The delay that doubt creates...

Does Jesus have your complete trust?

Proverbs 3:5-6New Living Translation (NLT)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”

Stock photo ALAMY

Sunday’s delicious dinner consisted of broccoli, sautéed potato slices and turkey meatloaf. My youngest child ate everything her little hands could hold and my middle child made a happy plate by demolishing his portion. The oldest child had a different dining story. He ate his vegetables and killed the potatoes but struggled with the meatloaf. I tried to encourage him by telling him that his siblings ate what I fed them.

Didn’t work.

I explained to him that I would never give him anything that wouldn’t harm him and that eating would not only make him strong but also allow him time to play before bed.

He started picking at the food slowly.  He used his hands to pick out onions. He cut the meatloaf into smaller portions and even spread it out around the plate so it seemed like some of the meat was consumed. By the time he finished, it was too late to really enjoy the evening.

That scenario reminds me of Moses’ farewell address in the book of Deuteronomy. In chapter one, Moses recalls that after He and the Israelites traveled for eleven days, they were at the edge of great promise. Moses encouraged his followers to dismiss their fear and embrace their divine right to the land before them. Instead of just walking in, the people convinced Moses to send in spies to survey the land. The spies came back touting how great the land was but also detailing how great the land’s challenges were.

Their fear kept them from possessing property that they already owned. Essentially, the Isrealites doubted their leader and their God.  This act of doubt turned a short trip into a very long journey!

Consider these three things.

• Don’t allow your doubt during the journey to deny your arrival into what is rightfully yours. Second-guessing your ability when God has given you affirmation is improvident.
• Passive obedience delays absolute success. Moses said yes to God but he said maybe to the land. Sometimes leaders make mistakes. Moses had authority and approval from God yet He allowed the persuasive words of his people to affect his leadership. When the 10 of 12 spies said no to the land, it turned a quick trip into a 40-year excursion. Israel’s youth  eventually walked into the promise land but the parents and Moses never experienced it for themselves. Are you trying to check out what God has already worked out???
• Trust God totally. I can understand your uncertainty about God’s confirmation at times. That is why it is imperative that you develop a personal relationship with God and connect to leaders that are deeply rooted in Christ. God can confirm and affirm through whatever he chooses. Proverbs 19:20-21, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

You have seen God do great things for others and you have heard Him tell you the promises that are for your life. The next part is up to you. God has prepared great blessings for you and wants you to fully enjoy them. It may not look like what you want but it is often exactly what you need...

Are you going to get stuck looking through the peephole of opportunity or will you open the door and walk into your promised land?