We are already into the second month of this year, and I have been thinking about my plans not to worry about resolutions this year. I just want to focus on walking with God and following His plans for me and His purposes for my life.
But a month into this idea, I see the obstacle I am going up against. In all its forms, again and again, it comes down to fear. Maybe you’re feeling the same way?
All the reasons we want to say no, all the excuses we come up with — that is fear talking.
Maybe we feel too young and inexperienced. Maybe we feel too old and our time has passed to do something. Maybe we think the people we follow on social media would do a better job. We think we lack the money, the training, the organization, the strength, the large platform. We fear not being up to the task of His calling.
But His calling looks different for all of us. He may be calling us to something really big and public. He may be calling us to something closer to home. Either way, it may be scary and totally outside of our comfort zone. We may be thinking there is no way it’s possible. Nope. Not happening. Not ready for this.
That’s fear talking, not truth. The truth is, we are ready. We are ready because He has made us ready. You are called, and you have what it takes with God. He is the one who makes you qualified.
He created us specifically and specially, and He entrusted us with a purpose. He constantly stretches and grows us, preparing us for our calling.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service.
1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
We were born at this exact time and in this exact place, all by His design. Our experiences, our triumphs, our failures — even the ones we try to forget for various reasons — are all lessons. Our special gifts that only we possess, even the ones that might embarrass us — God has a plan for it all.
And we know if the plan is from God, it will be for good.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
If we are faithful, obedient, and trusting, He will use us in extraordinary ways. We know He is able, and He will make us able!
Keep in mind, though, that God will call us to do hard things. Once we get started, it can be easy to call it quits if things get too hard or if it is not working out like we thought it should or if we come upon some difficulties.
Why do we think if He calls us to it that it should be easy?
I know I am guilty of this thinking sometimes. It sure would be nice if it worked that way, but it just is not the way it works. Disappointments and discouragements are going to happen.
It may not be easy, and we may not see fruit right away, but keep at it. Continue your calling, even if it feels completely over your head. He does not see it that way. He has given us a specific calling that He intended us to fulfill with the help of His Holy Spirit.
He has confidence in you. Think about that for a moment: God has complete confidence in you.
So, knowing what you know about God, what He has created, and what He has done, do you really think age, a degree, or money can stand in His way? Trust Him enough to take a leap. Step out in faith even when it is uncomfortable. He qualifies you.
Is God pushing you toward something you feel unequipped for? Will you take up the call God put on your heart?
You are called, and you have what it takes with God. He is the one who makes you qualified. -Jennifer Ueckert: Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
Your thoughts here are so timely for me, and I’m leaning into this truth for confidence and courage. When opportunities come that feel like “over reach,” it may be that God is extending our reach for His glory.
Blessings to you, Jennifer–I’m also coming into 2019 without resolutions, but with plenty of resolve!
I echo your thoughts Michelle!
Yes, Michele! Exactly! So grateful this was timely for you. Blessings on all that resolve for the year ahead!
Jennifer,
God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called. He uses misfits like Moses -stutters; Noah – drunk; David had affair, tried to cover it up-killing husband-yet was still called a Man after God’s own heart. Our callings are vastly different. God has many jobs to be done & we each have a part to play in this. I have been told that I am good with people. Very good at being in hospital finding answers to health questions. Much better than my husband-might be he works in hospital. I’ve done this much with both parents & now my in-laws. I have empathy for the aging & ill. Good at getting to the heart of problem also getting the minor details & reporting back to family. Now God is pushing me to work in a hospital albeit part time (clerical). A job that is far tougher than I have ever had. I’m a little nervous about getting things done correctly as we are dealing with ill patients. I know that God is the one who gave me this job & He will give me the wherewithal to handle it. He wouldn’t have given it to me otherwise.
Blessings 🙂
What interesting examples about key men in the bible, I did not know that! Beth you will be great st the job, your heart comes through as clear as if you were sitting across from me! I’m guessing that’s one of your gifts God has blessed you with…any team will be lucky to have you!
Beautifully said, Jas!
I am so happy and excited for you, Beth! And I am sure He will help you handle such special work wonderfully.
Self doubt and fear plague me on my journey of following Gods plan for my life. When bits of His plan are realised wow what an amazing experience and all the scholarships, placements, help with my kids etc all weave together NOT because of ms but because of HIM who is the Master orchestrator! So why then do I fall again into self doubt ad fear? I feel even more guilty due to my doubt?!!!
Learning to rely on God more and more and try to believe in my own abilities that God has given me. He never leaves us so grateful to have our Saviour for without him I am lost!
Thank you for a great timely post, speaks volumes to my mindset and soul xx
I think it is just us being human, Jas. I fall into that doubt myself… therefore the reminders! 🙂 So grateful this was timely for you!
Jennifer,
I feel like the place God is calling me to is rest. That might not sound like much of a calling, but I have been pouring myself in the Foundation I started, meanwhile struggling and battling through illnesses, injuries, and surgeries. I guess you could say I’m bone dry. Rest might not seem like a very high or noble calling, but the Bible talks so much about the discipline of rest. Even God rested on the seventh day and Jesus took himself away from the crowds to rest and rejuvenate. It they had to rest, what makes me think that I can keep pushing through?? God knows I’m a stubborn bugger, so it’s taken Him awhile to get His message through and help me to not feel shame in just needing to lie low for awhile? Fear of resting? Yes it can really be true. Great post Jennifer. May God enable you in His calling to you!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, God does indeed call us to seasons of rest, times to “Be still and know” that He is God. Even in these times, He is still using you. Your words speak encouragement to me every day, as I’m sure to many others. Love you, sister.
Hello Bev,
I love reading your heartfelt responses to the posts on here. You’re words bring encouragement and hope to me too. I too have found times where God’s called me to rest. Life pulls us in so many directions and it can get out of hand so God has to intervene. There’s nothing wrong with resting. When we rest, we’re more likely to hear His voice speak truth into our depths because there’s far less noise. So rest well my sweet sister in Christ. Take all the time He needs for you to take.
Beautifully said, Traci!
Hi Bev, Priscilla Shirer has a wonderful Bible study called, “Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath”, which addresses the Biblical need for rest. We actually do God a disservice by not taking time in our life (and not just on Sunday) for rest. If you have time to read, consider Priscilla’s book! 🙂
Oh I hear you, friend! In one of those seasons myself. I think we do often feel shame in resting, because we feel we need to be “doing”. Praying for you in listening to rest, Bev!
Bev, See all the comments below and on the majority of incourage post comments is you BEING encouraging to US all in this community. There’s no shame in resting your simply replenishing your bones, body, mind and soul for the next set of tasks God has in store for you. He still uses you in your seasons, when you were unwell, when you are well, when your resting and when your crazy busy. He uses you here for encouragement!! I know I am encouraged and so are the rest of the community. You are a blessing to me and to us all, you’ve helped me through the screen many times!! So although it’s resting God has you effortlessly helping also.
God knew I needed this encouragement today! I’ve been hesitant on giving a yes answer to something I was asked this weekend. I realize it is fear holding me back. Fear I’m not good enough, or as good as someone would be. I believe this was just the Holy Nudge I needed. Thank you
Oh I love that, Valerie! So happy this was a timely message for you. You are called. You are qualified. Take up that call!
I also want to focus on walking with God and following His plans for me and His purposes for my life. As I am grieving the death of my husband, (today is 6 months in) and I am facing a number of “firsts”, my fear is breaking down when I am trying to serve my Lord and Savior. Being a hinderance rather than a help. I pray for God to provide a new purpose to my life and he has. I have received a task to serve God, and I do fear not being up to the task of His calling. I love this verse you have quoted from 1st Timothy, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service.” 1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV) Your words have helped me. God has spoken to me and given me confidence through you. Thank you.
I am humbled to hear that, Melody. I am so very deeply sorry for your loss. That is such a great verse and I am so happy it has given you confidence. Praying for you in the new calling His is giving you!
Jennifer,
Your words hit me square in the face this morning and I love when God does that! I’ve found my purpose and now I’m trying to faithfully live it out. I feel God’s called me to be a writer and I know He’s given me words that will hit others square in the face too. I’m venturing out into unknown waters but I know God led me to this and He’ll lead me through this. I can write all day long but trying to hone in the mechanics of starting a blog, fine tuning all my writing and researching how to get published is beyond overwhelming to me. But I have trust, faith and other writers such as yourself who encourage me in this process. Thank you and God bless you!
Oh that is just awesome, Traci! I am so happy and excited for you as you journey His calling for you. I know you will make Him so happy in your service. Praying for you!
Jennifer,
There is a time for everything…. Right now I feel God has intended for me to be present, to be right where I am, and I’m growing to accept that. Thank-you for encouraging us in the right direction……….
have a blessed day all,
Penny
What a precious call, Penny. And a beautiful example for us that you have taken it. Blessings to you!
I was so blessed to read the Word from the ambo at church yesterday – from Jeremiah – “I knew you before you were even formed in the womb” – and that declaration almost brought me to my knees. To realize that we are THAT important to God. To really absorb that He plans for us from a thought. How can I not trust that He will bring me through any work or plan He wants me to accomplish? Oh my goodness, the grace of it all. Thank you so much for your post today Jennifer. I feel like these scripture and devotional readings are lining up to help me rise, take heart and conquer fears. Praying blessings upon blessings for you!
His truth really is enough to bring us to our knees! What an awesome God we have! Thank you so much, Cynthia, for your kind words.
Wow !
I really think that this article was written special for me.
Thank you, what an encoragement to keep going, to keep moviing, to embrace God calling for my life.
I am right now in a place to see if I can serve and be involve for long term. Firt mounth was so hard for me, and I am starting to think that here I am unusesfull. I have a lot of questions and I do not know if I’ll find the answer the next month as long as I’m still here.
But I want to serve Him. Please pray for me
Grateful to know this message was timely for you, Teona! I love what that happens. He works in such wondrous ways! I will pray for you as you discern His calling.
I appreciate the encouragement this blog provides. Thank you for reminding me that my bravery comes from Him, not from within.
Thank you so much, Lindsey! He has you!
Thank you Jennifer for words that are not only timely but ones that speak truth. I am asking myself some of the same questions you pose here today. The biggest one for me is whether I’m qualified to take the leap.
Came back to this today and re read it using the personal pronoun and realised just how much fear controls my thinking after a health scare last year. Thank you Jennifer that your post was guided by God . I’m encouraged to listen for His fresh call knowing His grace is sufficient for all He asks me to do God bless you Claire
Feel called to marry a man that is avoiding me like the plague. We were engaged and would have been married 4 years ago. When I seek the Lord’s direction, it seems He says “stand”, “love him, pray for him & wait”. Entirely unequipped to wait. When I wanted to abandon all hope, God seemed to say “cast your nets into deeper waters” and “stand”; go deeper with the Lord and stand in the hope of His calling. The cares of life wear away the resolve and it seems an endless struggle. God wants me to rest in HIm.