Years ago, I took a spiritual gifts test.
I was surprised to find out that one of my gifts was "encouragement." Surprised because it didn't really seem all that gift-like, but also because I hadn't recognized this in myself.
So I took a step back and realized it's true. I am an encourager. Because a kind word goes a long way. Because if I think something complimentary in my head, I usually spill it, even if it's completely the wrong time. Because my big life message is "yes, you can do it. Try. What have you got to lose?"
And yet, there are areas of my life where I don't follow that advice...
Oh, it's easy to tell other people to jump...but God has reminded me lately it's not something trite, this going after your big dream business. It's big and scary and it takes a whole lot of courage.
But I still believe when you know God's told you to do something, or when you know you're called according to his purpose or when you know your gut is telling you this is not okay...the decision becomes infinitely easier.
And when you get a divine revelation of the fact that He wants what's best for you, it almost becomes a no-brainer.
Almost.
Over and over, he leads me here:
And I can honestly say last week, before I haded to Dallas, I got there.
With hands turned up, I surrendered it all to him, asked for an emotional calmness, and handed my entire writing career over to the One who gave it to me in the first place.
It was so freeing. To know that He loves me enough to allow me to do what I really love...and to give me the courage to press forward even when the ugly voice of discouragement tries to pull me down.
Have you been there? Do you know that pit? It almost holds you under, steals your breath.
And if there's one thing I know for sure, it's that discouragement is not from God. It keeps you from focusing on all the ways He's answering your prayers, on all the ways He's ordering your steps and it whispers lies in your ear.
Lies you can believe, if you're not careful.
Be careful.
All weekend, I kept hearing that word: discouragement...because I knew I wasn't the only one feeling it.
And I can tell you, whatever it is you're carrying, whatever it is that burdens your heart, perhaps it's not something you're meant to bear on your own.
Hand it over today. Take it to the foot of the cross and leave it there.
You're not in this alone. I promise.
So tell me, what lie are you battling? Maybe we can tackle it together.
