Recently I read a blog, about the most productive way to blog, which seemed to hit a nerve and reveal some truths to me (not about blogging but) about the best way for me to live my life as God calls me to specific tasks. This blog is not a “spiritually” fulfilling blog, but a business blog that encourages one to progress in their online business…which I do not have! Honestly, I’m not sure why I subscribe to this particular blogger, but sometimes I secretly think that maybe…just maybe I’ll try this “online” thing and see if it is as profitable as Millennial’s declare. Seriously though, I don’t need another job, online or not…we have 7 businesses that are already operated out of our home! Nuts, I know!
| The subject of the blog I read was about throwing in the towel and how everyone faces discouragement and threatens to quit! Though I am not actually feeling discouraged or “ready to quit,” this bloggers 3 strategies to overcome these feelings made me think about the fabulous Restore Retreat that Kathy and I just held and the fears I faced in preparation for the retreat. Yes, I use the word fear for that is exactly the tool Satan tried to use to make me feel insecure, unworthy, and well…if I am to be honest, unqualified! The voice in my head (and we all have one) haunted me and stirred up an anxiousness that soon caused me to notice a racing heart and irritability. I found myself constantly exhaling to help relieve the physical anomalies. Once I realized what was happening in my “thought life” and how the Destroyer wanted to wound and obliterate me, I quickly shoved it and him behind me and pressed on in Jesus’ name! |  |
I encourage you to do the same because he is always there to attack when you are most vulnerable and when you are on the front lines in ministry for the cause of Christ. Satan is a liar and a thief! He wants nothing more than to steal your joy and fill your head with doubt! Perfectionism is the game he plays and knows very well how to make me feel insignificant and knows my weaknesses! Praise God for grace! Because of God’s passionate and steadfast love for me, He gifted me with a garment of salvation and clothed me with His robe of righteousness! In my dreadful, undesirable state of sin, God rescued me and it is only by His strength and might, given to me by the Holy Spirit, that I am able to do anything to bring glory to His name. He has called me and has entrusted to me to be His ambassador. Embracing ambassadorship is a role that we as Christians seem to forget. We have a message for the world! Realizing whom I represent and knowing the One who calls me His child, I must be obedient to what He asks of me, using His authority and power to convey His message. Transparently speaking, I struggle to maintain this attitude, but He still choses to use me despite my imperfections. It’s an honest heart and willing spirit that He delights to use. This past weekend was one of those special moments! And without realizing and not having read yet, I put into practice the 3 strategies that this business blogger shared.
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.”
I see these three strategies as a means to persevere when you are doing a God-sized task! And isn’t living in these days and times just that?! God-sized! More and more I realize how weak I really am and can only pursue day-to-day “living” by the strength of the Lord. He is my strength and my help!
I realize that I have to:
What great thoughts…even if this business blogger intended these points for a strategic business plan!
I realize that I have to:
- Put on my blinders
- Focus on what I have to give
- Find a cheerleader
What great thoughts…even if this business blogger intended these points for a strategic business plan!
When we put on our blinders, it stops us from comparing ourselves to others!
We have been tailor-made by the Master Creator, God Almighty! In His design of space and time, He created me (you) with unique gifts and talents to be woven with that of other believers…in the same period of time! Whether it is specific years, seasons of life, months, weekends or minutes, we were made to “compliment” one another. Not to compare! As part of the body of Christ, we must recognize the part we are to play and work together for His purpose. If you are uncertain about your spiritual gifts and talents, ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal them to you. It is not His desire to withhold or hide them from you. Do you understand that?! He gives wisdom and understanding - liberally - to those who ask. (James 1:5, Prov. 2:6)
We have been tailor-made by the Master Creator, God Almighty! In His design of space and time, He created me (you) with unique gifts and talents to be woven with that of other believers…in the same period of time! Whether it is specific years, seasons of life, months, weekends or minutes, we were made to “compliment” one another. Not to compare! As part of the body of Christ, we must recognize the part we are to play and work together for His purpose. If you are uncertain about your spiritual gifts and talents, ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal them to you. It is not His desire to withhold or hide them from you. Do you understand that?! He gives wisdom and understanding - liberally - to those who ask. (James 1:5, Prov. 2:6)
Once we realize our role, gifts, and talents, we must move forward with what the Holy Spirit has revealed to us. Focus on what you have to contribute! Move in obedience to the call that God has placed on your life. No one is more equipped to do what God has called YOU to do than yourself! It is here that I struggle. I’m always thinking that someone else can do this thing better! And though it is true that they may have greater skill, it isn’t what they were called to do during this specific point of time…it’s me! Perhaps you find yourself in these same shoes! God’s reasoning is often mysterious to me. Sometimes I chuckle at the positions and tasks He assigns because I know me. Other times, I’m completely scared out of my gourd! I’m continually learning to trust and obey…for there’s no other way…to be happy in Jesus…than to trust and obey! With each assignment, I know I must put self behind and press on in Jesus’ name for surely I rely solely on Him! He proves His faithfulness to me daily and I will forever proclaim, “Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me!” It is the theme of my life. Great is His faithfulness. When I focus on what I’ve been called to, my blinders are up and my God-spoken contribution lies steadily before me as I race toward the goal with determination. Run Forest Run! I hear the voice of encouragement…God’s voice, whispering sweetly in my ear! “I’ve got this for you,” He seems to say! And it’s then that I step up and speed on, relying on His strength, His words, and His guidance! I am ready for the God-sized task at hand, leaning ever so closely in His shadowing care as His ambassador.
Yes, this past weekend was glorious as God met with us and we learned more about awakening to the pursuit of our heavenly bridegroom. I must add that the weeks and months of preparation were quite a blessing from the Lord as He unraveled great mysteries and truth for us to share. I knew He had a message for these women. And as Kathy spoke of the customs and history of Jewish weddings, my heart nearly burst as once again, examining the great lengths and depths of Christ’s love for me. I could not contain my emotions as tears of joy streamed down my face.
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| A quick glance at the other ladies with damp cheeks and captivated posture revealed that God’s words were being embraced and His Spirit was washing over us, bathing us in His truth. And here I sit…(next to the keyboard which I just played to help lead in worship) being a part of something special in the lives of these women…Chosen by King Jesus…commissioned with gifts that compliment another (my ministry partner, Kathy) and for such a time as this! I am continually amazed at how God has chosen to weave together our hearts, gifts, and talents as we work together through Restore Ministries. |  |
You know, we all need encouraging. This leads me to the third strategy for pursuing what God calls me to. Find a Cheerleader! I tend to think that this point goes much deeper than one who will just shout out words of encouragement. Having another person in my life is important on many levels. I am so thankful for the many friends that continuously pray for me and the ministry that Kathy and I share. It is a special blessing to see them in the sea of faces as I stand sharing the truths that God has revealed to me in His Word.
9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if [c]either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not [d]another to lift him up. Ecc. 4:9,10
I need to surround myself with other members of the body of Christ so that I can be stirred up to love and good works and find encouragement.
Hebrews 10: 24,25
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
A cheerleader is one who really believes or is committed to me. They are loyal even when I seem to be not on my best game! You can count on a cheerleader to lift your spirit! They believe in you even when your confidence level is pushing negative. They chant out, sing, and dance over you! Isn’t that what God does in Zephaniah 3:17?
| New Living Translation: For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears.[a] He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” |  |
I know there are various theological views about Him being our cheerleader, but He does encourage us, prepares the way for us, leads and guides us, prays for us, is loyal and faithful, and He cheers for us so much that He has our name engraved on the palm of His hand! (Is. 49:16a) Who wouldn’t want Him in our corner?!
Is God calling you to a “specific” task that well,…scares you a little? Take courage!
The words in Sunday’s choir anthem continue to ring in my hearts ear:
Is God calling you to a “specific” task that well,…scares you a little? Take courage!
The words in Sunday’s choir anthem continue to ring in my hearts ear:
Pour out your Spirit; guard us with truth.
Make us courageous in all that we do.
Fill us with power, ‘til we’re unafraid
To go where You lead us, declaring Your glory, Your honor, Your fame!
(We Will Rise by Michael Farren and Todd Smith)
Make us courageous in all that we do.
Fill us with power, ‘til we’re unafraid
To go where You lead us, declaring Your glory, Your honor, Your fame!
(We Will Rise by Michael Farren and Todd Smith)
You, O Christian, the Bride of Christ; are bought with the blood. You, with gifts that compliment others, are woven together as the Church, the Body of Christ and must move as one, filled with the Light of Christ. The powers of darkness will rage but you must remember to stand firmly on the Rock that will not shake! Put on your blinders and stop comparing! Focus on what God has commissioned you to do, or say, or to go! Trust that God and the saints of heaven are cheering you on! Don’t be discouraged or threaten to throw in the towel! God’s got this thing and He’s got your back! He has entrusted you! And don’t forget Philippians 4:13!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengths me.”
Trusting His Faithfulness,
Sherry
Sherry
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