Saying Yes to God Without Making Excuses
When God gives an assignment, our tendency is to say, “Who, me? I can’t do that.” Fear looms, and we offer excuses such as, “I’m not smart enough.”
When God gives an assignment, our tendency is to say, “Who, me? I can’t do that.” Fear looms, and we offer excuses such as, “I’m not smart enough.”
Gideon’s story is a prime example. When God tells him to rescue Israel from the Midianites, he immediately focuses on his inadequacy.
“But Lord, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” (Judges 6:15)
My excuses
Sound familiar? I’m dealing with similar fears right now as I plan an event designed for business women. I’m convinced this is a God-given task and I’m moving forward, but part of me says, “Who, me? I don’t have anything to offer these corporate gals. Why would they want to come? What if no one registers? What if it’s a complete flop?”
Then I remember Gideon and God’s message to him:
“Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you” (Judges 6:14).
These words bring me courage
They assure me that, when God gives an assignment, He simply wants us to say yes and to move forward with whatever skills He’s given us now.
“Go with the strength you have,” He says, and He looks after the details.
I also find courage in a promise God made, not once but twice.
“I will be with you,” He said to Gideon (Judges 6:12,16).
Herein lies the ultimate secret to overcoming fear. God’s presence in our lives—what more do we need? What more do I need as I move ahead with planning this event?
How about you?
Can you relate to Gideon and me?
If so, how does the command, “Go with the strength you have,” encourage you?
How does God’s promised presence impact you?
Know you are loved,
Grace
Order your copy of Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation and discover practical steps for facing and overcoming some of the top fears women face today.
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Order your copy of Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation and discover practical steps for facing and overcoming some of the top fears women face today.
Available wherever Christian books are sold or order your autographed copy here.
Thanks for the transparent post. Something all too many of us women face. It was a timely, encouraging, rebuke. 🙂
Hey Grace,
One of my team members forwarded this to me. They know that I have struggled with the same thing.
It seems as if I face this temptation every day. “What am i doing? Why did i leave the security of my teaching position to start a non-profit ministry to the women of my community?
Maybe that is why we are going to be doing your new Bible study. 🙂
We are just finishing Priscilla Shirer’s, Discerning the Voice of God study and once again we learned that you can be pretty sure it is God when you feel totally inadequate to do the task He has called you to.
I am also coming to the realization that the ministry God has called me to is, yes for the women of my community, but mostly for me. It has caused me to be totally dependent on HIM! And that is exactly where He wants me to be. It really is about me getting to know Him and bringing Him glory.
So, when you put together this event that you know you are totally incapable of doing on your own, He can’t help but be given the glory.
Thank you for letting us know that you face this same type of fear. It lets me know that I am not alone in this battle. It shows me that the old accuser tried the same old stuff and that we already won this battle.
Will be praying for you!
Thanks for your honesty, Deanna. Yes, I struggle with the same ol’ thoughts and what-ifs, but I know that moving forward is my only option if I truly believe that God is who He says He is. I also believe that God calls us to tasks that are beyond our capabilities. If we could do these tasks on our own, we be happy to leave Him out of the picture. So much for spiritual growth. And so, if we truly want to grow in faith and our understanding of who God is, then we’d better be prepared for the stretch!
I know that anytime He calls me to do something I do not have the strength on my own. It is His strength through me that allows me to accomplish the things He asks me to do. It’s scary to let go of MY control and fully trust Him, but isn’t that what He calls us to do as His followers?
Will be praying for you as you prepare for the event He has called you to!
Right on, Allison. I totally agree. And I appreciate your prayers!