I have felt like God is really pushing me out of my comfort zone lately. Things that He has brought to my mind for a long time are being affirmed as other's come to me with the same ideas. I know I cannot fight Him but I feel what He is telling me is too big for me. Am I scared of failure or just scared? I do not want to share with anyone because I know it sounds impossible. But it has been on my mind constantly for 15 months through others, songs, sermons, devotionals, etc. It also causes tears, which for me, usually means it is a God thing that I am wrestling with. I tell God if this is what He wants then keep opening windows, if not, slam then shut! My friend, who is also being called, contacted me today to compare thoughts. In the last week we have experienced some of the same songs, same ideas and some of the same scriptures! When it is of God, He makes it happen even when it sounds impossible!
I was thinking about how fearful I get at times about what God wants me to do something. I love the quote, "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it!" I love it but at times I doubt it. I was feeling this way when I heard, "Stand In Your Love" by Josh Baldwin. The words that spoke to me were, "Cause my fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love." How true! When I believe how much God loves me, I cannot have fear! And this is when the tears turn to gratefulness. I don't know how God will do it but I know He will do it! I kept returning to the same scripture. Ephesians 3: 20, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that wed ask or think, according to the power that works in us.."
God worked very differently in the lives of Gideon and Sampson. God gave Samson supernatural strength through his hair. How silly is that? Would you ever think to ask for that? I wouldn't but I have to remember God is still "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think." Samson had everything he needed to deliver God's people from the Philistines. Judges 13: 5, "You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines."
Gideon was a leader of the Israelites who won a victory over a Midianite army despite a vast numerical disadvantage, leading a troop of 300 men. Gideon knew the odds were against him. Like me, he knew the whole thing sounded unreal. But Gideon knew our God is faithful and sovereign. He will see us through whatever battles we face as we remain faithful and obedient. Proverbs 3: 5-6, “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” God has always used ordinary people to accomplish His plans. However God chooses to work in our lives, we have to trust Him.
We have to stand firm in God's love if we want to be obedient. When we stand in God's love we recognize that He loves us so much and He did not just say it, He showed us by sending His only Son to die on the cross for us. We have to stand firm in that love. Philippians 1: 27-28, "...stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you..." No matter what you have going on be sure to have your feet in the right place and stand firm cause our fear don't stand a chance when we stand in His love!