Have you ever been so sure that you were called to a mission, a plan, a project or fulfillment of a life dream only to be hit with such overwhelming doubt that you question whether you were ever called to do “that something” in the first place?
When you are faced with doubt, take a step back and try to see the whole picture. It is most likely your confidence, not your conviction that is waning. Chances are, if you felt called to a dream, driven to succeed, destined to forge ahead with a plan, then you are the one who was meant for the job.
Though it might not seem so on the surface, this is good news! This means that the mission, the job or the project itself is not your problem…neither is it your lack of ability, resources, time or effort. The problem is you!
(Couldn’t resist that wording…sorry!)
The problem can usually be traced to a lack of faith and a full-blown dose of self-doubt.
We may be convinced that “what” we are doing is what is best, but doubt whether “we” are the ones who are capable of doing it. When these types of thoughts overwhelm you, trying to weaken and tear down your mission, take heart, have faith, be courageous and pray for perseverance!
Seek out friends who will listen and, perhaps, have trod the path before you in a similar way. Ask questions from those who have been there (believe me, you’ll find someone who has) then give it to the Lord. Trust that He will provide you a renewed spirit, restored confidence and clarity of vision.
Approach your lack of confidence in much the same way as if you were following a recipe and discovered you were using the wrong kitchen utensil for the job. You would not stop cooking, saying that you were never meant to cook in the first place. Rather, you would change tools, find new supplies, regroup and move forward in the task.
Stripping away your belief in yourself is a tool of the enemy. Do not let him win! If you are convicted that you are meant to do something, go somewhere, be someone or step outside your comfort zone for a specific purpose, then trust in your conviction and don’t let lack of confidence keep you from pursuing your goals!
Sometimes, the only thing holding us back is ourselves. We see the dream. We may even craft an entire mental plan of how to fulfill the dream. We are certain that we have discerned what is best, whether it concerns a personal endeavor, a family matter or a business decision. Yet, something keeps holding us back. Something keeps causing us to question our decisions, to rethink what we have already clearly thought. Our convictions have not changed but our lack of confidence is delaying our progress.
Confidence vs conviction. Don’t let it impede your joy, peace, ambition or success in life!
Writer Bio
Judy Dudich resides in the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania, where 24 acres of land and a home-office provide the perfect setting for her children’s home-education and her own homesteading and business ventures. Life is full of blessings (and challenges!) for Judy, as a wife, mother of 10 and Grammy to six. She is a published author, whose book, “I Surrender/A Study Guide for Women” continues to encourage and support others in Christian family lifestyles throughout the world. Judy has also previously worked in the online speaking circuit. Her passion for permaculture, re-purposing, foraging and organic gardening fills her days with learning and adventure that she loves to share.
