Judges 6:15 — He said to Him, “Please, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Look, my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” (HCSB)

2 Corinthians 9:8 – And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. (HCSB)

I am drinking my coffee this morning and thinking of a conversation I recently had with some friends.  We were talking about how I give power to my feelings of insecurity when I allow them to answer the calling You gave to me.  Why do I allow criticism and comparison to send me plummeting into the depths of self-doubt?  There are people that I have no respect for their opinion in other areas, but I allow their comments to convince me that I have no value in ministry.  Why am I so convinced that someone else can do it so much better than me? Lord, You call me to action, and I allow my self-doubt to make me like Moses in Exodus 6 and say I’m not articulate enough.  I find myself reminding You of my age, and You answer with Psalm 92:14 – “They will still bear fruit in old age, healthy and green,” (HCSB).  I read in Judges that Gideon’s perception of himself made him feel inadequate.  When doubt tells me that I can’t do something, please help me to remember that You tell me I can (Philippians 4:13).  When doubt tells me that I’m not good enough, please help me focus on the truth (Psalm 139:14). In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage people in their faith.  Multiple times You have sent me friends to strengthen and encourage me in my answer to Your call. I recently saw the quote “We can’t control someone’s intention when they criticize. But we can control our interpretation of their intention.”  I don’t know who originally said it, but I know that I need to turn to Your truths instead of believing the lies of negativity. Lord, I know that You want me to have a confident heart so that I can accomplish what You are calling me to do.  Help me to remember that I’m not walking alone, that You will supply what I need, and that You see me as able to do anything as long as I keep my eyes on You.