Mary’s Yes: Trusting God's Call Despite Fear

Summary

This episode explores the anatomy of self-doubt and how to overcome it by shifting focus from personal competence to God's character. Hosted by Dr. Christina Wilson, it offers biblical insights and practical tips for following God's call despite fear and spiritual warfare.

Key Topics

The role of self-doubt in spiritual growth

Biblical examples of faith: Mary and Isaiah

Practical tips for overcoming fear and doubt

The importance of prayer and community in faith

Takeaways

Self-doubt often masquerades as humility and is a form of spiritual warfare.

Mary’s response to God's call teaches us to focus on God's character, not our qualifications.

God prepares us for our calling, and He does not make mistakes.

Being aware of enemy tactics and discerning God's voice are crucial for obedience.

Resources

Luke 1:38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1%3A38

Isaiah 6:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+6%3A8

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Faith Mindset Series

01:44 The Question: Who Am I to Do This?

02:13 Recognizing the Nudge from God

02:53 Self-Doubt as Spiritual Warfare

03:52 Mary’s Courage in the Face of Fear

04:48 Choosing to Follow God Over Self-Doubt

05:16 Is Your Hesitation from Discernment or Qualification?

05:46 The Story of Mary and God’s Plan

06:43 Following God's Path Despite Self-Doubt

07:13 The Biblical Principles of Calling and Preparation

08:12 God’s Character vs. Our Qualifications

09:38 Three Tips for Obedience: Awareness, Discernment, Prayer

11:35 Shifting from Competence to Availability

11:58 PGD Outro_0.mp3

Transcript

Welcome to the The Positive Growth Doctor Podcast®! I am your host, Dr. Christina Wilson. 

Here is a question for you to ponder. What is the specific "Who am I?" lie you are telling myself right now?

We are starting a brand new series that I believe is going to hit home for a lot of you. This is the first of 4 episodes within the series where we dive into the 'Faith Mindset.'

Think about the last time you felt a nudge from God. Maybe it was a project He wanted you to start, that overdue difficult conversation, or for you to finally say 'yes' to a life change you’ve been putting off. 

What was the very first thing that popped into your head? For most of us, it wasn't 'I can do this!' It was probably, 'Who am I to do this?'

That is the smell of spiritual warfare, sister. Pay attention!

In this episode, we’re exploring the anatomy of self-doubt. We often mistake our fear for 'being humble,' but today we’re going to challenge that thought. 

Think about the life of Mary, a young woman who had every reason to be terrified, but chose to trade her 'How?' for God’s 'Who.' 

We’re shifting the focus from our competence to His character. Let’s dive into what it looks like to find the 'Yes' behind your fear."

Find the full transcript for this episode on your favorite podcast app. 

Please share the podcast with other women to help them grow on their journey through life. 

Don’t just invite your friends. Extend your reach by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. I appreciate you! 

God qualifies the Called: Mary’s Yes Was a Gift to the World

Let’s start with another curiosity question to guide you.

When I hesitate to follow God’s nudge, is it coming from a place of true discernment, or am I just waiting until I feel "qualified" to say yes?

Going back to Mary’s story of when the angel appeared to her to share God’s plan for her, it can be scary when God unveils His plan to us or even moves us in a certain direction. 

My son loves the story of Jesus. He used to ask to hear it every morning on the way to ABA. 

He especially loved it when I told him that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. I could see the wonder and excitement in his eyes. 

It’s no wonder we struggle with the nudge given the lies the world tells us on a daily basis.

Mindset Shifts for Moving Forward and Releasing Bondage of Self-Doubt

Our theme in this episode is choosing to follow God and overcoming Self-Doubt. 

God calls every single one of us to a specific path. We either choose to follow or not to follow His guide. 

Self-doubt is a beast, especially when it masquerades as "humility." A mindset of faith isn't the absence of doubt, but the decision to keep moving on the path God has set for us when in the midst of uncertainty.

The enemy uses Spiritual Warfare or the "Who am I to do this?" narrative to paralyze us and keep us from God’s calling.

The biblical principle here is the calling of Mary (Luke 1:38). Her "let it be me according to your word" wasn't based on her own qualifications, but on God’s character.

Also, in Isaiah 6:8 reminds us of this. “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

God doesn’t just call us to something. He prepares our hearts for what He has in store for us. It’s a well thought out plan He has. God doesn’t make mistakes.

We can think all day of all the reasons not step up to or all the things that can go wrong.

God chose Isaiah to share His message to others. Although it was challenging, he stepped into the call and was obedient. 

We can learn so much from Mary and Isaiah. Shifting your mindset when called is essential.

Here are 3 tips as you choose obedience

1) Be aware of the enemy. When you are accepting God’s call, Satan will come at you and do everything to distract and keep you from it. Increasing your awareness and being mindful of his deceit is imperative. 

2) Discern what is coming from God and what is an attack from the enemy. Ask yourself, “Is this doubt seeping in, or is it God’s preparation?” Remember that God will prepare your heart along the way. We are not moving through this alone.

3) Pray and stay in His word. This also means that you surround yourself with other women of faith who are there to support you and pray. 

This will help you think and speak in a way that brings glory to God but also keeps your eyes on Him as He guides you.

As we close, keep in mind that choosing God means shifting the internal monologue from competence ("Am I enough?") to availability ("Is He enough?").

I hope this helped! Let’s meet up again next week for the second of four episodes in this series: “Women’s Faith Mindset for Decision Making .” Be blessed!