James 1:6

6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

An issue for me at this point is the doubt that creeps into my mind regarding my ability.  I believe that God has a purpose for me, and there will come a time where I will do something great.  The doubt enters in regard to the present.  I begin to feel as if, because of my past, I am precluded from doing significant things within the Christian community right now.  The judgment of others and the stigma attached to sin causes me to shrink within my abilities.

I begin to think, “how can I serve God knowing all the sexual behavior and sin in my past”.  How can I be used to do anything significant when I have fallen so short of righteousness?  I lose sight of the forgiveness granted through Jesus, and the grace of God which blankets me.  I still envision the long term, the time on down the road, in the far future where I will be called on for a purpose that far exceeds my comprehension.

The doubt that fills the present is the danger.  Removing the doubt is the struggle.  Trusting in God is the answer.