I’m a shy girl who holds a microphone.
Ironic, isn’t it?
If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome! In this devo I shared how we can sometimes focus on our weaknesses when we feel God’s call, rather than His power.
Have you ever pointed to others, saying, “God, pick her”, instead of trusting that God knows exactly what He is doing?
I have, too. As I share five ways to overcome fear when you feel God is calling you, let’s begin with this first principle.
Shift the focus away from yourself.
Maybe I’ll always be the shy girl holding the microphone. But when I challenge God with “pick her”, I underestimate what God can do with that shyness.
That weakness is actually a strength in God’s hands. You see, I never get up and think, “I’ve got this.” Instead it’s an act of trust as I study, prepare, pray and then let God do what only He can do.
God knows your weaknesses. He’s not surprised by them. We don’t have to say “I stutter” or “I’m shy” or “I’m afraid.” He gets that. He is also fully aware of how those same weaknesses translate to strength as we trust.
The second is to embrace the call.
Isn’t it amazing that God sees what we do not? For years I spoke out of obedience until one day I began to speak out of joy instead.
God knew me! God knew my heart! God knew what He could do through a yielded life.
Study to be prepared.
Every day I study to hone my calling. I listen to really powerful speakers who are used by God. I read. I study books and the Bible and take knowledge deeper, integrating it into my personal life and into my writing and speaking, but also into the relationships forged in ministry.
The call is not a one-time event, but rather a lifetime of growing in that call. Yes, there will be missteps. Yes, you will look back and groan and say, “Did I really do that?”, but with each, as you dig deeper into that call, surround yourself with others with the same calling, you’ll move from a Simon (impulsive, immature, unsure) to a Peter (mature, faithful, aware of weaknesses, but confident in His strength).
Understand that you can’t do it all, and you don’t have all the answers
God isn’t calling you to take His place. And no matter how long you do what you do, you will never have all the answers. Sometimes listening and praying and trusting God with a person is exactly what is needed, and your words of wisdom only cloud the issue.
Do what God calls you to do, but let Him do what only He can.
Embrace the fear
Bet you didn’t expect that one, did you?
Every time I get comfortable, God moves me into greater territory. Not for my sake, but for His. I have come to embrace the fear that comes with new things, new territory, unexpected challenges and obstacles, because all of it means that I’m following Christ where He leads.
What about you? Are your words tangled?
Or will you shift the focus from your insufficiencies to His strength?
Great message. Thank you for the encouragement and I really like your 5 ways to overcome fear. They are applicable in normal life too.
Suzie,
Thank you for your devotional and the 5 ways to overcome fear. I am an independent, control “freak” and pretty confident person and I have learned (even though I plug my ears sometimes) to listen intently for God’s call. One of my huge downfalls is responding but then wanting to do things my way…big mistake! As I reflect on the opportunities that God has placed in my path, my successes are truly when I put my dependence completely in His hands and let Him in the driver’s seat. Just as you spoke about shifting the focus away from yourself — that is a true teaching point for me. I am currently in the middle of a situation that God has placed in my lap – not exactly sure where it will take me – but I will earnestly pray and seek God’s guidance to overcome the fears I am facing. Thanks again for your encouraging words.
Thanks so much for this timely article. I’ve been struggling with this as I’ve felt God’s call and have reminded Him of what I cannot do and how I will embarrass His cause because of my weakness. Enough said. I must bow before the King.
Thanks for the great message. This subject of fear has always been an issue for me. I am naturally a shy and timid person. But I have discovered that facing the fear with the Lord’s help is the only way to overcome the fear. The five principles you gave are great. I want to remember them. Thanks for sharing them. God bless you!
Dear Suzie,
Shalom. Thank you for the timely message. I am going through a time with God and this message is part of confirmation what God is trying to tell me. God is SO REAL! God bless you and your ministry!
Dear Suzie.
Thank you for allowing yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit. I’m in transition right now and really struggling with fear. But these words you have written today are confirmation that God is with me every step of the way. I feel so much better now . Thanks again. And may God continue blessing you and using you as his mouthpiece.
One thing that God placed on my heart years ago was the mantra “do it afraid”. So many times we wait for the fear to go away, when fear is just the feeling of doing something bigger than ourselves. That’s when fear is placed in hands of trust, and then anticipation has a chance to establish in our hearts as well. It’s amazing to watch God take our weaknesses and somehow use our lives and efforts anyway. It’s God’s sufficiency. How powerful is that?
Thanks for this. I have gone through a.pretty tough season in my life as I lay here and recovery from a lumpectomy. The cancer has just been the tip of the iceberg. I know God is just trying to ‘grow’ me and I study and read always. Just in a season of figuring out who I am also. I like how you encourage us to embrace the fear. I have def learned how God does grow you when you.embrace it and pray.and.cry.through it.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m a very shy person and relate so well to this post.
Hi Susie,
These words are so good and timely! Just the other day I was recalling a conversation with God…I too am a shy girl who sometimes holds a microphone and has published a book. At the time of this conversation I was prepping for the release of my book, an event where we were hosting Renee S. and our 4th child. I was feeling unworthy and undeserving of all that God was giving and the doors He was opening; so much so that I asked Him, “Who am I?” I listed a few of my reasons and tried to convince Him that I was the wrong gal…then He quieted my heart and asked a question of His own, “Jill, who am I?” Those words have left me with changed perspective…oh we need to keep our eyes on Him. That exchange of words took place 3+ years ago…thanks for bringing them to mind tonight! Blessings, Jill
Thanks a lot for this post. I came across it from Encouragement for Today. It made a direct hit with me. I am a VERY shy woman who would rather work from behind d limelight. Oh yes, I successfully cover this up by describing myself as a very good supporter. I will now study and implement your five steps – especially the – Embrace the Fear. The thought alone is giving me goose pimple! But am going to try – stidy, prepare and hand over my fears to HIM!!
Thank you for todays message, it spoke out to me. I struggle. With how can I influence my 11 yr daughter with life’s issues and how, I. Can be. Used.