Second-guessing.
Tell me I’m not the only one who does this. I hope I am, but I’m assuming I’m not.
second guess :: to use hindsight in criticizing or correcting; to predict (something) or outguess (someone)
Some days I can make a decision and never give it another thought. Other days it’s a different story. I can make a decision and then second-guess if it was the right one, the best one, the one that’s perfect, etc. Second-guessing takes me down a lonely road I know I was never meant to travel.
For a week now I’ve been teetering on making a decision. I guess I’m on, what one would call, the fence. Should I go for it or should I play it safe? What’s the best decision… for me, for others, for God? What does God want me to do?
Even when I ask God for his guidance, I can still sometimes second-guess. This brings me to a truth I was reminded of this morning:
But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticizing you. But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind. Such doubters are thinking two different things at the same time, and they cannot decide about anything they do. They should not think they will receive anything from the Lord. James 1:5-8 NCV
“When you ask God, you must believe and not doubt.” So, I’m asking. I’m believing. But, will I refuse to doubt? I say I will, but will I?
Living a real life is life without second-guessing.
This takes us to the heart of this series, living a real life. Living a real and authentic life also encompasses stepping out in faith and trusting God in making decisions. Believing if He’s leading us to do something, we do it. Moving forward to where God is calling us, even if we can’t see where He’s leading us. To believe and not doubt.
Friend, what decision is weighing on your heart and on your shoulders today? Take it to God, and when you get the nudge, the answer, the revelation, go for it. Believe and not doubt. These words are probably more for me than anyone else. I’m tired of second-guessing. Are you?
Let’s step out in faith together.
Hand in hand. At the same time. Believing, trusting, praying. For ourselves and one another. God’s got us. What’s the worst that could happen if we’re following God’s lead? He’s got us in the palm of His hand.
Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night… Philippians 2:14-15 MSG
Living a real life gives us freedom from second-guessing.
That’s a beautiful reality we can walk in today.
Bless you, friend!
Julie
It’s Day 21 of 31 Days of Living a Real Life. You can catch up on all previous posts here.
This one is for me . . . I am the queen of second guessing! Holy Spirit is leading me off this path and – even though I know in my head I need to follow – sometimes I go kicking and screaming. This is such a part of me that I need heavy-duty root killer because they keep growing back Too many times I have to get out the lasso, round up those thoughts and send them to the garbage dump. But freedom from this is my goal and I in Christ Jesus I will have victory over it 😀
Amen! Yes, you and Jesus, together, will have victory over second-guessing! It’s an area where many struggle. Thankful we have the hope in Jesus to experienced victory over such activities that aren’t from Him. Praying for you as I read your words tonight. Thanks for coming by and sharing! Cheering you on!