Has God called you to do something and you’re afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone to do it? Trust me, I completely understand how you feel and I’m here to tell you that you are not alone! The moment we become christians, we are a new creation. The old woman is gone and the new woman takes over. With the new creation, we are given full access to God and His wonderful courage. When God calls us to do something, we can be confident that He will equip us and will remain with us along the way.

Several years ago I worked for a company that was very involved with the gay movement and my bosses asked that each of the team members help build the float for the Gay Pride Parade that would happen in the coming weeks. I knew in my heart that I would not participate, but I was terrified to tell my bosses that I wouldn’t be helping out. What if I got fired? As a single mom at the time, I knew I needed my job, but I wasn’t willing to sacrifice my relationship with the LORD to please my bosses, so I outright told them that I would not be willing to help with the float or any other projects having to do with the Gay Pride Parade. Little did I know that this would be the first day of a very long and trying three years.

Once I got over the shock of my boss’s reactions, I felt the peace that only God can give. I knew I did the right thing and I fully trusted that God knew what He was doing in that situation. If I lost my job, so be it. I knew deep down that my Father in Heaven would provide what I and my kids needed at that time. I rested on the promise He gave to me in Deuteronomy 31:8 when He said, “The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Remember what Esther said when she was going to go speak with the king? “And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish (Esther 4:16)!” Esther knew what God was telling her to do and she fasted. She needed God’s courage and provisions, while realizing that going to the king without being invited could get her killed. She wanted to save God’s people, so she did what she had to without putting her comfort first. I didn’t save thousands of people by not contributing to something God tells me is sinful, but it took a lot of courage to do what I did and I don’t regret it at all.

For the next three years, my bosses did everything they could to make my life miserable at work. Most of the time I wished I had been fired the day I met with them, but I knew that I was being tested in the fire and one day I’d come out refined. In three years, God would provide me with a job I love and where I’d make a better living than I had before. He turned a terrible situation into good, like He promises!

Are you being called to do something that is scary and requires lots of courage? Look at Esther and every other prophet in the Bible. God has done some amazing things with average people like you and me, and that’s what He is trying to show you. Have courage. When you feel like your courage is dwindling away, pray for more. Just like Esther, you were created for such a time as this!

I’m praying for you today, friend. If you need specific prayer and would like to speak with me, feel free to email me at joleen@the-virtuous-soul.org. Have a blessed week!