When you step out, you leave a footprint behind, what will yours be known for?
- GB
Hi friend, welcome back to another week!
Today’s post is the second in the series. Please feel free to go back and read last week’s post if you haven’t done so already [https://www.gracetoinspire.com/post/fearless].
Last week, we discussed fear and at the end of the post, 3 challenges were given. If you attempted them, first of all, let me say thank you. Secondly, that means you are now prepared for this week's post and challenge.
As the title suggests, this week's post is about taking even more risks in a fearless journey. Are you ready? If yes, let's go....
Isaiah 6:8 states: "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."
If you've been a Christian for some time now, chances are you have heard that verse quoted a few times. In fact, you may even have it memorized. But how real is it to you? In what ways have you stepped out and ask God to send you?
Since I promise to keep things personal, I want to be the first to admit to you that until recently, I haven't been stepping out like I should. Let me explain. Naturally, I'm shy and introverted. Stepping out isn't my usual thing. Normally, if I volunteer for a project/job, I always try to find a way to do so quietly. I find it easier to witness to my co-workers one on one than speak to them in a group.
A few months ago, we had a staff meeting at work. Towards the end of it, one of the doctors looked at me and asked me to say something/anything. It was very unexpected, so my introversion and shyness took over immediately and I just froze. I couldn't think of anything to say so I smiled and just put my head down.
As the meeting ended, I quickly realized I had missed an opportunity God had given me. The thought that came to my mind was this: what if God had just opened the door for me to share something about my faith? I had missed the opportunity completely because I was afraid of stepping out.
I wish this was the only missed opportunity I have ever had, but that would not be correct. And the truth is, friend, you too may have had some missed opportunities.
Stepping out, isn't just about speaking up. It might look different depending on the circumstances. Stepping out for some might mean giving up food so you can fast and pray for a breakthrough. It might mean walking away from people that are negative influence or setting aside things that are hinderances to our spiritual growth.. etc.
In Isaiah 6:8, we see three things that happened to the man Isaiah because he wanted to step out.
He heard the voice of the Lord
Stepping out sounds great, but are you in a place [in your Christian relationship], to hear from God? In the previous verses leading to vs 8, we see that Isaiah had spent time with God. In Vs 1, he was able to see God on His throne.
One of the many things I've been learning as I go through this personal growth journey I'm currently on, is this: God is always on His throne, but in order for you/me to see this, we have to spend enough time in His presence; so much that He becomes magnified over every fear and difficult circumstance in our life. Then, after seeing Him on His throne and hearing His voice, we start to realize what He wants from us.
2. God was looking for someone
God doesn't NEED any of us; but he does WANT to use us. That place you are currently working/serving is a perfect opportunity for God to use you at. The sad thing is so many of us do not realize this until its too late. We walk around telling everyone about God's calling in our life, never realizing who or what we are called to.
God has a honorable assignment for you. Are you ready to step out and fulfill it?
3. He volunteered
Volunteering isn't always a glamorous thing. Sometimes, it will take you to the lowest of lows. But regardless of the job, stepping out and showing up is what matters. I learned about a new man in the Bible at Church this week. His name is Tychicus. Not a lot is written about his personal life. However, without him, a lot of Paul's letter wouldn't have made it to their destinations. Which in turn means, we wouldn't have had some of the books Paul wrote in the New Testament.
Tychicus was just a delivery man; but little did he know how important his volunteered job was. That position you are currently volunteering for is not insignificant. God can and will use it for something significant.
Conclusion
Stepping out isn't just a command or a request. It is a deep, sometimes painful and personal decision. Personally, there are several areas, I feel God is calling me to step out on; that I'm still working on. It's been a struggle, not because I don't want to; but because they are difficult areas/things.
The world is becoming a fearful place [Please pray for Haiti]. People are dying or getting murdered by the droves. This only magnifies the need for Jesus. How are you going to help bring Him to world? How are you going to be the only change some might see? How do you plan to step out and make a difference?
The thing about stepping is that it usually involves foot prints. Whether you realize this or not, we are all leaving footprints (big or small). The question though is: what kind of prints are you leaving behind?
Challenge #1
Read and meditate on Isaiah chapter 6
Challenge #2
Find a way to hear from God this week (whether you decide to fast, pray, read more of the Bible or a combination of those, you decide).
Challenge #3
Do something God tells you to do this week. Make your imprint somewhere in this world, this week!
Stay Blessed
❤
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