~ Doing the Job We Have Been Given

Again a blank page mocks me, there is something pure and pristine about a blank sheet of paper, even on a computer monitor.  It is visually without blemish, especially on the monitor, real paper can become dog-eared even straight out of the packet or smudged but not on the computer monitor.  There are no errors, or additions/erasures on a blank piece of paper.

This brings out a bit of a reality bite.  Just how realistic is what I just wrote and for that matter in how many ways does it apply to other areas of our lives?  I, for one, know the trepidation of facing up to a blank canvas on those rare times that I get the urge to do some painting. The very first thought that comes into my head is “what if I get it wrong”?  I don’t think this is an issue of a lack of courage, but there may be an issue of insecurity but that is a personal issue.

A lot of people, self starting people, seem to experience a great deal of inertia just at the start of projects, even those that are fully funded.  This is the bigger part to the question.  How common and what are the things that cause us to pause after making a decision, even one that has had significant thought and planning?  It is a big question because it can affect the thought life of you and I.

As a community of faith we are often susceptible to the whispers of the deceiver.  The devil will attempt to put us off implementing a plan in any number of ways and quite often they will sound very rational and as if they have come straight out of our own thought processes.  One that I come across quite often is, “what if something goes wrong it won’t be honouring to Him”.  This is a good way to develop inertia or, as the other term is “cold feet” so I come back to my first question.  How often does it affect us and what brings it on?

It isn’t  as if we are doing it all alone.  Jesus did promise that He would sent the Comforter to guide us through our lives, and if we are not up to the whiles of the enemy then He is and supports us through the times of uncertainty, if we are ready to listen to Holy Spirit.

Scripture gives us assistance in our attempts to stand for Jesus.  He Himself is reported to say in Johns Gospel:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Also the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews has contributed the following verses which are a direct quote prom Psalm 56:11

So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. 
What can mere mortals do to me?”^[a]   Hebrews 13:6 (Psalm 56:11)

Paul also in his letter to the Ephesians writes the following.

¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16

Sometimes many of us, I’m sure, have some difficulty abiding beside some of those verses especially when we recall Jesus saying that we would do greater things than Him if we only believe. 

Self doubt is natural, spiritual confidence is a gift of God available to all who will exercise their faith a little.  Isn’t this worth activating in our lives?