And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore,
I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power
of Christ may dwell in me. II Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Several things happened recently that led to my feeling rejected. Again. My internal emotional responses to such situations make me doubt how in the world God can use me. I feel so messed up-why would anyone listen to what I say when I struggle so much with rejection.
In my saner moments, I realize self-doubts keep me from doing what God has given me to do. It’s part of the enemy’s tactics to make me ineffective.
Over the years, my emotionality has led to rejection more than I like to admit. Maybe others just don’t get it because their struggle is in a different area.
I learned to stuff my emotions to avoid rejection. However, that leads to an outburst at some point causing even greater rejection. I try to walk by the Spirit, but still mess up. I am glad that God is patient.
I am not so patient. Instead of heeding the cloud of depression invading my thoughts and giving in to my go-to comforts instead of turning to God, I want victory yesterday! Every day!
For me, overcoming these self-doubts, starts with baby steps. Here are some things that help me.
· I remind myself of several truths:
o My struggle to handle my emotions does keep me aware of my need for God.
o This helps me be compassionate towards others and their messy world.
o It’s okay that it is a day by day, hard fought for victory.
o The emotions themselves aren’t bad – even if others don’t like them or me.
· I take time to be with God. I focus on His ability, not my weaknesses.
· I take care of my health. Get enough rest. Cut out the foods that interfere with my emotional regulators (sugar and over-abundance of carbs do it for me.). Go for a walk. Get outside.
· I replace bad thinking with right thinking.
· I choose to do something positive.
I’m not perfect. People will reject me and what I say, but God is always faithful and I’ll be okay. I’m going to keep sharing what God puts on my heart and hope it makes a difference in someone’s life. And bit by bit, God will change me. More and more days will find me walking in victory and being effective in His kingdom.
Do you find yourself struggling with self-doubt? What helps you get out of this quicksand way of thinking?
photo credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net // Stuart Miles
