It ain't easy being a teen... and Jackie O. understands that well. Take her sound, faith-filled advice as we walk with God together.
Last night as I washed my face before bed, something interesting occurred to me. I looked into the mirror. A blonde raccoon looked back at me.
It was my own reflection, only I had a humongous black mask around my eyes. My mascara had smudged all over my face.
Smudgy mascara is a lot like the sin of disbelief. Just like smeared makeup, unbelief darkens our eyes from the truth, leaving a large stain. It causes our spiritual eyes to become blurred and our views to become distorted.
A person who doubts is a called a skeptic. A skeptic is someone who hesitates at the truth, especially religious teachings, including the Bible. Skepticism has the same effect in our hearts that blotchy makeup has on our eyes.
Being a doubter fills the heart with darkness. Why? Doubt divides us from the truth. The truth is that which is sincere. The truth isn’t always easy, but it is authentic and real.
Philippians offers this wisdom:
Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.
Philippians 4:8, TLB
Do you have any doubts or disbelief in your heart? Is it hard for you to stay focused on admirable feelings?
As you give all of your uncertainties to the Lord, He’ll wash away any misconceptions you have.
The best thing you can do is tell God about it. Disbelief causes us to stand far away, point and say, “I doubt that.” Instead, get certainty. Get out your Bible and search the Scriptures. Find out for yourself what God says by quieting your mind and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
I’m convinced that God has a Maybelline mascara remover bottle in heaven. How do I know? He has washed my darkened eyes from the smudgy sin of disbelief and doubt many times.
~ Jackie O.