Happy 1st day of March!!! This year is just flying by and I'm super excited for all that the Lord is doing in me and through me. I'm currently in a season of major growth in my faith, my calling, and my personal day-to-day life. I would be lying if I said this season has been easy but God is faithful and keeps showing me that I can trust Him to lead me down a path that is straight.
Over the past few months God has revealed to me just how much I tend to worry about pointless issues. He showed me how much I really didn't trust Him wholeheartedly. I would say "God I trust you" with my lips but deep down in my heart there was still doubt and my actions said otherwise. Once I realized that I literally had a mini-breakdown and cried out to the Lord to renew my heart and allow me to recognize that He has it all figured out and I don't. That I don't have to be in control of my life because He is in control of everything. I can literally trust in Him because He has plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
God is in control. God is in control. God is in control. I believe that many times we, including myself, forget that key truth and allow fear to reside in our hearts when facing new situations or challenges. What we may fail to realize is that when we allow fear to creep into our lives it holds us back from reaching our full potential and/or from achieving all that God wants and needs us to do. God wants to use us, no matter how young or old we are, to help others through the gifts and talents He has blessed us with and to ultimately glorify his kingdom. At times we may sell ourselves short before we even set foot in that board meeting, job interview, classroom, audition, or on stage. We may be already thinking how someone else is more qualified or experienced. We allow ourselves to be defeated in our minds before we even knock on the door of opportunity that the Lord is trying to open for us. I want to encourage you today by saying that no matter how big the challenge may seem if it is in God's will for your life He will make it happen and give you the grace to accomplish it. You can be assured that if you are allowing Him to lead and be #1 in your life it will all work out in His timing and in way that will allow Him to receive all the glory!
Now it's okay to be nervous about new situations, we are human after all, but don't let that turn into fear. Instead run to God and tell Him how you feel. Be honest. Let Him give you a sense of peace and reassurance that only He can offer. I came across this while studying Philippians 4:7 earlier this week: "God's peace is different from the world's peace. True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control..." I know from personal experience that when you truly receive the revelation that God is in control you begin to look at life from a totally different perspective. Romans 8:28 says that "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." So I know that no matter what happens in my life whether I consider it to be "good" or "bad" in the end it's all going to work together for my good in some way, shape, or form. I may not realize it until years later but it's all a part of God's divine plan for my life.
Speaking of worrying and fear, yesterday I started teaching an adult modern class at a dance studio in Connecticut. Now I have no problem teaching children and teenagers, I do that 6 days a week and love every second of it. For some reason though the thought of teaching people older than me immediately caused me to start to doubt my abilities. Some of the following thoughts passed through my head:
"What if they don't like me?" "What if no one shows up?" "What if they don't like how I'm teaching?" "What if they think I'm too young?" "What if they don't like modern?"
So I had 2 options here:
1- Allow worry & fear to overtake my mind and cause me to not use my gift to it's fullest potential
or
2- Refuse to dwell on those thoughts and remind myself of what God's Word says
Well I chose option #2 and the Lord immediately reminded me of the following Scriptures:
Joshua 1:9 "This is my command- Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Ephesians 2:10, "For I am God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared me in advance to do"
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind"
Psalm 37:5 "Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you"
I kept meditating on these thoughts throughout the day and gained a sense of confidence that I have never ever experienced before. And guess what? The class was wonderful, I learned a lot, the adults really enjoyed the class, and I believe a new door of opportunity has presented itself. I'm so glad that I didn't waste time worrying about something that God had already prepared me to do. That I didn't allow negativity, fear, or my insecurities rule in my heart and keep me from growing in my calling and from reaching out to more people.
I want to leave you with a quote by Marianne Williamson that has inspired me to not let my fears or insecurities rule my life but to always do my best. To see myself how God sees me!
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.' We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
God is calling us!!! He needs us now more than ever. To not be afraid to let our lights shine!! To not be afraid to use the gifts & talents He has given us to glorify Him!! God wants to work through us to point people to Him. He is trying to prepare us for the future. We can't be afraid of change, challenges, or allow our insecurities to affect our decisions or attitudes towards life. Yes, with change their is a sense of uncertainty but although we may not know what the future holds, we know who holds it. Will you answer God's call? Will you allow Him to lead your life? Will you allow Him to use you? Will you say no to fear and welcome change and growth into your life?
I pray that this inspires some of you to allow God to help you overcome your fears and begin to really trust that He is in control. To give your insecurities, worries, and doubts to God and allow Him to give you peace and direct your path. You were created on purpose and for a purpose. Let your light shine and don't hold back from what God has called you to do!!!
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." -Matthew 5:16
Peace, Blessings, & Love
Cierra :)
Loved this! Amen
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a wonderful message. Amen
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