Have you ever been presented an opportunity that feels big and amazing but also…kinda terrifying? I’m talkin…something that would be amazing to do (in theory), would be so far out of your comfort zone that you literally can’t even imagine it for yourself? Because that’s exactly where I find myself right now. 

As I pre-record this episode for Monday, I am simultaneously getting ready to go do something that is pretty intimidating to me. I’ve been asked to be the speaker at a conference. It is an honor, to be sure. But it is also something that opens me up to potential failure. Because the truth is, in my own strength, whatever I have to say won’t be enough. Whatever I say… it will have to be God-given and delivered by the Holy Spirit. And with that in mind.. I agreed. This podcast was quite the leap of faith for me to begin with, but I’ll be honest in sharing: I hadn’t thought of it leading to other…more public…opportunities. At least with the podcast, nobody can see me and I can read what I have studied and prepared with the security of knowing I can edit or correct as needed. Speaking live? And in front of hundreds of people? It’s a whole other thing. 

It all kind of reminded me of the story of Gideon.  

Now, this was also a time when the tribes of Israel were supposed to be taking the inheritance God had given them. The land was there, and God had promised it to them, but they still had to go to battle to take the land. The Israelites were terrified though. Judges 6:8 sets up the scene… “The lord sent a prophet to them. He said to them, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I brought you out of Egypt from the power of Egypt and the power of all who oppressed you. I drove them out before you and gave you their land. I said to you: I am the Lord your God. Do not fear the gods of the Amorites whose land you live in. But you did not obey me.’”

I love this story. I always think of it when I hear stories of God using the most unexpected people. He said, “My clan is the weakest and I am the least in my family”. I mean, don’t we all feel that way sometimes? Like we are from the smallest place? Like we are the least qualified? And so, God loves to use us here. Because of it. God gets the glory when he uses the least of these. God gets the glory when it isn’t who or what people expect. I love, too, at the end how God tells him “if you are afraid to attack” go down and listen, and you will be encouraged. Just like I have been sitting in doubt and fear for days… I got up and went to this dinner. And I listened. And God gave me encouragement through a woman who was acting in her own obedience. I don’t know why, but He always always blows me away. His faithfulness is limitless. 

Today, I pray this will be an encouragement to all who hear. If you have something come up that feels big an intimidating… especially if this is something you KNOW is a God-given opportunity? Say yes. Be obedient. Don’t doubt that God would choose you. Because He did. Don’t be scared that God has called you…because if He calls you, He’ll equip you. And remember that 2 Corinthians 12 reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” See, sweet friends, He only asks for your obedience. He will do the rest. I pray you’ll be encouraged and emboldened today as you remember if He does it for other’s, He’ll do it for you, too.  

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