True Identity Ministries Blog

The past few Thursdays, I have been posting a small Bible study on the Traps of Doubt-a few common traps the enemy uses against us women. He so badly wants us to take our eyes off of God and turn them onto other things. These other things will fail us and they will NOT bring us hope or lasting security as only God can. But, if the enemy can trap us, then we are less likely to be used for God’s mighty purposes. If we are walking around insecure, we're not going to be thinking of reaching out and encouraging others; if we are feeling insignificant, we’ll never step out with a submissive heart and do the things that God whispers for us to do. Today we are going to take a look at the third trap that the enemy uses against us. He gets us to:

Turn our eyes toward the future

How many of you are ‘figure-it-outers?” Not really a word, huh? That’s kind of scary since I’m a home school mom!:) But isn’t this so true? I love to have things figured out, to plan accordingly and get all of my ‘ducks in a row’; as the quote goes. Can you relate? We start trying to figure things out; planning for the future and using wisdom, but eventually we often find ourselves over-analyzing, worried, and concerned.

Our job begins to look hopeless, so we begin to think, “How will I ever support my family?” Or, “Will I ever be able to find another job that pays this well?” What about when we have a child seemingly going wayward? We look to the future and begin to think, “Ugh, if she doesn’t make some changes, her future will be a mess! She’ll never change!” We’ve been praying for someone’s salvation for what seems like an eternity and we’re not seeing any evidence of change, so we think, “they’ll never come to know God.” Doubts! Doubts! Doubts!

Webster’s definition of doubt is: 1. To FEAR 2.To lack confidence in 3. DISTRUST; to consider unlikely ; to be uncertain

When difficulties arise, our doubts seem to peak. See, the enemy would love to get us to be fearful, lack confidence, unable to trust God or be uncertain that He is big enough to care for us and our future. When trials or hardships came…it’s not time to doubt, but to grow and watch God keep his promises!! Let’s take a look at some of the promises:

Philippians 4:6-9 says, “Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”

He promises us that as we pray, instead of worrying, He is able to come fill us with wholeness and reassurance that He is using all things in our lives for good.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He has plans to give us a great future! He loves us, he cares for us and the trials we encounter are not meant to hurt us. But, the important thing to remember is found in verses 12-14, “then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you and will bring you back from captivity.” Wow! He is ready to deliver us from any captivity if we seek him with all of our hearts. I encourage you today to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any ways that you have been struggling with trying to figure out your future, instead of fully relying on and trusting God. He will be faithful to show you, as well as walk you through it to complete freedom!!

Love ya girls,
Stephanie

Study Questions:

Jeremiah 17:7-8; What is an obvious benefit of having our trust in God?
2 Timothy 2:22-26; What are some common ways you can help others escape the traps of the enemy?
1 Peter 5:6-10; When we humble ourselves, how does God make us stronger, firmer and more steadfast?

Suggested Study Resources:

Breaking Free by Beth Moore
Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss