12/7- The Spirit of Doubt

WEEK 2- Devotion on Matthew and Concentration on Spirits of our Age.  By Tracie Stewart

12/7 - Scripture           - “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21)

Like all children, I loved Christmas. But I also remember being terrified of one beloved Christmas tradition.  A Christmas Carol confounded me. What did one mean man and three spirits have to do with the holidays?  I was especially tormented by the Ghost of Christmas Future who seemed more Grim Reaper than Christmas joy. Over the years I have come to love and appreciate Dicken’s work, but I confess those spirits still haunt my nightmares!

As an adult I think there are spirits of the age and our culture that have the potential to rob us of our Christmas joy and more importantly, our focus on Jesus Christ. The spirit of doubt comes to mind. This time of year there is much pressure to do things well. Yet we can doubt if our gifts and abilities are needed. We may hesitate to involve ourselves in new ministries or to reach out and try and get to know others better. We may feel lonely yet doubt anyone cares. We may hunger for the wonder and faith of Christmases past yet doubt we can rekindle those feelings.

Joseph had a great love. But he doubted her loyalty and faithfulness. And who among us could blame him? But the Holy Spirit gave Joseph the confidence to return to his faith in Mary and to stretch His faith in the Lord to the point that he was able to be the step-father to the Son of God.  Our doubts tell us virgins don’t give birth. But faith, hope, and love proclaim that they do! Our God is a God of miracles who can transform us and our circumstances. If we seek Him and His perfect will, everything else – no matter how challenging or frightening – will fall into place. The name Joseph was instructed to give Mary’s child was Jesus which means “He saves.” Surely Jesus’ love for each one of us is stronger than our greatest self-doubts!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Save me! Send your Holy Spirit to fill me with the confidence to serve you each day to the best of my abilities.

Application: Try a new ministry that attracts you yet stretches your gifts. Enjoy it and let God use you rather than worrying about your abilities. Just do your best!