"Never will I leave you..."

Up until this point, I have been afraid; so much so that the fear was paralyzing my obedience to the Lord. I knew exactly what He wanted me to do, but ran away from it because I was afraid I was incompetent, too small, and far too weak... and would ultimately fail and disappoint. Bottom line: I wasn't trusting His strength, His faithfulness, His love, or Him. I ran away to comfort and familiarity- I was "safe" there. It's funny how you can run to safety and comfort because it seems easier and still not be at peace. Let me tell you something, Satan wants you to stay in your comfort zone- it keeps you from witnessing the richness of God's power.

When I think about being afraid to respond to a personal call the Lord has put on my life, I am reminded of Moses' self-doubt. He questioned and pleaded with the Lord to choose someone more qualified (Exodus 3-4). The Lord said to Moses, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" And God said, "I will be with you..." Moses continues to question and plead with the Lord. Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The Lord did not appear to you'?" The Lord answers Moses by showing Him His power.

There's also Jeremiah... I can continue to list stories upon stories of the Lord calling someone who was afraid or felt that they didn't have what it took, but they ended up being obedient and the Lord did incredible things through them.

"God wants to help you to grow by allowing you to see what He can do when you admit you can't. While a sense of your own weakness will help keep you humble before God, you shouldn't use it as an excuse for not doing what God calls you to do."- Priscilla Shirer, Discerning the Voice of God.

That's exactly what I did.

Thankfully we serve a loving, gracious, and merciful God.

He has whispered truth into my heart and continued to call me. This time, knowing His power, I am responding. Putting my trust in Him to do what He has promised and take care of me always. He says, "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you."- Hebrews 13:5 The very thing I was afraid of He promises NOT TO DO. Why is it that I am just now really understanding this?

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and I will bring you back from captivity."- Jeremiah 29:11-14a

I say all this not only to share what the Lord has done, but that you would be encouraged.

He loves you with an EVERLASTING love and cares for you deeply.