First, my heart and prayers goes out to all these earthquake/flood victims, in neighboring countries, in recent days that have lost so much one cannot even fathom the emotional pain and suffering they are enduring!!
Each day I am realizing more and more how uncomfortable I am in my "OLD" own skin since my journey to freedom. Realizing I am being moved along in areas I do not want to venture. Venture because it is painful and very scary. God knows how afraid I am to ‘just be me.’ Still, and thank you Lord, He is so very patient with me and lets me take my time. Although His nudges have become more frequent.
The devotional below shares: “Fears faced without shame will lose their power to immobilize us.” I know there has been a stirring in my spirit for quite awhile for me to step out more (which I have). But, God has so much more to offer me and even though He is very patient with my healing process, He will not shame me for being afraid.
May this devotional also help you along these lines:
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. Mark 16:8
The most reliable early manuscripts of the Gospel of Mark end with this verse. Mark's version of the Good News ends with this very high drama. Just at the point in the story where we might have expected to find rejoicing, we find fear. The women are afraid. Just at the point where we might have expected confidence, we find uncertainty. The women are bewildered. What a remarkable thing that the people chosen by God to be the first messengers of the Good News were too frightened and bewildered to speak! God chose to entrust the future of the Kingdom to people with limited courage.
God knows our courage is limited. He knows that fear can immobilize us. God does not shame us for being afraid. God has trusted people with this kind of limit in the past. God does not need us to have unshakable faith.
The women in this text did eventually speak. Courage was granted to them. Fears faced without shame will lose their power to immobilize us. God knows that fear is part of our human condition. Our fears do not keep God from entrusting us to be message bearers of Good News.
Thank you, Lord, for entrusting the Kingdom to the tired and traumatized.
Thank you for accepting me and my limited courage.
Help me today to accept my limits, Lord.
Help me to give my fears to you. Amen.
Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan
JBR you've accomplished so much in the months past. It's amazing to see your development. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteObeying Gods calling can be difficult when we have been set in our ways. That is why time is offered and he is a patient God. Keep up the good work. God Bless.
ReplyDeletewe don't realise how much we change. so slowly, so subtly. and one day when this realisation strikes, isn't there just that wonderful wheeeew moment that progress in happening, even if some days it doesn't feel like it. motivates, doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteAs the saying goes: You have come a long way baby.
ReplyDeleteI'm just catching up to you now. Can I tell you something in light of what I read in your blog yesterday? Sorry I didn't give you a chance to answer. I mean no disrespect to your mother whatsoever, but I honestly don't think I would know how to handle that either.
ReplyDeleteLife is about growth about advancing. Some do it quicker than others. Your on your way!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Thanks for taking the time to recognize the suffering in other parts of the world.
Fear is the human response to situations not understood nor comprehended with clarity. The human mind always goes to worst case scenario. The women at the tomb were no different, they wee after all human.
ReplyDeleteWhen humans move from a human response to the unknown to the calmer spiritual response then understanding comes to displace the fear.
Be Well Kiddo continue to take control of your fears, from your fear. You're doing fine.
You have moved by leaps and bounds and I am very proud of you, as are many others. Remember, GOD's timing is perfect. You did not become broken over night and it is likely it will take a little time to put all the pieces back into place. You are beautiful person and GOD is using you in a powerful way with others who face the same struggles.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, andrea
Thank you for this JBR and may God bless your efforts and mine.
ReplyDeletePG
"Just at the point where we might have expected confidence, we find uncertainty."
ReplyDeleteWonderful reminder! When we are most afraid, when we are at that moment when we want to run and hide, it might be that we are on the verge of understanding something truly miraculous.
Thank you all for your wonderful comments. I always appreciate what you all have to write, as your insights are very helpful, and many times I do not even think about what you are seeing that I am not!
ReplyDeleteOhSewGood, no offense taken. I completely understand. Hey I have lived it most of my life, and I am just now beginning to see the light....
Oh yes, to let you all know, the car ride with my mum this morning to the dealer (went without a hitch) was like the incident and excitement of yesterday never happened. She did not bring it up, and I certainly was not going to! Maybe she is realizing I am an individual???
ReplyDeleteJBR,
ReplyDeleteI have seen so much growth in you in the last few months and felt the need to let you know, I am proud of you! You are definitely moving forward one step at a time in accordance with God's plan to heal your life and make it benefit His glory and His good.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
mmmm... love this post.
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