Author Darlene J Conard

We have all experienced the pain of hearing negative words spoken by someone. It can be hurtful when others say things, like, “You can’t do this or that right.” I have heard such phrases throughout my life, and even though I have learned to put up a shield when those arrows come flying toward my heart, they still sting.

As I meditated on these things this morning, I realized something profound through the scripture. Job’s wife said, “Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God and die” (Job 2:9-10). Her words were meant to discourage and break Job’s spirit.

In these scriptures, it becomes clear that when someone speaks words that contradict what God has said, it is important to remember that God doesn’t respond to doubt. We must believe and not doubt because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind (James 1:6-8). Doubt makes us unstable, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of God’s promises.

This realization makes me search for myself and repent. I don’t want to limit God’s power in my life by doubting His promises. I have seen what God can do. I know that He is doing great things even now. However, I also understand that change takes time, and people struggle with their doubts and fears.

In conclusion, we must learn to put up a shield when negative words are spoken against us, and we must choose to believe in God’s promises, no matter what. “Therefore, I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24-25 KJV

“Faith is a way of waiting—never quite knowing, never quite hearing or seeing, because in the darkness we are all but a little lost. There is doubt hard on the heels of every belief, fear hard on the heels of every hope, and many holy things lie in ruins because the world has ruined them and we have ruined them. But faith waits, even so, delivered at least from that final despair which gives up waiting altogether because it sees nothing worth waiting for.” 
– Frederick Buechner, Secrets in the Dark

Tommy Bailey Thank you for the use of your beautiful photography! God bless you!

Evening Light Flaring off Williams River Stretch ©Photographer Thomas Bailey of Richwood, WV

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