I’m writing a book on fear vs faith and I have to be honest…I’ve never been more afraid or felt so inadequate in my life. I lay in bed at night and wonder “Why, God? Why, would you choose me to write a book?” I overwhelm myself when I consider the responsibility that’s been given me. “What if I get it wrong?”
I’ve asked God that question throughout my ministry when feelings of inadequacies wash over me and His answer is always the same. “Micca, in your humanness, you do get it wrong every time. But I get it right every time.”
What God means is as pure as my heart my be, I’m going to mess things up from time to time. Still, I’m not to worry or fret. God didn’t call me to be perfect or to be all knowing. That’s His job. He simply asked me to be His vessel in which He can pour Himself through. You see, God loves His people so much that He’s not going to let my flaws keep Him from working in their life. In fact, it’s through my flaws that others see God most clearly. So I’ll just keep offering my small cup of water knowing that God will take it, bless it, and turn it into wine.
Isn’t that the way it’s suppose to be. Me leaning on God so that His power can manifest itself in and through me? That’s how He gets the glory.
Paul said, “in my weakness I am made strong.” My friend, Holly, reminded me that feeling inadequate is right where I need to be. Then, I can encounter God’s supernatural power at work in me and boast about His provision when the book is finished.
Funny, I have a message called “The Power of One.” In this talk I describe how one person can make a lasting difference in the lives of others if they will just allow God to use them. I also talk about overcoming feelings of fear and inadequacies by sharing examples of ordinary people God used to do extraordinary things. I think I’ll pull that C.D out and listen to it. (Most of my messages come from my own struggles or triumphs.)
What about you? What is God calling you to do that you’re afraid of?
If this blog has encouraged you today, respond and share with me how you’re going to step out in your weakness and trust God to be your all and all. How about this… those who respond, I’ll put your names in a hat, draw one, and give away my C.D. “The Power of One” so that you can be encouraged and inspired whenever you need.
Becky says
I contiually pray that my life mission be revealed. Although I sometimes wish that it would be something grand, I suspect it is simply to be the best I can be at my simple roles in life…mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, nurse. I also struggle with a lifelong desire for perfection from myself…and feel frustrated with my everyday shortcomings. It is a comforting thought that God could perhaps work thru the humanness of my flaws.
Thanks for your sharings,
Becky
Ellie says
This blog was such a big encouragement to me that I am adding it to my favorites. I know that God has given me talents and skills that I am not using for many reasons and I need to set aside those fears and the real issue-pride-that is keeping me from being His vessle. Thank you for this wonderful insight. I will share this encouragement with my 20 year old son who is facing some great decision making opportunities inthe next few weeks. Thank you. mccarthyellen@hotmail.com
Digging for Pearls says
Thanks for this encouragement Micca. God has called me to do something I have never done before – sing a solo in our Christmas cantata. I love to sing but am very unsure. I always say I am in the choir to make a joyful noise, noy because I am a good singer. But God has called me out of my comfort zone to step out in faith in a new area of my life…
Danielle says
It seems that lately I am realizing how little I have trusted God with simple things, like His love and other truths. I am stepping out and asking God to really help me to trust Him with these things because I know deep down that He will set me free when I do.
Thanks for your encouraging words today.
Danielle
Shannon says
I am currently trying to figure out what my life call is…..I have a heart for missions, adoption, encouraging kids of every walk, and successful marriage. I am using my God given gifts to mentor and be a Doula at a Pregnancy resource center. I am a Sunday school teacher (along with my husband) for the high school youth, which I never thought that I could do…I love to stay at home, and be here for my children whenever needed. But I know God is calling me to do more. Reminds me to not only pray for myself that God will continue to mold me to do what He would have me do, but also all the other women out there searching. Widen my horizons a little.
So here’s to praying for all those women out there searching just as I am!
In His Grip
Shannon
Heather@Mommymonk says
Thanks for sharing so honestly. I think we must be in touch with our fears because it reminds us of our human frailty and our need to rely on our God. He is calling me to step out of my comfort zone too and it isn’t easy!
Sisterlisa says
Micca, I also have been feeling the ‘call’ to write a book. I really need to. It’s been on myheart for YEARS now. I have a lot written out but I need to finish it.
I saw your article on P31 and I’m curious what ended up happening to you son? Although you were angry, rightfully so. I’d be terrified!
Debra says
Thank You for your encouragment. I need your new book! Fear versus Faith what a great title! God has called me to write but I have a long ways to go. I so appreciate Proverbs 31 team of woman and all the hard work that is done for us woman out there. Thank you for insight.
Full of Appreciation.
Debra Zantman
LAUREN at Faith Fuel says
I’m going to step out in faith in response to a request I had recently for me to speak at a woman’s event- not one night, but for three days! On the other hand, my book proposal I had out to a publisher came back with a No. I’m pretty much back to square one. Fear of failure would tell me to take a break or don’t step out anymore in this area. Faith tells me to take a big breath, breathing in His perspective, and go onward.
“Get up into the high mountains and there proclaim, ‘Behold your God!'”
ocean mommy says
God has taken me totatlly out of my comfort zone and placed me with a women’s retreat ministry team. 4 other women who love the Lord in a crazy way. It’s awesome, but at the same time, I’m scared to death! I long for women to experience God! I can’t take a step without Him, I learned that the hard way. Honestly, I’m scared I may fall back into that pattern. I want women to see HIM, not me. I sure hope that makes sense!
If not, maybe we can talk about it a Hebron on Dec. 4!! I’ll be on the worship team that evening. We sure are looking forward to serving with you and are praying that God will move in a mighty way.
Anticipating Him,
stephanie
DJ says
How many times I have set out to do the right thing and blown it???!!! Thanks for the encouagement! I need to get past the idea that God can’t bless me because of past sins. He says in His Word “abundantly above all that we ask or think”.
btw, what happend with your son and the situation? Anything?
Angela @ Refresh My Soul Blog says
You always encourage me my friend! But right this moment the thing that scares me the most is going to this weekend marriage retreat with my husband. We have so many things going on in our lives and have not had more than maybe 3 hours alone for over six years now. I am not sure why the fear is there. If it is not there then it is in mothering, or writing, or speaking. It seems to always be something but God reminds me that, “He did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind.” Also that “His perfect love casts out fear.” So in Him, I can do all things because He gives me strength.
Much love,
Angela
PS-praying while you write.
LifeRedeemed says
You were that drop of water needed to refresh my soul. I am a new homeschooling mom and have been feeling very overwhelmed and tired and alone. There are so many needs in my area of influence and today I forgot it wasn’t my responsibility to meet them all. My focus left His face and settled on my shortcomings and left me seeing mountains and no way out. Thanks to Gods grace, I “stumbled” across your blog and He reminded me that he hears my racing innermost thoughts and gave me the encouragement I needed thru you. Thanks again.