Dare to Dream with Courageous Action
Already this year God is tweaking my thinking. For months I’ve been asking God a question that has caused me unrest and even doubt. Until last week, I kept asking God, 'Should I be working on a particular project? How do I know this idea is from you?
Everyone is different in their struggle with ideas and goals. For me, the struggle is not in doing the work diligently, but in doubting if I should be working so hard on a particular thing.
Now I realize my continual questioning is rooted in my fear of failure. Fear is not from God. My fear of failing has actually been a blocking me from hearing God clearly for direction. In my cry for help and willingness to get out of my downward thinking spiral, God answered. I came across a YouTube video and read part of a book that changed my thinking about my question.
Here is a quote and the inspirational video:
“True desire in the heart for anything good is God’s proof to you,
sent beforehand, to indicate that it’s your’s already…
You already have it.
Claim it.”
~ Denzel Washington
I finally received the idea and inspiration as from God, examined my motives, knew they were good and let go of fear. I felt this freedom come over me and now believe it is something God wants to collaborate with me on. After acknowledging I have permission and blessing to move ahead, I was challenged to let go of my expectation of the outcome and forge ahead, focusing on how the project could be the best blessing it could be.
On the heels of watching the video, I began reading a book, One Perfect Word by Debbie Macomber.
In a beginning chapter on 'Desire' she shares her story about pursuing her dreams and calling despite the naysayers and circumstances. Debbie ends that chapter with a prayer from her journal:
"Dearest Lord, I believe so strongly in the power of dreams.All my life I felt that it was You who gave me the dream of being a writer,planting it deep within my heart, nurturing it from the time I was a child,keeping it alive in those dark years.May my words touch lives for You.Amen."
One aspect of my Word of the year, Spirit, is courage. After this revelation of how fear is such a great influencer in my life, I am releasing fear, and embracing courage. Just saying that out loud, in writing, seems a bit scary... at first... and then this expansive confidence begins to fill me up. Anything is possible!
Put God first and risk!
I can do all thingsthrough Him who strengthens and empowers me
~ Philippians 4:13 AMP
“We all have different gifts…. Use it. Share it. That’s what counts."
"Nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks. Nothing."
"Put God first in everything you do! Everything I have is by the grace of God. It’s a gift."
"Fail big. You only live once.
So do what you feel passionate about. Take chances.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.Don’t be afraid to fail bit.
Don’t be afraid to dream big."
"Don’t aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference.”
~ Denzel Washington
This year let's go of what holds us back
and go for what we are called to do!
Living Your Word 2020 Opportunity
Bernice Hopper, and Mary Brack, and I share insights through blog posts for creatively living a word of the year. In our Facebook group, we encourage one another by posting questions and prompts to inspire living out a word focus, keeping a journal etc. It is a safe place to ask for prayer and support. If you would like to connect with others in creative ways about living your word, you can ask to join our Living Your Word of the Year 2020 by clicking on the link below.
URL for Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingyourwordoftheyear/
URLs for Instagram: #livingyourword2020
CHECK OUT THE BLOGS:
Bernice:
Mary:
Valerie:
http://275.52f.myftpupload.com/blog/
(this one :-))