Why Are You Still Afraid?

Why Are You Still Afraid?

This is the question that I've asked myself over the last week or so, since I came across this scripture . . .

They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him."  ~ Mark 10:32/NLT

As I reflected on these words, I thought of two reasons why I shouldn't be afraid:

1. Jesus (God) is walking ahead of me.
2. Jesus (God) has explained everything that is about to happen.

As I continued to read verses 33 and 34, I took notice at the level of detail Jesus lays out the events that were to come. And as I reflected on that, I couldn't help but direct my thoughts back to my own life. I truly believe the promises of God in Jeremiah 29:11. And I know for sure that there are several things that God has spoken to me directly and spoken over me through others about my future. However, because of what I've experienced in the past and the situations that I face daily, it can prove difficult at times to consistently wrap my faith around those promises. And if you are honest with yourself, you can identify times where you've found your faith wavering. Not because you didn't believe in God or His promises for your life, but simply because what you've been experiencing, with your five senses, somehow has made a bigger impression on your faith in that moment.

Just like these verses in Mark 10, God has laid out the specifics of our futures in elaborate detail. There is nothing that He has left to chance. There are divine connections and doors of destiny awaiting our arrival. So, I ask the question again . . . Why are you still afraid?

I'm in a season of my life where God is calling for my faith. He is calling for me to stand firmly on His promises. He is requiring me to consistently wrap my faith around those promises, set some mile markers and to keep pressing forward in my destiny. And if you will be honest with yourself again, God is calling for the same thing from you.

Photo Credit: Platinum Photography by Lorenzo

So I have another question . . . What is it going to take? What is it going to take for us to keep pressing forward, to not stand still out of fear, and to truly trust God's promises for our lives? What is it going to take for us to embrace the risk the first step into the unknown presents. It is time for each of us to rise up in faith, courage, and determination. It is time for us to press forward toward our destinies with reckless abandon. We have to know that as we move forward, lead by the Spirit of God, that every step is purposeful, that every detail has been well orchestrated by the Father, and that the only failure we'll experience is that of not pressing forward.

So I will continue to challenge you . . . . 

Why are you still afraid?

Be Brave - Press Forward - Be Great!

Breakthrough . . .

We all get to points in the journey of life that things seem just a little more difficult than others.  In those times I often reflect on the season which God has me in.  In those times of reflection, I realize that often the difficulties that I'm experiencing are associated with the pressure that is needed to breakthrough to the next level in the journey.

I think the pressure we experience is necessary in our lives to get us to face the reality (sometimes even the hard reality) that things have to and are about to change.  Just reflect for a moment . . . . if it had not been for the pressure you've experienced along the way would you have. . . .

• Changed Jobs or Career Paths
• Went Back to School to Pursue that Degree
• Ended that Relationship
• Decided to Follow Your Dream Instead of the Money
• Decided to Begin/Strengthen/Deepen Your Relationship with God

The pressure is necessary to get us to the next step, level, and dimension of the journey that God desires for us.  So when things seem to get tight, uncomfortable, and downright ridiculous, know that you are just on the verge of a breakthrough.  You are on the verge of a moment in your life that will redefine you, reestablish you, and propel you into your destiny.

A lot of things in life are about one's perspective.  Choose the positive perspective in the difficult times.  When you feel the pressure coming on, glorify and worship God for all He has already done and all He is about to break loose in your life. Focus on His ability and not your inability, for with Him you can withstand the pressure that you are experiencing.

God is AMAZING!!! And I'm thankful for the moments in my life where He allowed the outward pressures to push me to greater inner depths with Him.  But I know that in this season . . . . it's time for another BREAKTHROUGH . . . 

Heart of a Warrior

                              

Can you just imagine that this is what the Angels of Heaven's Army look like?! 

I'm thankful to serve such a Mighty God that sends us such vigilant and equipped help in the spirit realm. But as with many things of God, that's not the end of the help that He sends. 

I'm also thankful that God made a way for the Holy Spirit to be our  … "Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby)" and that He will remain with us forever (John 14:16 AMP). In this sense God has equipped us with the spiritual gift that we need to walk out our physical lives without the fear of being defeated.

We know … "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV). But at times we let the fear of failure, rejection, disappointment . . . you name it . . . get the best of us and keep us from pressing forward into our God given identities.

God desires for us to go forward against all odds with the heart of a warrior. The heart of a warrior is one that has no thought of shrinking back in the face off adversity, but charges forward fearlessly shouting . . . . LET'S GO!!!  The warrior is one who will stand on the front lines and not flinch as the enemy is approaching, knowing that the enemy cannot prevail.  The warrior will stand tall, head held high, and shoulders squared knowing . . . "greater is he that is in [me], than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4 KJV).  The warrior knows that He has divine backup and therefore all that he sets his heart and mind to do can be accomplished in Christ Jesus.

I want to encourage you today . . . . put on your armor; adopt the heart of a warrior; and don't shrink back letting the enemy devour territory in your life, but charge forward . . . pursuing, advancing, and taking back everything that the enemy thought he had stolen from you!!!