The seed of doubt isn’t planted with pressure that awakens you abruptly, the seed of doubt creeps in. Many times we only realize it’s been planted when it starts giving out fruit and we see our faith ground being broken. I recall and confess that there’s been occasions when I’ve been distracted by the many ways that life has to bring me chronic stressors that I’ve allowed that seed to be planted in my spirit.
That seed wasn’t planted with pressure because it didn’t need to. It only needed me to be distracted and neglect my faith soil, for my heart listen to that lie.
It is in the moments when we feel confident of walking in the will of God, praying, serving, walking in our calling, and pouring into others that he uses the smallest things to plant a small seed of doubt. It can be a comment we internalized, or a circumstance we couldn’t explain, and suddenly the whisper comes: “Maybe you’re not called for this after all”… “this isn’t working because it’s not the will of God”…”you’re struggling because you’re operating without God”…
Like many of us, I too have listened to that small seed of doubt. And wrestled with the truth instead of the lie!
I didn’t fully believe it at first, but I entertained it and what we entertain eventually grows roots and bears fruit.
That’s how the enemy works. He doesn’t need a door wide open and a welcome sign, he’ll take a crack and force his way in to residency.
If you listen to the enemy long enough, you won’t just hear the lies—you’ll start to believe them and eventually live them.
That voice that says: “You’ll never amount to nothing.” “You’ll always be a fraud.” “No matter what you do, things won’t change.” “They’ll never change.” “You’re not enough.” “You’ll never change.” “No one sees you.” “God forgot you.”
The reason we may give room for that seed to be planted is because the enemy doesn’t come screaming with horns and fire. He finds subtle ways to imitate God, and he will whisper to us. He will use people, places, and circumstances. Many times he even uses things, places, ministries, and people that appear good—Just like he did to Eve in the garden, he will find ways to make us feel that what we have it’s not enough, that what we do will never be enough. He can tease us, and offer us more to make us doubt of God’s will for us.
He said to Eve, “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1) In just a moment of doubt, deception took root over the greatness of God, over Eve.
That one moment… changed everything.
Here’s The Progression of a Lie: have you seen those motivational pitch videos or reels that breakdown the progress of a certain activity or program? They promise you’ll make a certain level of progress with either a meal plan or workout regiment in a 2, 6 or 12 week period? Yeah..
Well I’m not sure if they’re true or if they will work out, since one size does not fit all and we are all unique as individuals.
However, back to my point—the only truth here is that if you are too distracted, and let the enemy plant that small seed of doubt in your spirit, there’s a HUGE chance that in 2 weeks: You start believing it. You will feel off, and unsure as doubt creeps in. In 4 weeks: You may start living the lie. Your words will shift and you will replay the lie in your head like it’s the truth. In about 6 weeks: You could end up feeling more disconnected from God, the Bible feels dry, and it won’t make much sense anymore and prayer will feel forced. At week 8: You will be met with discouragement and stop expecting anything good. 12 weeks will: bring you isolation by pulling you away from community, church, family and true friends. By the time you reach 14 weeks: Resentment has been built up, you blame others, don’t see the truth, can’t set boundaries , and maybe even blame God. And by week 16: You run the dangerous change is feeling empty, and your faith will feel like a distant memory.
The good news is that if you’re reading this, there’s still faith within you.
But it’s important to know how the enemy works, with erosion.
God’s word over us is and should always be louder. His promises are greater. He still walks in the garden and calls us out, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9) Because He wants you to know He’s still looking for you. You may have wandered, but you’re not lost.
The lie doesn’t have to be your truth.
Trade the Lie for the Promise:
And then, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32
His word says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27
He is a real God, “God is not a man, that He should lie.” — Numbers 23:19
What 16 Weeks Trusting God can look like:
In 2 weeks: You begin to sense peace, even in the waiting and lack of understanding. 4 weeks later: You start walking with more confidence, because of who He is. In 6 weeks: You hear His voice clearer through His Word, as it becomes to feel alive in you. In 8 weeks: You notice that you’re gaining strength and don’t feel the urge to run from challenges—you want to face them with faith. In 12 weeks: You feel connected and notice that you are praying more, believing more, your prayer life becomes your oxygen. In 14 weeks: You find yourself building others up, and overflowing with the truth you’re receiving. In 16 weeks: You’ll breathe and exhale with a longing to live in freedom. You trust His plans over every lie that’s been planted over your life and are ready to kill it before it bears fruits.
Let’s Pray:
Father,
Today I praise you and Glorify Your Name, for Your Word is louder than any doubt. I silence every voice that does not come from You. I confess that there’s been times when I’ve given space to thoughts You never planted in me. I repent for letting lies shape my worth, my present faith, and my future. Open my ears to Your voice again, Lord anchor my heart in Your promises, that I never forget the greatness of your power. That your truth prevail in my thoughts taking precedence in my spirit.
Lord, I pray that you help me trust what You’ve spoken over me—over my family, my future, and my purpose. I reject confusion, fear, and shame and I receive clarity, peace, and truth.
You are not the author of lies—You are the Author and Finisher of my faith. Make me steadfast, Lord, even when it’s quiet may the guidance of your spirit be LOUD and clear.
I declare that even when I’m waiting, and when the enemy seems to be loud, that I will trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
©️2025 Denise Kilby New Hope MHCLC Assoc. All rights reserved.
