Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Max Lucado’s daily devotional, which is one I read during my morning study, today contained this gem about the disciples: “…they were an ounce more devoted than they were afraid….” That idea, an ounce more devotion than fear, resonates deeply with me. I can never be fearless. My penchant for worry, which often manifests itself as fear, is so strong, but I CAN be more devoted than afraid, even if just by an ounce.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
God can take what seems to me a paltry thing, one more ounce of devotion, of faith, than fear, and use it in great ways. I don’t have to muster enough faith to conquer the mountain in my path, just enough to take the next step and the next and the next. God will multiply that faith, He will fuse it with His strength, and He will use it to accomplish His will. I’ve just got to muster enough faith, enough devotion, to keep moving forward.
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this crucial reminder. The perfectionist in me wants to do everything You call me to exactly right, which often leads to worries, doubts, fears, and inaction. Help me to remember that what You want is for me to choose faith in You over all my fears. Help me, in every situation—worry, fear, weariness—to be an ounce more devoted, to keep taking the next step in Your name and Your power. Give me strength, Lord, to keep moving forward in You and for You. Draw me closer. Amen.
Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.