My Fear and Doubt

I often doubt myself, question whether I'm capable, good enough, and strong enough to do all that the Lord is prompting me to do. I question my abilities. In the areas I'm lacking, I feel the enemy constantly attacking me. One moment I feel confident and capable, knowing that if God is for me, who can be against me. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 (NIV) His strength and power is able to overcome my weaknesses. And then on other days, the enemy seems to be working overtime in the areas God is trying to free me up in.

I know that doubt, worry, anxiety and fear are not of the Lord. I know that when these feelings are overtaking me, I need to run to the Lord, open up His Word and fill up with truth to overcome the emotional manipulation of my human nature and the enemy. The Lord has a plan for each one of us. He does not expect us to feel 100% confident when He calls us, He just asks us to be available; available to allow Him to work in us and through us. We need to remember, even Moses felt inadequate when the Lord called him, "Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue. The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”  But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Exodus 4:10-13 (NIV). He didn't speak well and yet the Lord was asking him to speak not only to the Pharaoh but the entire people of Israel. The Lord knew his worry, fear and doubt in his inadequacies and short comings. He still required Moses to lead, trust and rely on God because in his own abilities, he fell short in every way.

God often uses weak and unqualified people because of their humbleness. God knows that when His Glory shines through, people will get a glimpse of HIS great power, faithfulness and love. He works in and through open and willing vessels (people). If you're going through a season in life where change can feel overwhelming, remember that God is bigger than anything you face. He is attempting to do a work in your life. Do not shrink back. Move forward in HIM. He is wanting to show and shine His love and greatness in you. Trust in His ability to move the mountains, to calm the sea, to give you His words and wisdom. Stand in faith and watch Him work, letting go of fear and doubt. Let God work!

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13

Feeling Discouraged, Defeated & Broken?

I pulled up to church and parked my car in front of the park. After a couple of steps, I noticed four young boys playing baseball. As I walked up I thought, "If that batter gets a hold of a ball he could potentially hit my brand new car." I hurried to get inside and set my things down and go back out to move my car...all the while my eyes were glued to the batter.

First pitch, "Strike." Second pitch, "Ball." Third pitch, "SMACK!"...a deep fly ball, going...going..."THUD" straight into the side of my car. I dropped my things on the ground and hurried over to check the damage and move it immediately.

Sitting directly in front of my car was the young outfielder, his knees drawn tightly into his chest and his face hidden deep in the pocket of his glove. I knew he was upset because he missed the fly ball; the possible damage to my car was the farthest thing from his young mind. He felt like a failure. Upon seeing his distress, my new, possibly dented car faded into the background as I stopped and told him, "It's okay, it's only one missed ball...you'll catch the next one." His head turned ever so slightly, a single tear filled eye blinked at me from inside the shadow of his glove. I smiled and cheerfully said, "You'll get the next one, you'll see." His head lifted from its hiding place; sweeping his arm across his damp face, he dried his tears, stood up and got ready for the next ball.

Do you ever feel like you're getting hit with life's "baseballs" or missing the opportunities you feel you should be "catching"? Do you find yourself becoming discouraged, defeated and broken? Are you finding it hard to get back up and move forward?

Just like that little boy, each of us face disappointments and failures; but you have a choice in those difficult times. You can continue to hide your face in your "glove" (wherever you run to be alone and feel sorry for yourself) as life's "home-run's" pass you by. Or you can look up from the darkness, brush yourself off and head back out onto the "field" knowing that today's failures are only momentary.

God has a perfect plan and purpose for your life. He will give you daily guidance, direction and encouragement. He'll make today's failures...tomorrow's successes. You are being refined. Let him work in you and through you. Remember...you are a tool in God's hand. Pray and renew your hope and faith in Him today. Allow Him to complete His masterpiece...you!

"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:3

"May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance." 2 Thessalonians 3:5

"I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices, my body also will rest in hope because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead you will not let your holy one see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence." Acts 2:25-28

"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5

Reach Above Your Fear

Story by: Lisa Petrarca

Certain situations can bring fear; fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of being out of control, fear of feelings, fear of love, fear of never being loved, fear of something real or imagined.

Life can throw things at you. Unexpectedly, you find yourself thrust into a situation that has you asking, "How did I get here?"

We all have this feeling at one time or another...no one is immune to it, you can however, learn to move in the face of your fear. It's not easy...it's actually kept me immobile for years, wallowing in self doubt, afraid of failure and/or how I might be perceived by others. I didn't take the steps towards my dreams. I stopped writing. I let my dream fester inside, shoving it down, letting my fear control me instead of walking in the face of it.

I'm learning to turn to the Lord for help. Allowing Him to guide me through daily prayer & scripture study. When I am overwhelmed and frozen, I pray for His help. Sometimes I'm only able to take baby steps, learning each day to lay down my fear, and put my Faith in Him. To rise above it, to look at Jesus' example. Asking each morning to be filled up with Love, Peace, Faith, Wisdom, Guidance and Strength in the face of my fear.

Seek each day to finish the task He has put on your heart...seek the Lord and overcome your fear.

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him my Savior and my God."
Psalm 42:11

"So do not fear, for I am with you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

"Have Faith in God," Jesus answered.
Mark 11:22

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31