You are mine
“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.’” (Isa 43:1)
“I thank God for each of the things I lacked growing up.” That’s an odd way to start a thought, wouldn’t you agree? I know! But bear with me, please.
I recently came across the following statement by Michael Hyatt—“Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the willingness to act in spite of my fear.” And, frankly, it was refreshing to have that frame of mind brought up. But when you struggle with anxiety (and fear for that matter), sometimes phrases like that are “easier said than done.”
Mind you. I’m really not the outspoken type. But, realistically speaking, how does this work in every day life? Even more so, what do you do when you’re about to step into a new life’s chapter so incredibly nerve-racking looking?
A God-given epiphany redirected me towards something I cannot argue with—my identity. He aimed at the core of the issue by bringing to memory how I’ve been rescued, how He truly knows me, and how I belong to Him (Isa 43:1). Therefore, why would I fear? Fear is a liar authored by the father of lies—Satan (Jn 8:44).
Unfortunately, in our sinful state, lies can be as powerful as truth. Hence, if perfect love casts out fear (1Jn 4:18), then by contraposition, the opposite is also true; perfect fear casts out love.
Consequently, I welcome this blank page holding on to Isaiah’s declaration. In fact, as a friend of mine mentioned—“Do it scared.” Unbeknownst to her, those words became a propeller that will push me forward despite any paralyzing fear. Simply put, those words encapsulate my willingness to act amidst the Lord’s assurance.
In the end, have I always lacked courage?—yes!, but I thank Him for that. Why? Because if I do it scared, it’s in my weakness that His strength will always be perfect (2 Cor 12:9). If I do it scared, He’ll help me to bravely walk away from the usual, the familiar, and into the unknown...every single time (photo).
All praises to God alone!
How can you see the Lord using your biggest fear to bring Glory to His name today?
“I thank God for each of the things I lacked growing up.” That’s an odd way to start a thought, wouldn’t you agree? I know! But bear with me, please.
I recently came across the following statement by Michael Hyatt—“Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the willingness to act in spite of my fear.” And, frankly, it was refreshing to have that frame of mind brought up. But when you struggle with anxiety (and fear for that matter), sometimes phrases like that are “easier said than done.”
Mind you. I’m really not the outspoken type. But, realistically speaking, how does this work in every day life? Even more so, what do you do when you’re about to step into a new life’s chapter so incredibly nerve-racking looking?
A God-given epiphany redirected me towards something I cannot argue with—my identity. He aimed at the core of the issue by bringing to memory how I’ve been rescued, how He truly knows me, and how I belong to Him (Isa 43:1). Therefore, why would I fear? Fear is a liar authored by the father of lies—Satan (Jn 8:44).
Unfortunately, in our sinful state, lies can be as powerful as truth. Hence, if perfect love casts out fear (1Jn 4:18), then by contraposition, the opposite is also true; perfect fear casts out love.
Consequently, I welcome this blank page holding on to Isaiah’s declaration. In fact, as a friend of mine mentioned—“Do it scared.” Unbeknownst to her, those words became a propeller that will push me forward despite any paralyzing fear. Simply put, those words encapsulate my willingness to act amidst the Lord’s assurance.
In the end, have I always lacked courage?—yes!, but I thank Him for that. Why? Because if I do it scared, it’s in my weakness that His strength will always be perfect (2 Cor 12:9). If I do it scared, He’ll help me to bravely walk away from the usual, the familiar, and into the unknown...every single time (photo).
All praises to God alone!
How can you see the Lord using your biggest fear to bring Glory to His name today?
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| Chester, PA |
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