WHEN MOTHERS PRAY CHALLENGE # 13 - DOUBT AND UNBELIEF

 A DANGEROUS COMBO

 Doubt and unbelief is a dangerous combo that plagues the life of many mothers. This combo leads to hopelessness, restlessness, anxiety, identity and other issues.  You doubt it's going to be a good day, a good week, a good month or a good year.  Doubt that your children will succeed or remain well. Doubt that life will not be fair and that you will never be able to overcome your challenges.

While doubt sometimes gives you an opportunity to think.  Obsessive doubt that preoccupies your mind consistently can lead to unbelief even in the things that have been established and are true. 

Do you doubt your ability, is there a sense of uncertainty, hesitation, apprehension, skepticism or do you refuse to belief the things that you know to be true of God and His word? 

 

One writer states, "doubt is of the mind and unbelief is of the heart."

Scripture emphasizes that man believes with the heart in James 10:10

Here's an example: You committed a sin and because of the magnitude of the transgressions in your eyes you begin to doubt that God will forgive you. Your perception and continuous doubt that He will not forgive you brings on unbelief of the word that says, he is faithful and just to forgive you of all your sins.

 

A double minded person is unstable as in James 1:6-8 (KJV)
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Doubt is one of Satan's ploy to get you to disbelieve and have unbelief.

The more you doubt you will end up in unbelief and look less to God and His word. But prayer changes things.

 TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE ANTIDOTE FOR DOUBT AND UNBELIEF

When you begin to second guess everything and always have to see to believe you have purchased the combo for a crisis.  

 

When you reflect in your everyday life the combo of doubt and unbelief it reflects a sign of immaturity and a need for development in your walk with God.  The only antidote is Trust.  

Do you second guess everything?

Is seeing always believing for you like Doubting Thomas? It's a call to pray...

 

Pray that God will give you stability and a sound mind. Pray that you will have the mind of Christ. Pray that you will act on what you believe rather than what you see. Pray that you will not be obsessed with doubt, but that you will embrace every opportunity to trust the written word of God. Pray that you will believe those things that are not until they are in Jesus name.

 

ACTIVITY:  Read John 20: 24-29

How do you relate to this experience in your role as a mother?
What do you think Jesus is saying to you as he relates to Thomas, touching, feeling and seeing the actual?
How does verse 29 affect your present status of doubt/unbelief

What are you doubting that causes unbelief?

Write a story of your own personal experience with doubt and unbelief and what was the result.  

 

Remember, doubt and unbelief is a set up for a crisis.  It also shows a lack of trust and maturity.  Matured and trusting mothers, take their doubts to God in prayer.  Doubt is not unbelief, but if left unattended or unaddressed it will result in unbelief to your own detriment.  Doubt is a state of the mind while unbelief settles in the heart.  Wise up to the counsel and knowledge of God's word so you do not surrender your heart to unbelief which can pollute your spirit, mind, body and soul.  Be mindful and know that God not only knows your thoughts but sees your heart. 

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

 

Virtuous Jewel

WHEN MOTHERS PRAY CHALLENGE #3 - Prayer-less-ness

 MOMS ON THE GO

Let's face it- Praying for most busy moms is on the go. It's like grabbing a bite through the drive through- eating while you drive to pick up the kids, doing the grocery or running an errand on your lunch break etc... For some it's like a brief hello when you jump up from the bed to attack early morning chores. Some put it off for late at night only to sleep through the first dialogue

Mothers when you understand and know who you are and begin to spend time in His presence you will want to speak with him often.
If not you will be a powerless person. No prayer = No Power

Share your thoughts of the saying, "Prayer should be the key in the morning and the lock at night."  
How's your prayer life?
Are your children uncovered and exposed to evil because of your prayer-less-ness?

Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:23
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

John Bunyan states, "Prayer will make a man cease from sin, as sin will entice a man to cease from prayer."  Prayer-less-ness can be a sin that leaves the door open for other sins. It can also cause you to be weak, spiritually anemic and an inefficient Christian.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  PRAYER-LESS-NESS IS A SPIRITUAL DEFICIENCY

The bible urges us to pray without ceasing. There are many examples in scripture of men and women who have prayed and have received answers to prayer. You may also have many of your own personal testimonies of prayers that you have prayed that have been answered.  However, there are still many who cannot share the experience because of a prayer-less lifestyle. 

Just as there are certain nutrients that are necessary for the body, so is prayer a necessary nutrient for the Spirit.  The lack of nutrient causes deficiency in the physical, and the lack of prayer causes spiritual deficiency. 

Many mothers take time out to pray for their spouses, children, family, friends and others, and barely make time to pray for themselves as a mother or for their personal needs.  They are always giving even when it comes to feeding others and not eat properly themselves.  You must absorb the necessary nutrients to grow strong and so you must prayer personally to receive spiritual strength and grow spiritually.  
 
Prayer: Today pray for yourself alone- (don't include spouse, children, family, friends or anyone) - Begin by being thankful for the avenue of prayer. If need be, confess and repent of your prayer-less lifestyle. Pray that you will develop a relationship or deepen your relationship with God through prayer. Pray that you will make prayer a daily part of your life not just as another chore or only when you cry desperately for help, but that you will enjoy the moments talking and listening to God. Tell Him how you feel as a mother. Ask Him to strengthen you in the areas that you are weak. Pray that you will devote time for Him daily/consistently; ask Him to lead you into the areas of your motherhood that need restoration and healing. Pray that you will understand your purpose through the journey. Pray that you will be a praying mom. Pray that you will learn to pray for yourself. (What/how to pray for you.) 

Activity: Read Matthew 26: 36-46
How can you relate to that passage of scripture?
Do you find yourself sleepy as the disciple or as Jesus?
Find a mother and pray with her today.
Find pray scriptures and write them on index cards for learning
Read scriptures of prayers in the bible that were answered to encourage you to pray on.
Write your specific prayer in your journal today.

Tip: Find a secret place. Steal time to pray early in the morning and moments throughout the day. You will find Him waiting there!
Learn to talk to Him but also have moments that you just listen.

It is said that talking is therapy so why not talk to God in prayer.  There are also many promises to those who pray in scripture.  More so for the mother who will pray.  Make a personal decision to pray often and consistently.  Pray on for this is where the battle is won.

Remember, do not neglect the greatest opportunity to spend time in prayer.  It is your responsibility to pray as a mother not just for your family and others but to develop a prayer life that includes praying for yourself.  Prayer-less-ness may just be the reason for your failure and or defeated life. Don't forget to pray for praying rests the weary and prayer can change your night to day.  Pray on Mothers, Pray on!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel 

WHEN MOTHERS PRAY CHALLENGE # 1 ACCEPTANCE

ACCEPT YOUR REWARD

Welcome to our When Mothers Pray Challenge.  May 8th has been designated as Mother's Day nationwide.  The purpose of this challenge is because we recognize that many mothers are faced with severe challenges, hurts, loss and frustrations that sometimes allow them to see motherhood as a burden instead of a blessing.

Many also have difficulties accepting the fact because of the conditions their children were conceived under, or perhaps the challenges of their relationship and other life challenges.  Regardless, you must accept the fact that children are a gift from God and a reward to you as a woman more so a mother. 

Scripture: Psalm 127:3 KJV
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

This will not be the ordinary journey of praying that our children will be better, appreciate us more or we will be treated with better royalties and grandeur.  It is a journey that will take us on exploring our hearts and accepting one of God's greatest gift while praying about some deep rooted issues that bring about most of our issues.  You will be required to ready daily scriptures, pray, do some activities and journal your thoughts.  
 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN 

 

 

As you accept your gift, understand that God has specifically chosen you to bear your children.  You were the designated mother, and you must embrace that as His reward.  Yes, you were chosen to bring forth___________ (children name)

Today's Prayer: 
Pray that you will see, accept and understand that children are a blessing and not a burden.  Pray that you will accept every child as a blessing despite any flaws or disappointments.  As you pray, seek God's help and or forgiveness, if you are or have been challenged in accepting His reward of your children.  Pray that you will remain focus and at peace accepting your place in His plan of bringing forth each particular child for His purpose and glory in Jesus name!

Call each child name as you pray thanking God for each blessing. If you don't have any of your own, pray for a relative, friend or your future child.

Today's Activity:
Consider yourself as, "Blessed and Highly Favored.  Read Luke 1: 28-38
Journal your thoughts as you relate to the story in terms of your acceptance and readiness of your own pregnancy.  
How did you feel? 
What do you see that you can relate to?
What were your concerns?
Do you see the big picture as you read the story - Purpose/Plan? 
Do you have a story of how your fear of acceptance turn out as a powerful blessing?
Please share your thoughts stories and testimonies in the comments section of this blog. 
 
Remember, You are considered blessed and highly favored. God has chosen you, and had you in mind specifically to bear your wonderful children.  Give thanks for each of your children, and accept them despite the circumstances that they were conceived under.  Accept your forgiveness and move forward.  Be ready to salute, encourage and empower others in accepting the fruit of the womb as their gift and reward of the Lord- Be it unto you according to His word! 

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel