In my own life, hope and confidence tend to go hand in hand. When things are going well, I trust God will provide and in most cases the Lord does. However, as soon as my confidence is shaken, I experience arid periods, where doubts of yesteryears creep into my mind causing me to wonder, “will anything good ever happen to me again?”
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. – Ecclesiastes 3:11
At the beginning of 2014, my wife and I endured similar struggles, hoping to find a good paying full time job, yet feeling abandoned by God for half of last year. In the darkest of debt and despair, the Lord heard our cries, offering positions for Leanne in May and me in June. Although every month has its ups and down, these two blessings from above, James 1:18, has strengthen our faith and is slowly erasing doubts planted by the Devil.
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. – Psalm 4:1
As time flies by, I have come to believe that each person created by God has a lottery ticket deep inside their heart, soul and mind. For some, a gift leads individuals to a career, doing what they were born to do, one day leading to financial wealth. Others may have hidden talents uncovered, resulting in an amazing personality, cherished friendships and life long memories with those whom they love. Meanwhile, most people allow circumstances, past failures and unforeseen events to interfere with success as the doubts of yesteryears block lifelong dreams from coming true.
6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; James 1:6-7.
Looking ahead in 2015, I believe writing is my lottery ticket. Starting this venture 3 years ago, my passion has spawned 1 complete movie script and another nearing completion. Although initial rejections of the film Express Yourself has left scars on my soul, only 38 pages separate me from cashing in my next lottery ticket, Behind the Devil’s Door. While only God knows the ultimate outcome, I press on the take hold of that which Christ Jesus has called me to do, Philippians 3:12-14. May faith in Jesus elevate you to leave the doubts of yesteryears for the promises of Ephesians 2:10.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 