It’s a big thing to be willing. For many (myself included) willingness is a hurdle in and of itself.
Often we might think we are willing, but the fear that is yoked to our willingness is so big and bad, it chokes any excitement over what God might have us to do.
Fear can be a real bully.
Fear tells us so many lies. Actually, it’s the evil one who tells us the lies… he just uses our fears, insecurities, doubts, etc. as the carrier pigeon.
Whether you fear if you can ever really do what it is God has asked, or you fear if every “good” thing you do is really motivated out of pride–
Either way your willingness takes a swift punch to the gut by the fear that follows quickly on its heels.
Bianca Olthoff said something last October that stood out to me on this–
“We need not be adequate, but we MUST be available.”
She went on to say that “Clarity is knowing what God wants you to do. Courage is believing God is actually going to DO it!”
Whoa. Such truth.
Clarity is a beautiful gift. Clarity can come from pain and joy, and it often involves both. But, Courage? A DAILY battle. But we must keep fighting that battle. We CANNOT give in to the hissing lies whispered in our ear.
“You are not parenting this child right. You’re doing something wrong..”
“You aren’t what that Bible Study needs… you don’t have enough experience.”
“You never finish anything.”
“You are ordinary. So ordinary that you have nothing to offer.”
Keep fighting. Don’t expect that because you are willing, you won’t have to fight off the lies of fear. More importantly, keep asking God to answer that door when the great liar knocks. But don’t expect him to ever go away. As long as you are a threat, he will keep knocking.
And a woman who fears the Lord and desires to be obedient and courageous, a woman who carries the light– is a threat to darkness.
Linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker and the amazing Five Minute Friday crew!
Stopping by from FMF, and thank you for writing that, because that’s exactly my battle! There’s actually tears in my eyes as I write this. Your blog is lovely and upbeat. Many blessings to you!
Oh, Cynthia, I needed to read this today. Thank you so much for being willing to share these words.
Whoa – a threat to darkness! Being willing and being available is totally worth it when we threaten the darkness. Great post, Cynthia!
hey… are you a motivational speaker in another life?
great words… super encouraging and challenging 5mf write this week. thanks for sharing!
How true…”a woman who carries the light– is a threat to darkness.” And you are so right, as long as we are a threat, we will be attacked. And God is always wiling to provide a way out. If we are willing to accept. I appreciate your words of encouragement today. Thank your for your willingness to write and share from your heart! 😀
What beautiful words of encouragement. Thank you for sharing.
Oh, my! I don’t know how, but I think you wrote this with me in mind. I needed to read it today! Thank you!
Cynthia,
I just kept saying “Amen” as I read your post…Thank you 🙂 Wise and true words 🙂
Oh wow. Some great truth in this. Loved these words in particular –
‘it’s the evil one who tells us the lies… he just uses our fears, insecurities, doubts, etc. as the carrier pigeon. Whether you fear if you can ever really do what it is God has asked, or you fear if every “good” thing you do is really motivated out of pride–Either way your willingness takes a swift punch to the gut by the fear that follows quickly on its heels.’
Speaks so much to what I often find to be my struggle whenever I seek to step out in obedience to Him. You break it down so well. Great post.