In these moments of negative pondering, voices of insecurity, inadequacy and fear of rejection and failure began their chatter... “You’re not good enough. You’re no one.” “You shouldn’t be doing ministry when you’re so shy, without credentials to be here.” “You are going to embarrass yourself." “You’ll be mediocre at best.” “So many others do it better than you.” "You have no special qualities." "Don't let them inside your heart, they will hurt you." And on and on the chatter goes.
Depending on the strength of my faith that day, it may only take one whisper to shut me down, as other days words bubble over the smoothed edges of my torn down barrier walls and I feel empowered in Godly strength to conquer Goliath as he taunts me from the mountain I am about to cast out. Time heals all wounds? Sorta. I accredit it to mercy healing rather than something that simply fades away. God is our Healer and Defender, our Great Physician and Counselor. With each passing day, my hope renews in the anchor of Christ, my Cornerstone.
Fear can be a silencer of faith if we aren't careful. Faith needs to be greater so fear has no hold. Thankfully fear no longer paralyzes me from sharing my heart in ministry, with friends and in my home as it once did. I may be cautious but I am not calloused. My soul trembles in utter joy at the opportunity to share His grace and love with others, drowning out the doubts and lies of deception. Not gonna lie, there are also moments fear wells up in the pit of my throat and I wonder what I have just said or done. I wonder what they might think of me, and if I will be a discredit to my God when they find out this girl is so “less than."
Trust has always been an issue for me. The Lord has done a great healing in that part of my heart and mended many a wounds, a healing balm is He. I have lived years behind a protective high and wide barrier wall to now finally surrender to the work of my Reigning King, allowing Him to be my Shield and Defender. I don't know if I can say there is absolutely no wall, but there is a better filter of discernment. I trust my heart, mind and soul are guarded in the armor of God. Nothing penetrates what He doesn't allow. My heart belongs fully to Christ My Savior, where my trust is anchored in His Truth. My identity and worth is esteemed in His love for me.
This God, the Perfecter of Faith, I Am, Ruler over All, quiets my fears. My Gracious, Faithful, Abba Father speaks volumns in the stillest of voices, “You are My child and that qualifies you enough. Your relationship with Me is witness to My unending grace and unconditional love. I have allowed you to suffer trails in this life to make you stronger in Me, and not shame you. My blood over you is proof enough of my love and faithfulness to you. You do not need to know everything about everything. Share your the heart I placed within you and love as I have loved you. Trust Me as I equip you with all you need. I will always provide for you. You are mine and that is enough. Nothing passes through my watchful care without my knowledge. Pain and trials will be purposeful and thorns will be as reminders to not lean on your own understanding, but turn to Me. Do not be afraid.”
God is for us even when it feels like the world is against us. Scriptures tell us the evil one seeks to kill and destroy us. Sadly, we don’t make it hard for him. A few trials and betrayals, and we are hiding under the covers. One poor decision and we think we have discredited our portion of mercy and grace. One bad thought and we are unforgivable. Where is our faithfulness and loyalty of trust to the One who loves us most? The Only One who gave His all for us. Are we so easily swept away by lies and deceit?!
Satan has done nothing for us but lie and lead us into paths of unrighteousness while God stands ready as Shield and Defender to fight and resist the temptations to fall into the net being cast at our feet. It is crucial to be in The Word of God, in intimate and constant fellowship of God our Savior, but this doesn't mean we will know everything. We need not be scholarly in order to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. Our testimony wrapped in the arms of mercy and love is power enough. We are walking billboards for The Gospel when we walk, talk and live out our faith, loving and forgiving others as Christ loved us.
Counting it all joy when we face trials of many kinds, hoping for glory revealed, hearing the whispers of both voices yet only believing and trusting One, we display His goodness and faithfulness. We are not victims of "less than" and "incompleteness." We are more than conquerers in Jesus Name. We are made powerful in likeness of the only One with the power to save. Jesus, the name above all other names. Like Paul, we can boast in our weaknesses, for His grace is sufficient for us despite the evidence of deep winding scars and thorns embedded within our flesh. Like Job, we can loose much and be surrounded by naysayers, and yet still believe that Christ is our only Hope and King.
God is for us even when it feels like the world is against us. Scriptures tell us the evil one seeks to kill and destroy us. Sadly, we don’t make it hard for him. A few trials and betrayals, and we are hiding under the covers. One poor decision and we think we have discredited our portion of mercy and grace. One bad thought and we are unforgivable. Where is our faithfulness and loyalty of trust to the One who loves us most? The Only One who gave His all for us. Are we so easily swept away by lies and deceit?!
Satan has done nothing for us but lie and lead us into paths of unrighteousness while God stands ready as Shield and Defender to fight and resist the temptations to fall into the net being cast at our feet. It is crucial to be in The Word of God, in intimate and constant fellowship of God our Savior, but this doesn't mean we will know everything. We need not be scholarly in order to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. Our testimony wrapped in the arms of mercy and love is power enough. We are walking billboards for The Gospel when we walk, talk and live out our faith, loving and forgiving others as Christ loved us.
Counting it all joy when we face trials of many kinds, hoping for glory revealed, hearing the whispers of both voices yet only believing and trusting One, we display His goodness and faithfulness. We are not victims of "less than" and "incompleteness." We are more than conquerers in Jesus Name. We are made powerful in likeness of the only One with the power to save. Jesus, the name above all other names. Like Paul, we can boast in our weaknesses, for His grace is sufficient for us despite the evidence of deep winding scars and thorns embedded within our flesh. Like Job, we can loose much and be surrounded by naysayers, and yet still believe that Christ is our only Hope and King.
Friend, pay attention to the smallest of whispers and discern if they are the voice of a tempter or a Savior. Then, allow Truth to wash over you and strengthen you for today. Trust He has your heart in His. The blood of Calvary and the Empty tomb remind us He is mighty to save! He has sent a Helper who enables us to discern the will and whispers of God. Rest in the stillness of His great love for you.
Praise the Name of Jesus, for He is able to do exceedingly more than we can ever think or imagine. His grace has enough space for you! His message is in you and ready to be shared. Hear His call, and go! You’ve got this 'cuz He’s got you!
(Just a few) References:
Joshua 1, Proverbs 3, Psalms 19, Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 15, Ephesians 6, James 1
(Just a few) References:
Joshua 1, Proverbs 3, Psalms 19, Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 15, Ephesians 6, James 1
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