Love That Never Fails

44. Doubts and Fears

God's Word is filled with so many promises but do you sometimes have difficulty claiming them as your own and trusting that He will keep His word? You are not alone! It can be scary to take that leap of faith when we can't see the way ahead! We don't know what is around the corner snd winder if we will have the strength and ability to get through! Gideon had many fears and doubts about the task God had called him to. The beautiful thing is the understanding and patience God extended to him:

"Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised— look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew." That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew."
‭‭Judges‬ ‭6:36-40‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This story reminds me that God doesn't require us to be perfect in order to serve Him. In fact He takes us just as we are and loves us throughout our times of doubt. He never lets go or gives up on us! You would think that Gideon was really taking things too far by asking for a second sign but God understood his fears and demonstrated His power in a very visible way.

We can find great assurance that our God is gracious and merciful today just as He was back then. He looks at us and sees our great potential even in the midst of sin and self doubt.

"For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath."
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭4:31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭78:38‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You so much for Your amazing love that You pour out over me each day. You see my faults and understand my doubts and fears. Thank You for continually showing me Your grace and mercy, as well as an incredible amount of patience. Your Word consistently speaks of Your unfailing love and kindness. I am so blessed to have received it in my life in so many ways.

Lord help me to hold onto all Your promises and to serve You faithfully all the days of my life.

Amen.