Hey everyone! It’s been far to long since I last posted! Work and fundraising have kept me busy! For the past few days I have been pondering what I should write about. One word has continual crept into my mind and that word doubt, particularly self-doubt. It’s safe to say that everyone struggles with self-doubt on some level. Although doubting yourself does not always have negative consequences. Sometimes it healthy for us to feel apprehensive about an issue or choice was about to make. Taking time to re-assess a situation may give us a new perspective to make a more effective decision. However, doubt can also have negative consequences.
I was recently given a new perspective on a story in the Bible. The verse I’m referring to is the one where Jesus and Peter are walking on water and suddenly Peter sinks. Before I go any further I want to talk about what it took to be a Rabbi. The first ten years of a Jewish child’s life was spent memorizing the Torah, the first five books opt the Bible! And they had to have it memorized! I don’t know about you but that’s crazy! Of those children the best of the best continued to study while all the other children went home to learn their families’ trades. The ones chosen to continue had to then memorize the rest of the Old Testament! Every single book! A Rabbi chose the best of the best of the best. Again, the ones that didn’t make were sent home to take over the family trade. Without a doubt the remaining students wished to study under a Rabbi. If the Rabbi saw something special in you he would say to you, “Come follow me.”
Isn’t that what Jesus said to the disciples?
Now, rabbis had their own personal interpretation of the Bible. Whoever they chose to follow them would carry their yoke. Their yoke is all the Rabbi’s knowledge, belief, and interpretations of the Bible. If someone studied under a Rabbi they would become a disciple for said Rabbi. When Jesus chose his disciples he chose normal everyday people. The ones that weren’t “good enough” to continue their studies. When Peter began sinking it wasn’t Jesus he was doubting, but himself. Why would he doubt Jesus? He was walking on water! I think everyone sinks into the water from time to time. For so long I’ve doubted my ability to be an effective ambassador for Christ. Above all else that’s what has held me back the most. Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit continually by our side guiding us along God’s path for us. As ambassadors we are meant to walk side by side with Jesus. It’s not about if I am smart enough, good enough or studied up enough. The cure is depending on Jesus. According to James Bryan Smith, “This is why Jesus said his yoke was easy. If we think the things he thought, do the things he did and spend time with likeminded people, we will become like him, and it will not be difficult.”
Well that’s all for today! I hope this affects someone in a positive way!
