Some people suffer from self-doubt and self-worth. Dr. Kathleen Smith offers these tips to help. She says we should replace negative thinking with the positive; take an inventory of our abilities and talents; acknowledge our successes, stop comparing ourselves to others; eat healthly food, and exercise. Years ago, Hannah, described in 1 Samuel 1, likely suffered from self-doubt and self-worth. She was one of two wives for Elkanah and she was childless. To make matters worse, Pininnah the other wife, often mocked and made fun of her because she didn’t have children. Her husband tried to comfort her by showing special favor, but none of his efforts satisfied her deep longing to have children. Being childless, she felt incomplete. So year after year she pleaded with God in prayer to let her have a child, promising to give him up to serve God if she bore a son. Well, God answered her prayer, gave her a son that she named Samuel. He became a notable leader in ancient Israel. Sometimes God’s delay in answering our prayers is to prepare us for a blessing beyond our wildest imagination. While we wait for God to answer us, we find confidence and fulfillment by drawing near and having faith in Him.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
