Has God asked you to do the impossible? Have you taken a step of faith and done something you believed you’d never do? Maybe impossible in your strength, but not in His.
The story of Queen Esther is one of my favorite Bible stories. Esther, an introverted woman, took a bold step of faith after she fasted. She stood in the inner court before the king without being summoned. An action that could have been fatal. God gave her the strength she needed to save her people from annihilation.
What emotions do you suppose she faced? Insecurity? Fear?
As she fasted, did she obsess over reasons that might make her an inferior choice to save her people? Did she try to persuade God to select someone more qualified? Would the king remove her from his presence and send her to her death if she carried out her plan? I imagine she approached him with weakened knees and a racing heartbeat.
When God impresses upon us to do something extraordinary, we often find ourselves in a scary place. Insecurity and fear may grip us. But when God calls us to do something, He equips us, too. What does it take for us to answer His call? Faith.
I’d like to share an example from my life of taking a step of faith and hope you’ll do the same in the comments.
In a Sunday evening church service, a video played which reminded the congregation of an upcoming mission trip to Malawi, Africa. I’d seen this video on other occasions, but on that evening, a thought popped into my head that I’d never considered. “I want to go.” My husband sat on my left. I turned to share my idea with him when insecurity and fear struck me. Instead, I kept quiet. I couldn’t go unless he went too.
After service on our drive home, the first words out of our youngest daughter’s mouth were, “I want to go on the mission trip to Malawi.”
A wave of relief washed over me. God called her to go—not me. I chuckled and looked at Kenn. “I almost turned to you during the video and said, ‘I want to go.’”
His response: “Wait until you hear this. During the video, I wondered if the two of you would go without me.”
Did God want me to step out in faith and travel halfway around the world without my husband?
My first mission trip caused me to rely on God more than ever. After weeks of preparation and prayer, we arrived in Malawi and shared the Gospel in remote villages for several days. God stretched me. I prayed and trusted Him to guide and strengthen me. When insecurity attacked, I relied upon Him and His Word. So much so that two years later, I returned to Malawi on a second mission trip. I knew God would join me there and help me speak His Word and share from my heart.
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you
with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
It’s your turn. Please share a step of faith you’ve taken, or a favorite verse when you’re struggling with insecurity or fear.
Photos by Stewart Linthicum and Stormy Morgan