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Be Fearless

I was taught at a very young age never to quit. I could try new things but I had to stick with it. I had to keep my commitments. I remember very well the powder-puff, flag football I signed up for and hated. Mostly because I was the only girl on the league who had to wear a mouth guard. The month guard was to protect the investment of the dental work I had received because of a diving board, back- flip gone south. I was in elementary school at the time. Kids weren't any more kind to mouth guarding wearing girls, than they are to any other kid who looks different from them; than they are today. So I wanted to quit. My dad said no. I pressed on through the season. Most certainly did not do one iota for the team or win any awards but I did not quit. Nor did I sign up for the next season. 

What I learned in that was to never give up. I may not have succeeded in becoming a good football player but by not giving up, it helped form my character. I often think back to that when I want to quit or give up on something I've committed to. Now, some things are worth quitting. Things that are harmful to our physical or spiritual health. Smoking for example would be something good to quit for physical health reasons. Sinful behaviors would be something to quit for spiritual health. But to quit just because it's easier than pressing on isn't a good reason to throw in the towel. 


It's easy to quit when the going gets tough. When things aren't going the way we hoped. We can become discouraged and give up. Or when we are gripped by fear of rejection, criticism or failing. It's easier to just give up. I'm often tempted to do that whenever I sit down to write. I have shared before, that I feel this calling to write. I felt God gentle prompt me to do so three years ago. So I said " Ok God." I don't know what I'm doing. I feel so inadequate and ill-equipped. But I never want to say no to God. So I continue to share what He is teaching me through my little blog. If He uses it to encourage one person, it is worth it. It's worth putting my insecurities out there because it's not about me.  I trust He is using it for His glory. I will quit when He tells me it's time.

Recently I picked up these note cards to have on hand to send to friends who need encouragement. Encouragement to live the fearless life He has called us to live. I had no idea how much I needed this encouragement from Him myself. I love how God will show me my heart in times when I have no idea what is in there. Fear had taken residence in my heart where it had no place. 



I was reminded through one of my favorite worship songs "I Will Look Up" by Elevation Worship.
My favorite part in the lyrics go:

                                              I will look up for there is none above You
                                            I will bow down to tell You that I need You
                                                      Jesus Lord of all, Jesus Lord of all

 and then: 
                                                  I will look back and see that You are faithful
                                                      I look ahead believing You are able
                                                           Jesus Lord of all, Jesus Lord of all 
I love that. When I'm looking up instead of in I see Him and that reminds me that He is greater than I. For that- I will bow down and tell Him that I need Him. Apart from Him I can do nothing. Whenever and I mean EVER look back, I see where He was faithful. So I can believe He is able in the days ahead. I need not fear because HE is faithful even when I am not. 

I want to encourage you! Whatever you are going through right now that is just so scary, difficult, exhausting and weary - don't quit! Be fearless because He is faithful. Whatever the call from Him you have received (and we are all called to live for Him) don't quit, Be fearless because He is faithful. The going will get tough and it will be tempting to throw in the towel but take courage - He who called you to it will do it through you. Because He is faithful! Then He gets the glory because it's all about Him.

-Pressing On 

“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:9 NIV

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV


“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV

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