After the Yes: Facing Doubt in Your Calling
“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.”
—Oswald Chambers
I was texting a friend the other day about the doubts they were having about a job offer they had received. Initially, they were so secure in their faith, God’s call on their life, and excited for the new opportunity. But after a few days, the attack came. The person was getting afraid of how hard the role might be for the next step of their life. They were fearing the Lord’s call, their identity in Christ, and God being at work in this new invitation.
Have you ever doubted God’s call on your life?
PAUSE and sit with some of the stories of the patriarchs through the ages. Listen deeply to how God showed up in the midst of their doubt, insecurities, and fears.
Joseph fell into a pit and then into slavery before seeing God’s good plan of forgiveness and salvation for a whole group of people (Genesis 37:23–28; 50:20).
Moses questioned his gifts (Exodus 3:11; 4:10–12). God provided Aaron. Israel was set free from slavery.
Gideon asked for signs, and God met him with patient assurance (Judges 6:12–16; 6:36–40).
Jonah ran (Jonah 1:1–3). Jonah jumped. A big fish swallowed him. And God rescued both him and Nineveh.
Daniel prayed in the midst of an unbelieving foreign nation and a persecuting king. He survived by God’s hand at work, in the midst of ferocious lions.
Jesus wrestled in Gethsemane and still surrendered, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus went to the cross and all of us are forgiven and set free from sin.
In every case, the Lord who calls also accompanies and equips: “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Sit with those stories in mind and grab a sheet of paper.
Draw a picture of your own story. Sketch your fears and anxiety. And then mark in words or an image with a symbolic reminder that God is calling you forward in faith.
Take some time to reflect on these questions as well:
1. How is your soul today?
2. What fear is loudest right now—and what would courage look like with Jesus beside you? (Isaiah 43:1–2; Luke 22:42)
3. What lies about your identity are you tempted to believe, and what does Jesus say is true of you? (Romans 8:1; John 1:12)
As you end this week’s PAUSE, slowly pray the following prayer from St. Teresa of Avila.
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
To receive the Mid-Week Pause in your inbox each week, please subscribe to our newsletter below.
