Taking It to Work:
This might be a tough one for those who are more conservative in nature. We all have a battle as we move along in life. It’s not the battle of Good versus Evil, although that one rages as well, but it’s the battle of Fear versus Faith.
Our God tells us through the writings of Paul that we were saved, not only that we would be free from the eternal consequences of sin, but that we would be free to accomplish the many things in life that we were saved to do, all planned before time.
What are those things? Well, it’s obviously different for everyone, but what is the same for everyone, is that we all have things that we are to accomplish that God has prepared for us to do from eternity past. And most of the translations say that we “should walk in them,” not that we “will walk in them”. It just says says that we “should”.
So, two questions arise: #1) “What are those things?” That is a hard enough question, but even more difficult is #2) “Would you do them if you knew what they were?”
Now you may be sitting there in comfort and security saying you would, but is that really true? It might be true with the less risky things in life, but how about those things that are out of your comfort zone, or things that have financial risk, or risk your reputation or comfort?
It may not be all of you out there, but I know it’s some of you. The Lord is asking you to step out. He has spoken to you many times, but your stuck in fear and doubt of whether you should do it or not. THAT is the battle of fear and faith.
It very well may be at your workplace, a new position, a new and unknown set of responsibilities. Maybe it’s a new investment or substantial career change that keeps knocking – making your knees knock every time you think about it.
Maybe it’s a move across the country, or a ministry calling right there in the workplace you are in, to start a Bible study or a devotional time at work with coworkers.
Whatever it is, or how unsettling it may feel, let me tell you, fear must bow to faith!
We underestimate the powerful shield of faith we are given as children of the most-high God.
The pages of scripture are replete of many ordinary men and women that became heroes because they stepped out and lived lives fueled with faith. “Yes, Lord – send me!” They risked it all, and thousands of years later their stories still inspire millions throughout the globe to step out too. God is calling each of us, right where we are, to listen and respond faithfully with our lives.
What is it that you have been hearing from the Holy Spirit in your rhema time with the Lord? What work should you be walking in. Who around you will be inspired when you finally do? Don’t wait. Take a deep breath of faith, and say, “Here I am Lord, send me!” as His Word works in you, today.
Eph 2:10 (ESV) – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV) – Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV) – And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Phil 3:17 (ESV) – Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.
Eph 6:16 (ESV) – In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.
Listening to the Holy Spirit (Rhema):
Protection is not of caution, but of faith. No man can guard from all directions. From each there are foe and danger, but he who trusts, evokes the greater shield. Much worry is of exposure, of nakedness to the attack, shieldlessness to the arrow – then with worry, even greater exposure. For as one spins for safety in one area, yet another then opens to even a greater foe. Faith is the strength of My children. Protection not given in valor, skill or careful proceeding, but in prayer and trust in the Protector who needs no protection. Each day the faithless mount on worry. Anxiety their steed, carrying them from hiding place to next. Dismounted they regard the crevice as home, and the shallow hole as safety. They wander not far from the small place. Their call to greater life, mistaken for risk undue, reward as bait. But he who walks in faith knows no boundary, and although the call of God can be heard barely and from afar, he hesitates not on the setting forth. Excited for the call, the first steps are with abandon. His start is not delayed, and his heart is not hindered. Greater is the call than the calamity that awaits; faith far greater than fear of an unknown path. “Forward,” he cries, and his foes flee, for in the call, heaven’s armies arise with him, and the Spirit of Life before him. “My God commands!! I must go!” Through sneer and warning he answers, raising his faith before him. He smiles at the dark path, for his Maker calls him there, and nothing more does he need. This man of faith is the pleasing of heaven, for by the strength in his God he accomplishes his call, and too many follow such, who would not venture on their own. They find in his faith the shield of their own, now lighter in hand as their heart is strengthened. For the testimony of the faithful strengthens the weaker, and in the wake of their movement, the holy pull from the crevice. Look to these, those who fear not. Find strength in them, that you would know strength in Me.
