Today as I was driving my car, the car behind me stopped suddenly in the middle of the road, it was usual behaviour so I kept looking in the rear vision mirror as to what was going on. I quickly realised how dangerous it was to get sidetracked by what is in the rear vision and not focusing on where I was driving. It made me think, how often in life do we get so concerned with what has happened in the past and behind us that we do not see the obstacles and interesting view in front of us.

When you learn to drive, you are taught to take quick looks behind you to check there are no vehicles about to overtake you or in your way when you shift lanes. But only a quick view. Most of the time you need to look forward, surveying for possible hazards and navigating to your destination. Taking your eyes off the road even for a minute can have life changing results.

In our lives it can be tempting to take a peak in the rear vision mirror a bit too often. Either to remember better times or rehash old wounds. It is fine to take a quick peak every now and to watch for previous struggles reemerging from behind you, but not to linger there.

Look ahead and watch for what could be a hazard ahead of you and look ahead to admire the amazing view and enjoy the journey. The view is not in the rear vision. The best view is in front of you.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

Extract from ‘The Unburdened Warrior’ by Staci McLean

The answer to control is surrender. Surrender to God, who is the only one in control. You can control some things in your life—your behaviour, your thoughts, your emotions. You have control over yourself, and you can choose to surrender that control to God knowing He can do a better job of managing your life than you can. He knows everything, He wants the best for you, He loves you and cares for you.

You can’t control everything. You can’t control how other people will act, although you can influence their choices. You can choose who you have in your life and what behaviour you will accept from them, but you can’t control them. For that, we have prayer, faith and trust. God is in control when we can’t be. He knows better than us, as He can see the whole picture at once. We cannot.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Peace and freedom come from accepting that we can’t control everything and neither do we want to. So many of life’s amazing experiences come out of the blue. God has incredible plans for you, amazing experiences for you, and opportunities for growth which will help you learn and become a stronger and better person. Don’t miss out because you’re holding on too tight, trying to control the world around you, not leaving space for mistakes or surprises.

The peace of God from surrender, trust, and faith doesn’t magically make the problems (the real problems) go away, although God can and will do miracles in your life when you let Him in. The peace of God is there despite your problems. It is a peace we have in the middle of the storm. It is not an easy life, but a light one.

---

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6–7

I have been working through a lot of self-doubt lately. It often pops up at the beginning of a new year, when I look at the plans and projects ahead of me that I believe God has called me for.  And I wonder…. Can I really do it?

My doubt is focused on MY skills, experience, and ability to do the task set before me.  That is the problem with self-doubt, it is totally self-focused.  

Our self-doubt arises because we look at the natural world and assess that we do not have what it takes to accomplish what God wants us to do.  We think God must have overestimate our ability, we doubt that we heard God correctly or we doubt God.

Self-Doubt robs us of faith, of trust and the blessing of seeing something that cannot be done be done.  Miracles are waiting for us.

We need to have refreshed eyes to see God working.  We don’t need skills, experience, talent, or abilities for what we are called to do, we just need a willing heart to obey and to learn.  God will supply the lessons to learn, the training, the resources, and the supernatural power to see his plans come to pass.

Jesus walks on water even when we stay sitting in the boat.  We might doubt we can do the impossible, but just like Peter we can walk on water with Jesus beside us – but we must get out of the boat and stop doubting.

 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
 “Come,” he said.
 Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” 
Matthew 14:27-33

When Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked to the natural world around him, the water, and the wind, he began to doubt the miracle he was in the middle of and he started to sink.  To overcome self-doubt, stop looking within and stop looking around you but look towards Jesus and do not take your eyes off him.  He will always reach out his hand to catch us.

You do not need to believe in yourself more or have more self confidence to overcome self-doubt but instead place your belief in Jesus and place your confidence in his victory.