Today, I’m feeling a little like the ten spies may have felt after scouting out the Promised Land. They saw giants in the land and gave a “bad report” because they saw themselves like grasshoppers… and they were terrified.
I was at a meeting yesterday where I am considered the Leader. I was in the presence of spiritual “giants” (in the most positive sense of the word). There were times when I sensed people expected me to say something. WhenI expected me to say something. But I didn’t know what to say.
I was very aware of the whispers of the enemy. “You’re not good enough, mature enough, faithful enough, gifted enough, strong enough for the responsibility you have been given. You’re not up to it. Maybe you should just quit…”
The problem with the enemy’s whispers is that they are often true. At least, that’s how they sound; that’s why they seem so compelling, so reasonable, so convincing. But they are only “true” if taken out of the context of our Bigger Truth… as those who belong to You, Lord. Apart from You, we can do nothing (John 15:5). But with You,all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Because we are not just Your servants, or even You friends. We are Your daughters and sons! (John 1:12-13). That is also exactly why we need to keep our eyes, hearts and minds firmly focused on You, Lord… not ourselves.
“Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3)
I am not good enough… but You are. “… for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)
I am not mature enough… but You are growing me up. “I always pray with joy… being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
I am not faithful enough… but You are. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)
I am not gifted enough… but You will not withhold anything I may need. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them… to each one, just as He determines” (1 Corinthians 12:4,11). “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
I am not strong enough… but You are all powerful. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Left to myself, I am not up to it… but You are. And I am not left to myself! “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name — you are Mine” (Isaiah 43:16). “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am Your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Oh, Abba… I feel better already! Remembering Your awesome promises as I soak here in Your gracious Presence is like “mainlining” an IV of Vitamin JC!!! 🙂 This is part of the daily battle for each of us… isn’t it, Lord? Discerning the enemy’s lies, grabbing hold of Your Truth… grabbing hold of You.
By Your grace, Lord, I won’t quit. I trust You in all things and give You permission, as always, to have Your way with me. Please do whatever You need to do in me so You can do whatever You want to do through me… and I can finish well the race You have set before me. I so want to put a smile in Your heart and on Your face with the offering of my life!
Gratefully yours,
Abba’s Girl