“Stop Running. Be Still. I have great things for you”, He’s been whispering; well down right shouting lately if I’m being honest with myself and all of you. I wish I could say I immediately dropped everything and faithfully followed Him, months; no….. years ago. Oh, I’ve started and stopped and found reasons why this MUST not be His path. There’s no way He’s chosen me for this, I’ve thought….time and time again. I’m ashamed to admit, I’ve let the enemy win some battles of the mind, even tossing around the idea that this was him trying to lead me down a path set up for failure, vulnerability, judgment, and embarrassment for me and my family. This was the way he would finally break me for good, the final nail in my coffin so to speak. I’ve wrestled with God, lost sleep, come up with every reason why I shouldn’t and yet He is still there knocking…nudging…whispering. I’ve filled my life with noise and busy schedules to avoid the stillness where I know He meets me. I’ve accepted fear of disappointing Him as a noble reason not to pursue what He seems to continually put right in my path. I’ve down right decided that I’ve messed up way too many times to have a valuable testimony. Some people have seen me at my worst and when those people hear my testimony they will laugh and share the moments I’m most ashamed of. How could that be a benefit to the Kingdom of God, when it sounds more like a win for the enemy?
It’s no coincidence that my last 30 devotions have been about making the time to be still with God so I can draw near to Him and hear with certainty His direction and feel His guidance. It’s no coincidence that this morning He made quiet time in my household for me to start the day with Him. Oh I almost didn’t. It’s rarely quiet here and I immediately started thinking of “all the things” I could get done. Then He reminded me of my last 30 devotions and I sat down on my bed with my Bible in hand and opened my devotional to a sweet, slightly harsh, MUCH needed message from God. There is NO time for resentment or feelings of shame. We’ve all been hurt. Resentment and bitterness can come and take hold and grow quicker than an unwanted weed. Don’t let it. Resentment towards self, was the one I wasn’t prepared for, but realized it has been like miracle-gro for these feelings of shame I’ve held on to. Ouch. Together they all ignite fear, negativity and throw up huge obstacles to any progression in a healthy relationship with Christ or anyone else. Isaiah 54:4 says Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.
Once we repent and ask for God’s forgiveness, we can let it go. We don’t have to live in fear, shame, or resentment towards others or ourselves; and we shouldn’t. To allow any of these to guide our life is the opposite of having faith and trust in God. We are chosen and He equips us for what He has called us to do.
Now I’m not over here living in a world of glitter paint and unicorns. I KNOW there will in fact be judgment, persecution, obstacles, vulnerability, failures, scoffing, doubters, and more on this side of Heaven when I’m following Him; but that’s OK, because the only opinion that really matters is His. He is the only one that will NEVER disappoint. His plan is perfect. His timing is always right on time. What He has for us is greater than anything we could ever imagine or do for ourselves if we would just follow Him. If I didn’t encounter any obstacles in trying to follow His plan, then I’m probably not actually following it. The difference is perspective. Instead of using all these as excuses NOT to follow, I’ll make them reassurances that I am following the one and only true God.
If you’re like me, trying to follow Him, but constantly doubting that clarity and discernment, I want to encourage you to MAKE time to get alone with Him, in the quiet, as often as you possibly can. There is never “too much” time spent being still with God. I know it seems impossible in the busy world we live in to find “quiet time”, but if you ask Him to help you find it HE WILL. Recognize it and seize it, even if it’s only 5 minutes. It will be the greatest investment of your day. I promise. Make the time. Lay it all down at His feet and let Him carry the burdens for you. Be still. Listen. He WILL guide you and you can move forward with confidence in what He has for you. Remember, the enemy will hate this and will try to throw up every frustration and roadblock he can to change your mind, slow your progression, damage your walk with God, but don’t let him win. Instead of making them reasons why you shouldn’t follow God’s path, make them reassurances that you are following His plan for your life, because if you weren’t, the enemy sure wouldn’t be trying so hard to stop you. It’s all in perspective. Ask for help, and Jesus will come running. As for me, it’s time to stop running away from His call and run towards everything He has for me.
Photo Credit http://hiscreationsphotography.mypixieset.com by Paige Yawson
