Lately, I have been struggling with something that I felt the Lord has called me to do, but I wasn't sure, because if I do it, I take the chance of damaging my testimony. So I have been really torn about this particular ministry opportunity.
As I was talking a friend of mine yesterday, I asked his opinion. He had some great words of wisdom-
"If the Lord is leading and you have given your reputation to the Lord then what is there to fear?"
Well, that was received with a swift kick in the spirit by the Lord. :) And I have to say a special thank you to this friend because the Lord used those words as the springboard to what He really wanted to show me yesterday and today.Last night at church, the sermon was on expecting miracles, and you guessed it, it had a lot to do with FEAR VS. FAITH.
The teacher shared the verse- "Be not afraid, only believe." (Mark 5:36)
He also shared Hebrews 4:16-
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
At this point, I'm saying- "Okay, Lord, I hear you. I will step out in faith."This morning the Lord decided to drive the point home just a little bit more.
I suscribe to a website called DailyChristianQuote.com. Todays quote was-
"The reason angels can fly is because they take themselves so lightly."
At first I read it flippantly, and then I really looked at it. In a way, it's very true. When I focus on others and on doing what the Lord has called me to do, I feel like I'm floating on air, or flying. My spirit is filled with the Holy Spirit, and I'm letting Him have control, so I don't worry about anything, I just do. But on the other hand, when I focus on myself, and let pride get in the way, I feel weighted down, I don't have the Joy of the Lord as my strength.
In my devotions this morning I read the chapter of the day in Proverbs and this verse stood out-
Proverbs 15:3-
"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."
The Lord spoke a sweet peace to my soul through this whole thing, but this verse was what 'sealed the deal' if you will. I felt the Lord's arms come around me and He whispered in my ear, "What does it matter what others think? I see ALL, I know ALL. Don't worry about the outcome, just do what I've asked you to do. I'll take care of the rest."
Unless you have experienced something like this for yourself, you have no idea how much good this did me!So, I have determined to Boldly Step out in Faith and let God handle everything. It's not easy, especially since I have a tendency to over-think, over-analyze, and over-control issues. But I know that with the Lord's help I can do it! Philippians 4:13-
"I can do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth me!"
I will close with one more quote that really says it all-
"If you have the smile of God, what does it matter
if you have the frown of man?"
-Leonard Ravenhill
Thank you Kristin for your wonderful insights! This has been such a blessing to me. I've been struggling with a monumental task I KNOW I can't accomplish in my own strength. Stepping out in faith and doing only the tasks He gives me for the day is all I am capable of doing and all that He asks of me. Learning how to let go of the "what if's" is not easy for a planner!
ReplyDeleteHe is with us through the difficulties. If He's called you to do something, you are sure to feel some discomfort at times, but that's all part of the growth process. Letting go of what we thought and embracing what He's showing us makes us usable material.
Like David, we have to be willing to pick up the stones, endure the mockery and walk toward the giant. God can take it from there.