Double-Minded

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Psalm 94:19

Accepting the will of God becomes easier each day as you seek His direction and follow it. Most believers can honestly say, it is not easy to cast our cares at the feet of Jesus. When I first accepted Christ, it seemed effortless. I've heard seasoned saints recount their early walk and vigor of this new grace the Lord bestows on new believers.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11 King James

I too, recall this holy passion to boldly declare His testimony of how Christ severed the chain of sin and its indelible penalty of death off my life. I like to call it, "beginner’s grace," that was birth out of this spiritual release of the removal of condemnation on my soul. I remember the quickening of life and instant freedom from that bondage that gave me a new courage. It is this experience that brings an overwhelming joy to life that I had never before experienced. There is no greater love.

Then as we go through various battles; ridicule of others, rejection of our loved ones and ultimately face the reality that we are in a constant internal war. The battle of flesh against the mind of God, our eagerness begins to dissipate. The joy begins to fade, and our weaknesses seems to magnify and the "beginner’s grace" no longer sustains us.

For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:13-14 King James

Why have we become double-minded? Perhaps we have ventured away from God.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV

In order to experience the fullness of God's peace, the servant of the Lord must not be double-minded. This peace is a built-in reward that comes only from the throne of mercy. When we forget the testimonies of our faith, distance ourselves from God's word and those who are led by His spirit, doubt settles in where there was once peace. Peace comes from knowing. It is my experience that fears and doubt are sure signs that we have missed the mind of God. Peace is sustainable when we are willing to go through the process of accepting God’s consequences through obedience.

There is a reward for going through the process. Christ bled and died that we might live. I want the prize that a waits me once I’ve endured the trials of this life. We see this process displayed through the various stages of life's journey. The day I met my husband there was an expectancy of what was to come. Sure, I knew there would be a journey of a lifetime that would include discomfort, pressure and pain. Such as the day I discovered the face of each of my children after being tucked away within my womb. It is these precious moments of discovery and awareness that uncover a greater purpose and appreciation to the many trials we may face. In the end, one can rest assured that the progression, however challenging is well worth the process. Christ knew the cost to satisfy sin’s debt and was willing to pay it.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalms 51:12 NIV

A non-believer can never comprehend God's love so long as sin reigns in their life. Fortunately for me I’ve learned that Christ's spirit dwells in me and it is a well spring that can never be depleted. I'm convinced that Christians must remember how we once were so we never forget our former state and press forward to a higher calling.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9 NIV

A double-minded person is someone who has forsaken his trust in God. To consider two opposing viewpoints at the same time, contrasts the very nature of God. God intends for us to grow in understanding as we submit to His will, but He will never convince us against our will. A servant of the Lord must find delight in the ways of God. God’s will, will not always be pleasant to us. But when we accept it, will always be pleasing for us.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 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. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. 2 Peter 1: 2-9

Obedience and submission impels the hand of God. When we choose not to take God at His word, we hold back God’s hand because of our unbelief. Hebrew 11:6 says without faith it is impossible to please Him. Doubting is an excuse not to do what we ought to. It's hidden rebellion. Rebellion, the Bible refers to, as the sin of witchcraft. Witchcraft brings to mind conjuring spells, animal sacrifice or potions to oppress other for personal gain; however witchcraft is simply our futile attempt to take our lives into our own hands while hoping to remove God's consequence and produce our own. So if we desire God's reward we must not allow doubt to hinder our obedience. We must not be double-minded. The servant of God must hold strong to our convictions and stand on truth. Truth will release your feet to move because you trust in the Lord. Make a commitment to read God's word daily and surrender your cares to Him.

Say, "I am firmly grounded in Jesus, therefore I have the mind of Christ to accept God's will knowing His thoughts are perfect toward me, therefore I cancel every thought that is contrary to the heart and mind of God. I cheerfully without fear, anxiety or doubt release my concerns to You Lord, Amen."

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4

May the revelation of God's delight in those who place their trust in Him increase in faith and strength as we are girded in truth.


-a servant's heart

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