter”…. I want it to go away, yet I wear it like a blanket on a cold day. I carry the chatter with me and don’t release my fears and doubts to our almighty God.
One doubt that I am going to work on eliminating is that I can’t/won’t finish my bachelor’s degree. I have been going to school off and on since 2001 and I’m so close! But I just haven’t been able to buckle down and finish my last few rounds of credits. I know that bigger and better things await me after I finish, but it’s just so hard to see the light when I’m struggling through assignments and tests.
I doubt my own abilities to carry out what I believe God is directing me to do. I go over things again and again worrying if I made the right decision or completed a job accurately and promptly – I am a procrastinator.
Lysa, it is so refreshing to know that the the struggles I face on a daily basis as a mom are not unique, that even someone in leadership deals with the exact same things. Our mornings can be just like yours, I wake up with good intentions – and then it falls apart! I am devoted to having better mornings with my kids, to use this precious time God has given me to breathe into them.
Thank you so much for sharing your pastor with us. It is just reassuring that others struggle as I do. I have been wanting more insight on how to overcome those negative emotions. Lysa thank you for just being real. To many people put on the fake I’m perfect and your not because you are having issues in life, but thank you for not being one of them. Positive Christ centered answers to life’s crazy struggles. God’s total blessings on you and your family.
Thank you for this great message this is the devil’s lie that plays in my mind over and over. You can’t do this or you are not worthy of whatever I am working on to draw myself closer to God. I love what Pastor said, that if you are struggling you are still fighting and have not given up yet, there is something special you are meant to do. Right now I am doing the M2c study, can you say struggle oh yes,But I am finding nuggets of hope each day, this is the longest I have stayed with the study. I have owned the book since it first came out, but for some reason this time it is different. I feel it is the season for lasting change in this area of my life. Thank you and God Bless
I like this young pastor’s thinking on the subjects that he has spoke on so far.
I doubt I’m valuable / special / enough / worthy. I know that I’m useful – I clean. I cook. I transport kids. I do the next thing. But do I really matter beyond these mundane tasks that could be done by anyone and just happen to be done by me….
If I wasn’t here would my husband, kids, friends, small group, parents, siblings, etc even notice or care? Or would they simply wonder why I wasn’t doing some job…
This REALLY spoke to me today. REALLY. Not enough words to describe how much. Thank you. <3
The battle is on! Thank you and Pastor Steve for teaching steps to be better equipped to engage. We ARE more than conquerors! And the the bigger battle has already been won. Thanks for the tactic to get it done more wisely.
A doubt I struggle with and this has helped me with is, I’m not a good Nana. I want to make an eternal difference in my grandsons, continually looking for ways to make Jesus fresh and relevant in their lives. Living Him before them and praying for them. Thank you and may God bless you both!
My heart’s desire was to always teach and help guide children. I raised 4 children of my own & taught 100’s of other people’s children in preschool. Several years ago I felt God calling me to become a Parent Coach. I went through the certification process & was ready to pursue my new career. Unfortunately I kept running into some roadblocks, instead of crashing through them, I allowed the chatter in my head to tell me I failed as a mom so I could never be good enough to help others. 2 of my 4 children aren’t walking with the Lord as well as my husband. I know I shouldn’t feel like a failure, but I have allowed the chattering to get me off track!
Hi Lysa,
Not sure how you do it with 5 teenagers, I only have one teenage daughter. I fight with the same struggle at times with the choices she makes and if I am a good mom. I know in my heart that I have taught her the right things to do, however also knowing that as a teenager she will have to bump her head sometimes. But the big doubt always finds it way in my head and heart and I question if I did enough or tried to prepare her enough for the consequences. I really liked the video and the analogy about thieves not breaking into an empty house.. I know that the struggles make us stronger, but will add to my thought pattern how valuable I am and how close I must be to my destination/ goal. Awesome message!!!
I’m working on the doubt that I’m making the right decision being a homeschooler
Thank you for sharing the tools to turn such a negative (doubt) into a positive (destiny)! With eight children, I often feel an onslaught of doubt that I am in way over my head! Thank you Jesus for your Word and for the power of Truth when it is applied to our lives!
I need to work on the doubt of my calling–that I have something to offer those I’m called to reach out to–that I have something worth saying.
I have been telling myself and my FP4H group to replace the negative thoughts with a “But God says…” thought. I struggle with making myself get up and do something… anything… all day most every day. I will listen to this many times and let the fact that it is a choice I am making, that I can change my choice and conquer this, until I am once again a productive person! I have ordered books for myself and my small group. Thank you so much for sharing.
My favorite take-away from this video is the “find & replace” action. I so need to remember to locate the lies and replace them with the truth because I recognize how dwelling on the lies can stop me dead in my tracks instead of pursuing my destiny.
So many doubts to choose from 😉 But, I think perhaps the biggest that I’d like to remove is the fact that God has called me to teach His word, and to ‘work’ for Him, because that it truly my deepest desire – to be effective for Him.
The one doubt I am working on is I am not good enough. I really enjoy listen to your Pastor share! He is very encouraging. I love his quote, “I can’t stop the doubt form coming but I can stop them from directing my life.” I have had many struggles in my life and never looked at them in the ways of them being valuable until. I will keep fighting. I am looking forward to getting his book.
I recently got married and while I married the man of my dreams, my constent doubt is that I am not the woman of his dreams, that i’m not good enough for him. I have constant thoughts of how I could be better of if I was this or that – I know God brought us together and that I don’t need to be afraid – so thank you for sharing this, it has really ministered to me
One doubt that I am going to work on… that I doubt I can lose this weight and finally feel better, even though I am willing to try. I love how Pastor Furtick tells us that if we haven’t given up and we still have a struggle, that means we have something worth fighting for. 🙂
I’m going to work on removing the doubt/lie that I am not good enough! I need to remind myself, daily, that I am a daughter of the Most High! He has redeemed Him.
I’m not prepared to fight my strugles. On my computer I can not see the video.Is there anyway to read a written copy or have it e-mailed to me? thank you.
My biggest doubt is that I am okay or doubt that I am good enough. I am constantly having to slay the lies of not being good enough. I don’t think I compare myself to others, specifically but I do think generally of mankind, that I am just “too much,” for any human to bear. It’s a pretty selfish thought pattern, but I know the God of the Universe loves me undoubtedly and the three kiddoes I home school. Someone I trust greatly recently said, If I am not struggling, then I am probably not growing!
I absolutely needed to not only hear this, but to pass it one to a couple people in my family who are struggling with doubts. Thank you SO much. This was excellent. And at the same time so encouraging.
The doubt I struggle with often is “it seems like the situations at hand aren’t going to change”. I want to work on that! Stop the up and down roller coaster of doubt and defeat.
“…you have to press past (doubt) because what is on the other side is so great that you are meant to accomplish, that there is going to be resistance.” –Pastor Steven
Great message! have doubts all the time,but never thought about how it could be because of something better that is waiting for me.
I like the thought that what I have to give is so valuable that I am under attack to keep me from spreading my encouragement and what God wants me to do.. when I fail he works on me that how would anyone listen to you.. you did ……. and really it s how I handle the mistake.. forgiveness and press on..
Thank you so much for this message. I am struggling so much right now with my position at work. I have been put in a position of being attacked by racism and a person who has it in his mind that I am not doing what has been asked. Its very hard to work with the worries with every discussion you make is it going to be challenged? I have so much doubt about myself and if I am worthy of anything that is good. I am struggling to see some light at the end of this tunnel. I feel like a man on an island at this place and waiting for the next thing to push my boss to off once again. He makes me feel so not worthy of anything. My doubt in myself has reached an all time high . I ask for pray that I take this doubt and see it as a sign that I have not given up. I am a fighter. The lie that I have located is that I am not worthy. I AM WORTHY of all that God has in store for me. I need to say it, post and believe it. Thank you for the message. What a blessing you are Lysa.
I doubt my parenting ability. I have an 11 year old boy that has forgotten that he was raised to respect all adults, especially his mother. He has also forgotten that I am the adult and he is the child. He wants to tell me what to do all the time. He also has OCD, general anxiety, sensory disorder and seizure disorder. He is a high-maintenance child and I doubt myself because he was not raised to act the way he is acting.
Doubt–unbelief is always and readily available, but Pastor alluded to another ‘frequency’…faith–God’s Word—that’s how Jesus crashed Satan’s chatterbox when He was being tempted. I’m asking the Hoy Ghost to TURN IT UP !! Praise You, Jesus!!
Moneychanging!