Ezra 4:23-24 ²³ Then as soon as the copy of King Artaxerxes’ document was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they went up hurriedly to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them stop [work] by force of arms. ²⁴ Then the work on the house of God in Jerusalem stopped. It was suspended until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Hi Rose Buddy!

Today, we will be discussing the dishonorable guest – doubt. A guest, I believe we have grudgingly allowed admittance into our lives. See, doubt is the sidekick to fear. Think about it. If we didn’t doubt as much as we do, fear would not be able to swirl in our lives. I see doubt as being the match that lights the fire of fear. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we can live a life where we never experience doubt. Conversely, I’m stating that doubt does not have to rule our lives. This means doubt is not guiding or leading our decisions, our thoughts, and/or fossilize our identity. Think about how much doubt is attached to how we view ourselves. God calls us joint heirs to His Kingdom, but we doubt this is true. We look at our mistakes, sin, and flaws as what invalidates us. However, Jesus Blood cleanses our sin. He gave us Grace in exchange of our discretions. This is why it is important to know who we are in Christ. So that when doubt hits the scene we know exactly how to fight and what to believe. In the above verses, doubt was a key component in stopping the work of The Lord. Journey with me as I unveil how doubt not only discourages, but delays what God sets out to do in His people.

The people of Judah are fast at work doing what God instructed. In the midst of them building the temple, they were met with questionable partnership. A partnership rooted in deceit. Their adversaries caught word of their obedience and thought to “join” them. Wisely, the people of Judah turned them down on their mischievously gracious offer. Foiled, they conjured the idea to go straight to the king. After much lies and persuasion the king decided to put a halt to the building of God’s Temple. Did you miss that? Of course, lies and deception also played a role. Consequently, the fruit of those lies produced doubt that the people of Judah were doing a good thing. Ever been in that position? Everything was all good until someone started speaking contrary of what you thought God instructed? Perhaps, you’ve been in a position where you thought Sally was a great person until someone who doesn’t like her said otherwise? Now, you too have written Sally off on the strength of what someone else expressed. If you have, it’s fine. No penalties here just driving home how much doubt plays a role in our lives.

Maybe you are Sally. Your life has been engulfed by so many outside opinions of who you are that you have a hard time believing what God has said about you. How much doubt do you voluntarily drown in because what the enemy said was too convincing not to believe. Some of the most important things we should be certain of in this life is Who God is and Who we are in Him. Knowing Who God is couples with knowing why He does what He does. They are one in the same. From a leadership aspect, I want to urge you to let your heart be soiled in The Word of God. The people of Judah were able to discern that the enemy didn’t mean them well. On the other hand, the king wasn’t so grounded. All it took was a little glittered convincing and they were putty in the enemy’s hands. As Christians, we are ALL leading someone. What? You don’t think so? If the Bible calls us children of light then what do you think light does? Light provides provision in darkness. Don’t we follow light in dark environments or spaces? Yes! Just think about your flashlight or the headlights on your vehicle. Light is used as a guide in darkness. Now we know that anything that guides, basically LEADS. So like I said, if you are a child of The Light then you are in fact a leader in Christ! Stand in that. See, knowing scripture combats doubt! Away with thinking you have to hold a grandiose title or gift to lead people. We have The Light of Jesus to share with this dark world. That is more than enough to lead the lost back to the arms of God. Think about how it felt when you were rescued. If you’re honest, He is still rescuing you from the dark and evil schemes of the enemy. Keep this in mind when around those still bumping into things due to their lack of guidance. It’s not for you to point in amusement or judgement. This is the divine opportunity to point that person to Christ. Stop doubting that God created you with a perfect and tailor made purpose. Only you can fill your shoes! Don’t be like the king listening to the sly words of your adversary. He is still roaming to hinder the people of God from the work He set for us to do. Keep working! If you haven’t started, get to work! The only time that exists is now. Doubt can no longer rule in your mind. It’s time to rule over it! 𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕖𝕩𝕥𝕣𝕒 𝕙𝕖𝕝𝕡 𝕓𝕖 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕝𝕚𝕔𝕜 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕜 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕦𝕓𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕖𝕩𝕖𝕣𝕔𝕚𝕤𝕖.

Heavenly Father thank You for giving your children the power through Your Spirit to rule over doubt. I even pray for those who may not be yours that they may have a heart change. Thank a You for the opportunity to lead others to Your Marvelous Light Jesus. As we put our hands to work for Your Kingdom, I pray Your children remember the words You have already spoken. That they believe again for those who are wavering in faith. You’re faithful and loving enough to do it! I love You! Thanks Dad!!! シ✞

Alright, you know the drill! Be sure to watch my correlating YouTube post to live a no diggity, no doubt kinda life!! Click the link and a bountiful blessing towards ya edges!