Face Fear or Falter
Face Fear or Falter
Have you noticed that when God decides to reveal something to you it shows up everywhere? It is in your devotional, in your conversations and even on your Instragram feed? Ugh! As much as I avoid saying it out loud, I must admit – I fear criticism. I do! And if I am being honest (oh, mercy – here it is) I even sometimes assume people are thinking critical thoughts about me. Now, how do I know what they are thinking? Well, I don’t. That is why assumptions are of the devil – right? We are assuming to know something that we do not know at all.
I am in awe of those who do not have this fear and are bold. Now, I don’t mean the arrogant and the proud who spew their opinions all over us. No. I am talking about women who are bold and do what God is calling them to do – even when it means criticism will surely come their way. I admire those who stand on the truth of God’s word and bask in His approval without seeking the approval of man.
We can be those women. We are those women, we just don’t believe it yet. So, let me share what God has sent my way in just the past few days…
God Transforms
It is so easy to say all the things we hear others say – like – this is just who I am, I am trying to change, I can’t help it. We can’t help it, but God can help us. We cannot change ourselves, but God can change us. So, what if we started each day with a simple prayer, “God, help me… grow me… change me… into who it is You created me to be. I surrender all to You and if there are areas I have not surrendered – please reveal them to me. God, help me look more like Jesus today than I did yesterday.”
God Has Approved Us
This fear is running rampant among believers. This week, I went to my doctor for a check-up. As she was examining me, we were chatting. She was telling me about a Bible Study she was doing with a group of women. As she was talking, she shared the study had revealed to her that she feared not having the approval of others. Seriously? Even her? As she was talking, I knew God was talking to me. Then silently this verse started playing in my mind – or maybe in my spirit… “For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10. Then out loud I said, “Why are we seeking the approval of others when God has given us His?” I said it to her, but I was also declaring it over myself. Anybody else ready to declare that? God has approved me!
Face Fear or Falter
When our fear is our focus, we will falter. We will delay, hesitate - dragging our feet, making excuses. You see, again – just being real – but sometimes I fall short of doing what God is asking me to do, because I fear what others will think or say. Anybody? But no more. You see, just this morning I read a post by Beth Moore. In the comments she had written, “If you live your life scared of criticism, you will not complete your calling.” WOW!!! That smacked me right between the eyes. That comment felt so personal and sent tears rolling down my cheeks. No more! No more! I will not let my fear cause me to falter from doing what my Lord is asking me to do.
I know others needed to hear this today – so I am sharing it. Will you share it, too? Let’s start an epidemic and choose our faith over our fear. Who is ready?
Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Hi Friends! There are new shirts in the marketplace that say “He is Everything!” He is y’all! He is everything we have ever wanted and everything we need. He has everything for us! Wear your faith and share the story of what Jesus has done for you! We are walking around in a lost and dying world. Maybe, just maybe a message on a t-shirt might make a difference to a stranger and change the course of her eternity. You are invited to visit the Marketplace where you will find the book - Saved by Grace, Now What? and graphic tees.
We need each other. Let’s encourage one another as we learn to take steps closer to our Savior!
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