God is revealing his plan and purpose in unmistakable ways. Yet, in the midst of joy and excitement, comes fear:
Fear that I get in the way
My desire is to lead people to a greater knowledge of God and a deeper relationship with him. But:
I fear getting in the way; of being an obstacle in the course
I fear I might let my stubbornness, my insecurity, and my pride influence decisions
I fear I might jeopardize His plan somehow
I fear my fear
I fear my fear becoming my obstacle
I don’t want people to have to go around me, I want to follow Christ and lead others where he is taking. I don’t want to get in the way.
My verse for today: “Humble yourself, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
I will trust that His plan is far bigger than me. He will not let me a stumbling block if I continually humble myself before him and before others. I will trust that He will do this.
So, today, I choose to hand him my fears because he cares. He cares not only for the plan he is unfolding but he cares for me.
At the time of delivery I am not fearful, it is afterwards that I begin to doubt, "could I have done better." "Did they get the point?" Nothing can be change now - so I must learn to trust that what was said and done was what God wanted and then let my worries go
ReplyDeleteoh, ha ha. my post is on fear, too. can be crippling, yes? love love love the verse you use as a weapon.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - not fearing, trusting Him. A great word for me. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteSomeone in our Life Group shared that verse with me yesterday. He pointed out that we can't cast our cares on Him without letting go! For me the point was more that my self-reliance (pride) stands in the way of full surrender. Working on that!
ReplyDeleteYou've probably already done this, Shanda, but one thing that's helped me in terms of fear is to hunt it down in scripture, also faith and love, which neutralize fear. You're so strong in the Lord, and--as you've indicated, above--you're keeping your eyes on Him. He's really using you and will continue to do so; I feel sure. God bless you, Sister.
ReplyDeleteI can identify with your fears. Sometimes I think my fears seems greater the older I get. Perhaps I'm closer to understanding how much I need the Lord and how inadequate I am without Him. Thanks so much for your blog and for hosting this blog hop. Gail
ReplyDeleteIf God has a specific purpose and plan for you, I don't believe you can mess it up. Not as long as you are seeking his leading.
ReplyDeleteShanda, my 2012 word is "obedience" and it is no sister to fear. Thanks for the encouraging post!
ReplyDeleteFear is so real in our lives, yet I believe you are doing exactly what you need to be with it...offering it up. And keep believing in that plan God is revealing!
ReplyDeleteIn all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presencesaved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
ReplyDeleteIt comforts me to know He is with me in my fear. He carries us.
Thank you for this encouraging post.
I find myself casting much anxiety on Him lately...
ReplyDeleteI have the same fears. Shanda. At least we aren't alone lol
ReplyDeleteWonderful post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great verse to lean on! Don't you find it interesting that we first must humble ourselves before we can give Him our fears? When you think about it, our pride is what keeps us from giving God our fears in the first place. I can tell you now that God has made an effective ministry for you to participate in on the internet. I'm sure it is the same with your speaking. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ms. Shanda for letting me join again this week. HOPE you have a great day!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are good fears you write about, Shanda. Don't you think? We need to be cautious about ourselves and rest all our confidence in Him instead. I'm struck with how harmonious your fears are with the ones I just expressed in my linked post for today. Wow! And others have been considering their fears. I also find interesting how 1 Pt 5:6-7 gives two seemingly (at first glance) very different and disconnected actions, but how they really aren't at all.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff! Seems God's at work here, doesn't it?
And may He richly bless you in the path in which He's taking you!
I also have those same thoughts from time to time. And I always hope that being alert to them means that what I fear won't come to pass. The scripture verse speaks volumes.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite verses. Thanks for the link up Shanda. My link is open on my blog now.
ReplyDeleteI can identify with you. A lot. And I, too, ran across that verse again recently. It's so comforting, and there's so much hope in it! Thanks for being honest.
ReplyDeleteThis was an enlightening post today. Yes, fear can certainly get in the way. Fear has to be replaced by faith; and I know you have great faith. Love following your blog posts.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying with you Shanda. I also need the same prayer. May our fears not cause us to stumble or be frozen up in our paths to share God's truth. May our fear be in Him always so we will gain much wisdom and knowledge from His Word to share to the world. God bless you always...
ReplyDeleteShsnda, this really spoke to my heart. Without Him, we can do nothing, so when we start to concentrate on our own weaknesses, we're getting in His way. His strength is made perfect in our weakness, if we put aside our pride and self-reliance and yield to His perfect will. Thanks for the beautiful reminder.
ReplyDeleteLove your honesty. I too have been thinking of what obstacles continue to persist between God and me and seems like my self doubts have been a major one lately. I guess awareness is the first step. Thanks for hosting this blog hop each week too. off to check some of the other blogs out.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful and I believe it will resonate with so many people. I loved the chapter about fear and worry by JoAnne Weaver in Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. Have you read it?
ReplyDeleteHappy seeing beautiful!
Thank you very much for letting us share with you. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteI love the part that says cast your anxiety on Him! I need to do that often! : )
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your post today. I feel the same way. I want to get self out of the way so God's light will shine through.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heart today!
Hi Shanda,
ReplyDeleteIt just amazes me how God leads us to the same Scripture at the same time! He has a greater purpose we can't even imagine. I love that!
Thank you for hosting the link up!
In Christ,
Laura
Thank you for those reflections and for inviting me to this blog hop.
ReplyDelete