Becoming

Last week I listened to a powerful sermon by Sarah Jakes. She’s one of my favs! During this particular sermon, she emboldened us to not down play our anointing. We need to be fully aware of who we are in Christ. We don’t have to shy away from who he called us to be. Isn’t that good?

There were so many power-packed nuggets in her sermon, but I have been meditating on not shying away from who I am in Christ. For years, I would consider myself a shy person. I’d rather sit back and observe than be out front and center of attention. I can remember when I didn’t believe that I had anything worthy to contribute. Yet there were other times when I could contribute to conversations, but chose not to do so. Lately, the Lord has placed me front and center in various situations because I realize that He has more planned for me. I’ve learned that it’s not a matter of trying to be someone else, yet I am becoming who I have always been. (Jeremiah 1:5)

Have you ever had anyone tell you that you can’t do something? Do you know of someone who secretly believed that you wouldn’t be successful? I have. I have experienced the painful stares, the wicked laughs, and heard the sly remarks regarding my ability. We can’t get stuck there. While others may be having secret chatter about you, know that God is fortifying you to move forward. 

Keep moving with the assignment that God has called you to do and don’t look back. Move with grace and integrity. Keep your ears silent to those who speak ill against you. Know in your heart that if God is for you, who can be against you. You don’t owe anyone an explanation of who you are growing to be in God. You do not have to shy away from being the leader that you were called to be to save face for someone else. Come out of the shadows of the background and take your place in His light. Trust me and know that no one has the power to dim His light! Lead unapologetically and do the will of the Lord. 

What has he called you to do that you are shying away from? What are you using as a defense to discredit God’s voice? Hasn’t He created you in His image and His likeness? Hasn’t He placed you in circles so that His voice can be heard through yours? I wholeheartedly encourage you to take your place on stage. Do not dim the light inside of you. The world needs to hear your voice. The world needs to see your face. Like Esther in the Bible, you were created for “such a time as this.” (Esther 4)

Go After It!

1. Believe you are who God says you are. Grab hold with your faith and do not discredit God’s word over your life.
2. Have the courage to do what God has called you to do. I know it may be scary, but God is with you. Don’t allow the enemy to silence your gift to this world. Your voice matters!
3. Step out on faith. God’s word is true. Whatever He has called you to do, He will make a way for you to get it done. Do not consume yourself with “how.” Just take the first step and the rest will follow. 
4. Pray for wisdom. James 1:5 says if any man lacks wisdom, God will generously give it to him. 
5. Turn a deaf ear to all of the naysayers. Instead, incline your ear to His. 

If you have ever struggled in this area, I’d love for you to comment below. Let’s encourage one another to come out of the shadows and to take our place. Let’s be who God called us to be. Amen?