One of the greatest joys in serving God is watching Him grow another believer. When someone steps out of their comfort zone and into an opportunity God presents, it is a beautiful thing! The piece below touched my heart as Michelle Willson transparently shares how she responded to God’s invitation. She offers wise words of hope and wisdom that will bless you. Perhaps she will encourage you, too, to be brave and step out! God is already ahead of you – ready to use YOU to help others.
When Nancy first messaged me and asked if I might be able to do a little speaking thing for this secret sister reveal, my eyes welled up with tears, and not tears of joy… (though they should have been because it is an opportunity for Christ to show when we are weak, He makes us strong). I prefer to be a “wallflower”; I’d love nothing better than to be seated in a corner of this room, soaking in whatever wisdom someone other than myself has to share.
In fact, I was sure I had managed to successfully live my life with this aura that screams, “Do not approach this woman to speak. Ever. “Maybe it was because the request came as a text message and somehow it just felt easy to be a brave keyboard warrior and respond ummm maybe, but mostly it is because I know better than to tell God ‘no’ and it is best to Trust and Obey, so here I am.
For weeks, I’ve pondered, wondered, and prayed, asking God to show me what it is I should say. I wanted it to be something that would encourage all of you in your walk with God. But I also feel like my brain is that giant bowl of cooked spaghetti noodles twisted all up in a crazy mess of so many different directions of thought. I wonder how on earth my husband does this multiple times per week.
As I was reading my Bible this morning, a side note about PERSPECTIVE popped out at me. It says, “God’s Word will change your life. It will! And one of those changes will be in your perspective on life issues. When you focus on the Word, you will view the world and your decisions the way God views them. You will be more sensitive to the choices you are making because Scripture “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
I struggle with anxious thoughts. I struggle with negative thoughts. I struggle with fearful thoughts. I struggle mostly with looking at things through the wrong perspective. More a worldly one than a Godly one. Praise God, He’s still working on me, and I’m learning to reign in the stinkin thinkin by looking at His word:
(Philippians 4:6-8) tells us Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, WITH Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.
When we put into practice looking at things as we focus on God’s Word, it makes a real difference.I have seen the difference firsthand. The days I intentionally surrender it all to Him go so much better.
When I remember we have a God who tells us to “Cast our cares on Him because He cares for us” 1Peter 5:7 (my favorite verse that got me through some hard times as a teenager).
When we look at things through an eternal perspective, we realize it is not necessary to “sweat the small stuff.“ Everything is going to be okay, because His word tells us in Romans 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Don’t fill your mind with things that lead to nothing. Set your mind on the right things, good things. Write them down, speak the verse out loud again and again….Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.
We do not need to be anxious. Philippians 4:6 & 7 tells us Be anxious for nothing.
We do not have to have that negative thinking, Romans 8:28, and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God.
We do not need to be fearful, 2Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear,but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Hebrews 13:5 He will never leave you nor forsake you Amazing, exciting, hopeful things are happening in our world. What perspective are you using to see? Praise God, we have the Hope of Heaven.
I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.
