Tuesday @ Ten - DOUBT

Time for Tuesday @ Ten again!  Always excited to join my friend, Karen Beth, for this weekly prompted-post.


Karen has set up a new Facebook group for her Tuesday @ Ten followers.  We can "meet" and share our posts, comment, encourage, and just "be" together!  Check out the group here.


This week we will share our posts written on the prompted word:

DOUBT

"How blessed are those who mourn, because it is they who will be comforted."  (Matthew 5:4 - ISV)

In the face of death - ours, as we struggle through a life-threatening accident or disease; or a loved one -

We may face doubts as to our ability to handle things.  We may feel as if we are not equipped to be there for others who may also be affected.

The one thing we can do is pray...

Pray for the comfort in our mourning;

Pray for the strength to do what needs to be done;

Pray for guidance to know what to do next...

With the Son of God by our side; with God's help and assurance, we will do those hard things, that which must be done in times of "mourning".

Perhaps I haven't had doubts about death - mine or a loved ones - but I have had many doubts throughout my lifetime; especially my adult life.

Doubts about the ability to do a task that was asked...

Will you take on the task of {fill in the blank} - I've been asked to be secretary or treasurer or even the leader of a church group...and I've doubted I could actually do what was expected of me.  Especially in following in the footsteps of someone I admired for the "job" she did!

She encouraged me and assured me I could do it!  I agreed to the task; and - with God's help - I did it!

Or, in a new field during my career (banking), asked if I felt I could "be a teller"...

I told my supervisor that I thought I could do it; I'd worked with money before as a cashier...

So, I learned what was required of a teller; I worked at several different banks or credit unions.  And, I did the best job that I could possibly do for the multi-tasking involved...

{Not only was I expected to be a teller, but I was also expected to call members and do loans and open accounts and, still be available to run to the teller line when needed...which was often!  Well, enough about all of that!}

During my adult life, I doubted my ability to take classes and earn a certificate of completion for finishing all of the series required.

And, I completed all but one through the credit union; the only reason I didn't complete the last one is because I was leaving and going to a different job.  I even offered to pay for it myself so I could have that last one completed.  {So much for that certificate!}

Yes, I have had many times in my life when the doubts were there, for whatever reason or situation...I doubted my ability or the outcome of whatever was happening.

I still have doubts!  Don't we all?

I'm in my sixties...I don't have to "impress" a boss or supervisor!  I don't have to multi-task unless I want to do that around my own home, or in my crafting, or in whatever else I may be involved in doing.

I don't have to try to achieve earning a "certificate" to show I have completed a series of classes.  I can do so if I choose to do so!  But, it's not something that is required of me.

I also don't have to doubt my ability to serve as a leader, secretary, treasurer or any other office in a club, or group.  I have served well in several positions, especially in our church women's ministries.

As for doubts in the face of the death of a loved one, or the struggles of a life-threatening accident or illness...

I'm sure I have doubted my abilities in this area of my life as well.  But, I had the love and support of my family and friends, and just as importantly, a church family: my mom, when my dad passed; we supported each other.  My brothers, daughters and son when my mother passed were there for me as well as that church family.

I haven't really had a "life-threatening" accident or illness - well, that isn't true; back in 1998 when I was attacked...I had the help and love and support of my family, friends, church family, and many people that I did not expect to be there for me!

But, what I think I failed to always remember...in all of these instances, is that the one who is able to give me all that I needed to get past the doubts, is the one I did not always remember to call on!

I won't go as far as to say I won't continue to have doubts; we all do, and we all will!  But, well, perhaps I am "preaching to the choir", so to speak!  Perhaps I am trying to reassure myself that He is the one who can - and will! - give us the comfort, strength, hope, cheer, abilty...whatever it is that we need to get through it; He will give that which we need!

Praying that you can overcome your doubts...