It’s almost March, in case you didn’t realize that!!
So this blog is probably going to be choppy, which might just be like the others 🙂
First of all, fear has been creeping up a little more each day as training camp and launch gets closer and closer! It’s also just been showing itself in every little thing that I try to do, whether it’s choosing and purchasing equipment for the trip, studying Revelation with some of my squad mates, or following God’s leading in certain relationships. Revelation can be a pretty intimidating and convicting read, but then when you read 1 John 4:18, John makes it pretty clear there is no room for fear, or at least that it doesn’t come from anything good.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
There are also just some other great verses that I wanted to share that address fear.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
This fear that is clearly not part of God’s plan also easily reveals selfishness. I am a very selfish person, often clinging onto things God clearly wants me to let go of, or not embracing other things He has in His plan for my life. Unfortunately, there were some parts in my mind that thought the World Race would be somewhat of a break from the many responsibilities at home. This idea was shot down in January, when I had the opportunity to go to Passion conference. There were so many good speakers and a ton of good music, (which btw was released on Spotify a couple of Fridays ago!!), but the phrase that has stuck with me most from that trip was something Levi Lusko shared…which will not be exactly word for word of what he said.
You cannot expect your ministry to be effective throughout the world of it’s not effective at home.
Ouch, how could he say that, I’m doing this to serve, so God will automatically make it effective and good, right!? This is where Love and the Outcome’s song became a little more applicable.
If it was all about religion
What to do, what to say
What to wear on a Sunday
All about perfection
Black and white, wrong or right, never grey
Well, I’d never make it
I’d never be good enough…
And then I threw my hands up, worries down
I remember when He showed me how
To break up with my doubt
Once I was lost, but now I’m found
No strings attached, when He saved my soul
I want you to know, the God I know
So instead of focusing on all the ‘good’ things I try to do in my own strength for God, my selfishness is trying to be open for anything God has planned, and now that I’ve shared that with the world you are my accountably partners in that!
Last thing I wanted to touch on is the unknown, which is scary and I’m somewhat of a control freak so I don’t like it! The anonymous giver, thank you so much for your support in my mission, but you unfortunately brought out another fear. How am I supposed to thank you!? How am I supposed to keep track of you on my spreadsheet!? Then I remembered that when we were talked to about giving, it is a ministry opportunity, and I don’t have to be so nosey and concerned with other people and every little detail they are doing. So, thank you again, and thanks also to all of those who have supported me financially and through your prayers!
Ok, so maybe on future blogs I’ll have to choose just one word to cover 🙂
But of course I have another song I’d like to share that deals with fear, and then also a link so you can listen to the Passion music on Spotify!!
http://open.spotify.com/album/0BewKZg8n2M3j3xvuT9ur6
Fear is a Liar by Zach Williams
When he told you you’re not good enough
When he told you you’re not right
When he told you you’re not strong enough
To put up a good fight
When he told you you’re not worthy
When he told you you’re not loved
When he told you you’re not beautiful
That you’ll never be enough
Fear he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
Cause fear he is a liar
Let Your fire fall and cast out all my fears
Let Your fire fall Your love is all I feel
