Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:6-7
A few days ago in my quiet time with Lord, it was very strongly impressed upon my heart to finally step out on something that God had been nudging me to do for a while now. I rationalized in my mind by thinking that what God had been placing on my heart seemed unreachable for me, way out of my league and I questioned in my heart, "God is this really You? "God I'm not graced in this specific area." The more I contemplated and leaned on my own understanding the more I came up with excuse after excuse.
I'd been ignoring God's gentle but progressively firm reminders for a long time, and after a while, it became pretty obvious that this was something that He was leading me to do. So what did I do? I procrastinated by putting off what I knew deep down God was stirring in my heart. I'd come up with things like, "I'll start the first of the year when I'm more polished." When I've studied more, prayed more, or even have lost a few pounds. Just any excuse and as you can tell from my rationalization, It was ALL about ME. What "I" couldn't do. How "I' felt. How "I" looked. Everything was "I". I heard somewhere that the letter"i" is in between the word "pride" and it's pride that gets between us and God. When I dug a little deeper and removed the layers of fear, insecurities, and every excuse I could come up with, I discovered that the root of my reluctance was pride.
After months of a series of promptings and progressively frequent nudges, God gave me the BIG nudge. A few mornings ago I received an unquestionable confirmation. I mean it was a PUSH! You know when you KNOW it's God and you're like, "Okay God, I"ll do it." It's an urgent persuasive and pressing feeling like you just have to do it. So, I humbled myself. (God knows I don't want Him to have to humble me.) I got up and said, "Lord if this is you, You will make it happen." I got up and just did it! I did what I thought I would never be able to do, with the measure of faith that God has blessed me with.
So you may be wondering what exactly did I do? Well God led me to start a Youtube channel where my God-given aim is to encourage others in the Word of God and stir hearts to pray. Much of what I've been doing here for the past five years but more visible. I tell you, it's way out of my comfort zone and SO not me which is also a good indication that it is God's stirring in me to do what He has purposed for me.
So now, I ask you, what has God been stirring in your heart to do? What is it that He keeps reminding, urging, affirming in your heart that you have not stepped out on for one reason or another?
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
God has placed something special and specific in you to impact the lives of others. I'm pretty sure like me, most of you know, have some idea of what it is or have an inner witness, a strong leading to what God wants to utilize through you for the good of others and His glory.
I notice a lot of times we are already operating in our gifts in some capacity and we're not aware of it. Or God's plan may be for us to take the gift already in operation to another level of impact. If you're not sure what your gifts are seek God and He will make it plain. He will not only make it plain but He'll make room. Believe me.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
We can take comfort in knowing that it is the gift of GOD. It's HIS gift, we must just be willing to be vessels for Him to use and when the assignment seems too big and you feel that YOU can't do it, that's the perfect place to be because then you are solely dependent on God and His grace. When we humble ourselves and are obedient, He steps in and HE does it.
Sure you may be a little rough around the edges at first. Believe I know but don't worry about it. God blesses your obedience. Our gifts are developed by using them. Thinking about what people will think. What we look like. Afraid of rejection. Persecution. Being a perfectionist and self-occupied. All this is pride! As Jesus laid down His life our lives must be laid down. Surrendered to the Lord for His use as He pleases. There is no room for self. Especially in the last laps of the race.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
Yes, you may have feelings of inadequacy. You may be afraid. You may think you're not good enough. I know. I know. Do it anyway. God will perfect everything concerning us! He will not forsake the work of His hand!
Step out and let love be the compelling motive for all your service. A deep love of Christ and a compassionate love of people will stir your hearts to move.
Always keep in mind, our gifts are to give away to others. Someone's life is waiting to be impacted by what God has placed in you!
Be encouraged! Be bold! Be brave to the glory of God!
Pray for me y'all! This is unchartered territory for me but I know this is where God has me in this season and His grace is sufficient!
Know that I'm praying earnestly for you! God has much work for us to do! It's going to be a ride but oh when we get to the destination!! Glory!
Here's a look at my first video. I pray you are blessed and encouraged. If you feel led subscribe. I'm so excited for all that God has for us!
Remember to stir up the gift and keep stirring!
If you were blessed by this post subscribe or share to encourage others!
