Promises Gripped
As I went through this past year, learning tough lessons on courage, God has shown me so much. One of the things I have learned has me really excited right now! I’ve learned the importance of not letting time slip away without following the inner nudging of the Lord. So often I have said things to myself like, “Oh, I’d love to do that someday,” or “If only I were braver or more talented or knowledgeable I’d do that.” I’ve even said the typical insecure statement, “Oh, I’m not qualified. God doesn’t want to use me.” And then, the opportunities passed leaving me feeling disappointed and more insecure than before.
But, no more! I am learning to not only listen for God’s voice, but to trust it as well, while hanging onto His promises! As I have stepped out in faith more and more often recently, God has encouraged me.
With each step, my faith is growing stronger as I listen and follow His leading. God is amazing that way, you know. During the times when we feel we are so insignificant, He’ll surprise us by reminding us that He chose us and has a plan for our lives.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:9-10)
I know for many of us, discovering just what it is that God wants us to do is difficult. I’m not talking about the attributes of Christ that He wants us to adopt or allowing our hearts to be changed by Him. I’m talking about specifics…a specific ministry or area in which to serve Him. And that’s where following that inner nudging of the Lord comes in. I decided that when an idea “hits” me, I’ll pray about it. Then, rather than simply putting it on the shelf and labeling it “For Later” or “When I’m Qualified” I’d take steps in faith to bring the idea to fulfillment. It sounds easy in theory. But, it takes courage, faith and trust in the Lord to get started! Fortunately, and praise God, He is happy to help!
I went through a time of loneliness and isolation last year. Now that God has brought me out of that isolation, I felt led to do something to help other women connect with each other. Loneliness is something that we don’t like to talk about, but can often feel. Now, as part of the Body of Christ, I want to do something to reach out. I attend Bible study, which is a great place to learn about the Lord while getting to know other women. But, I thought something less structured and more personal would be something other women might like. An idea kept on coming to mind, so I decided to pray and then take that step of faith. And guess what? I did it. I didn’t wait until I felt qualified. I didn’t think about if I were too old or too young, educated or not, talented or average. Instead, I put myself aside and am keeping a firm grip on God’s promises! God is able to do more than I can imagine and I am trusting Him.
What am I doing, you ask? Well, I’ve opened my home for an informal book club type group which focuses on friendship and Christ. We’ve been meeting together now for five months! In this group we have been discovering how to fulfill God’s purpose for community and connection for His people all while learning more about Him! The connections that have been made and relationships that have formed are such a blessing! God used my time of loneliness to encourage me to step out in faith…and what a joy that has been!
“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out.
Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.
Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out,
not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on,
especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, MSG)
All for Him, Joan
How awesome that you are using what you learned from your time of loneliness to reached out to others. I love the advice you gave about not waiting until you feel qualified… Thanks for sharing.
It has been such a great experience…this “experiment” to step out in faith! God has stayed by me and shown me that with Him, I can do all things!
What a great inspiration to us! I think we all go thru some lonely periods in our life but I love how you made something positive come out of what the enemy tried to use for destruction. Way to go! ((hugs))
That is awesome, Joan. I think it is neat that you have stepped out in faith so that you can encourage others through the book club.