Dealing With Doubts

(Zechariah's kingdom assignment)

Doubts often reveal misplaced confidence.

Gabriel gave the assignment. Zechariah responded with five words. “How can I be sure?” Then he gave all the reasons why this would not work. “I’m too old. And my wife is well along in years.”

I can identify with Zechariah because I like proof and assurance before taking a step. About four years into being lead pastor, I was struggling with feeling inadequate as a leader. In a moment of honesty, I prayed, God, are you sure you chose the right person for this role?

I was expecting compassion. What I received was clarity. Not an audible voice but an undeniable response in my heart. Matt, when you question if you’re the right person for the role, you’re asking if God knows what He’s doing. Do you think you know better than God?

That reframed everything for me. And I never asked that question again.

If you’ve ever asked God, Are you sure? Let me remind you.

When God speaks, He’s sure.

If you’re questioning if you’re too old or too young for God to work through you, you’re asking if God is sure He knows what He’s doing.

If you’re questioning if you’ve made too many mistakes for God to redeem you, you’re asking if God is sure He knows what He’s doing.

If you’re questioning if you have what it takes to parent those toddlers or navigate the teenage years, you’re asking if God knew what He was doing when He entrusted them to you. Children are a gift from the Lord. He gave them to you because He knew you could handle it.

And if you’re questioning whether you belong in God’s kingdom at all, whether you have a place or a role, you’re asking if God knows what He’s doing.

He already answered it.

God’s kingdom does not depend on human ability but on His authority.

When God speaks, He’s sure.