Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.(2 Corinthians 3:5, NIV)
My favorite spot to encounter God is the beach about sunrise. Once, while walking barefoot on the sandy shore searching for shells, the Holy Spirit stopped me, and I sensed his presence urging me to behold the seashell.
A comma-shaped shell, lying among many shells, conveyed the message, “Pause.” I stood still in silence, in awe of God’s unusual means of communicating with me. I knew I was in his presence on holy ground. I grabbed my phone and captured the image as a visual reminder of this monumental moment. Then I added the words, “Pause in his presence.”
Later, I concentrated on capturing the essence of God’s prompting on paper. It was hard to describe the heartfelt desire for solitude time with God. He meets me when I escape the busyness of life and wait for him. Then God speaks, and I listen. His whispers of hope and love increased my desire to write about his glory. The written words caused a passion much bigger than my natural tendencies to arise as I realized his plan for my life.
I often wonder why God has chosen me to do something bold because I’m a timid introvert. I’m a simple person without eloquence who struggles with articulating words. How could God use me to write, to articulate?
It’s reassuring that one of the greatest heroes in the Bible struggled with some of my problems. Moses was one of the greatest prophets in the Bible. He led the Israelites out of Egypt into Canaan, the land which God promised his people. But his story doesn’t begin there.
It began one day near the mountain of God. Moses saw a bush on fire and approached it. God said, “Stop, remove your sandals. This ground is holy. I am the God of your father, and I see the suffering of my people held captive in Egypt. I send you to rescue them and lead them to the land I promised them.”
When God commanded him to tell Pharaoh to set the Israelites free, Moses replied, “Why me?” Then he dared to interrogate God with questions. He said, “Suppose this happens, or what if they don’t believe or listen to me?” Moses did not feel qualified to be God’s ambassador. He did not see himself as the person to speak with authority to Pharaoh.
I find it odd that he lacked the courage to approach an earthly king but confronted the ruler of the universe with courage. Then I realized sometimes I feared what others thought of me more than what God thought. I identify with Moses begging God to allow someone else to talk because he wasn’t an eloquent speaker. God responded, “Go, I will help you and teach you what to say.” Moses insisted he wasn’t capable. Afterward, God conceded Moses would relay God’s words to Aaron. Thus, Aaron became the messenger. God brought Aaron alongside Moses.
God brought people into my life to help me as well. I praise God for the people who walk with me on the journey. I remain confident that God will continue to provide the resources to accomplish what he asks me to do.
Bold faith is bravery when afraid. Bold faith is the determination to move forward despite opposition, going beyond the mere absence of fear. Moses, in faith, depended upon God for the words that Aaron would proclaim to Pharaoh. He knew he couldn’t accomplish it without God’s help. He depended on God.
When we look to God and remain confident that he can, God gives us the power needed. It isn’t our abilities; instead, God accomplishes through us. So, we focus on and follow Jesus and persevere until the end. Embracing bold faith is the key to manifesting God’s plan for our lives.
Prayer: Lord, as we seek to do your will, we ask you for the braveness to not succumb to procrastination, fear, or the opinions of others. Lead us down the path we need to take. Thank you for the scriptures within the Bible that strengthen and give us courage and those you send to assist us. Amen.
Your Turn: Are you hesitant to take a courageous step forward in response to a request from God? If so, ask God to give you the courage to step out in faith, knowing he walks alongside you. If not, seek his plan for your life and help implement it. Remain confident that his plan for your future is possible when you depend upon him.