Be strong in your calling by Tracy Williamson

I suddenly realised this morning that I'd lost track of the days and today is my Blog spot!  I'm very sorry to be late and hope this is still a blessing.  I'm just returned from leading a conference and now have covid!  That's no excuse but maybe explains me losing track!

I've been thinking a lot recently about our sense of inner strength or lack of.  I often feel weak and very inadequate for the things I need to do.  Last week's conference for example.  When I feel panicky about my ability to do something well, I often run away from it which is crazy because I am thus preventing myself from preparing properly which of course then increases my feeling of inadequacy.  

I was reading in Joshua 1 and felt really encouraged by the powerful words God spoke over Joshua to empower him for his new calling, to step up as the new leader of the displaced Israelites and to fulfil what the mighty Moses could not fulfil himself throughout his 40 years as leader, to lead them into the promised land and establish them as a nation.  

Like Joshua, I have a passion to see God work but I can feel very small compared to others who seem so gifted in many ways.  But God didn't worry about smallness but said clearly to Joshua, 'No one will be able to stand against you, all the days of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will never leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you, wherever you go.'  (Joshua 1:5,9)

As I read those words, it really struck me how the key to us not being afraid is the fact that the Lord is with us.  It is he who gives us all wisdom, strength and anointing to bear his fruit.  Am I just looking at my own abilities or listening to his voice and taking in what he is putting on my heart?  He told Joshua that he would be with him just as powerfully as he'd been with Moses.  What an awesome encouragement!  God doesn't have favourites but does have a calling that is unique and right for each one of us.  Will we choose to see ourselves as he sees us and step forward in that calling, or will we allow the enemy to keep pulling us down and convincing us that we are too small, too inferior, too inexperienced? 

As I pray and write this I sense that someone reading has had a deep fear of stepping into something you think God may be asking you to do.  It's as if you are standing at a door with your hand on the knob, knowing that he wants you to turn it and go through, but feeling paralysed by your sense of inadequacy.  Just like this picture shows, he is saying to you, 'stop seeing yourself as a kitten when you are a lion!  I've got things for you to do and words for you to write that no one else can do as you can.'  Look at the landscape beyond that door.  It is yours to step into and bring transformation if only you will realise your right to your own calling. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.  I am with you and always will be with you and will give you all you need.  Rise up into being the lion I've created and called you to be.'  

Let's choose to stand strong against all the enemy's lies.  God did mighty, incredible things through Joshua as he heard God's call, received his encouragement and stepped forward into his calling.  God will lift you up and give you joy in his presence.  When we walk in all he has called us to be and do, nothing can withstand us and the fruit that will come will be rich and will last forever.  

Tracy Williamson