Meet Maggie. Our little tuxedo girl. Adopted a couple of years ago. Our hearts won in an instant.
A few things to know about Maggie. She loves heights (note we're on the refrigerator!). She loves to sleep at the foot of our bed. She waits patiently for a chair to be emptied for her. And she's one heck of a lap kitty.
One thing she doesn't like -- being left at the kennel for any length of time.
Last Friday as we prepared to be gone just overnight we decided Maggie could have the house to herself. No kennel for our girl -- on her own. We even told her she could party.
Just as we were ready to walk out the door, we couldn't find her. My husband looked under her favorite hiding place when she has seen her carrier, and sure enough she was hiding there. Evidently our bags had been hint enough.
We told her she didn't need to hide. That all would be just fine and she was on her own. But there she stayed as we locked up the house.
As we pulled from the driveway, I realized that too often I'm like Maggie -- reluctant to step out. Especially when God has decided on something new for me to do in His Kingdom. Are you ever like that?
He knows my life and abilities so much better than I do, and when He calls, I always duck my head and turn away for just awhile pondering the service He's calling me to do. Why?
Most likely fear of not doing exactly what God needs me to do, fear of failure, fear of stumbling. And yet there's no need for me to fear.
I think the next time God calls I'll likely think of Maggie's hiding when it wasn't necessary, and perhaps that will push me forward a little bit more than usual. What about you? Can you be nudged a little stronger?
If you have a time when you've been reluctant, consider sharing in the comments section below.
For I am the LORD, your God, who
takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you."
and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you."
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| Photo Credit |
I am often reluctant about change. Change is the only constant, though. Right? More specifically, I was reluctant to share my story of spiritual abuse. Once I began, the fear was worse. After a lot of encouragement from my husband and friends, a lot of prayer and praise, and a good look at what Christ did for me, I am no longer afraid. I love the picture you included with the verses. What a blessing to know that He holds our hands!
ReplyDeleteTereasa, yes, change is the only constant. His nudges in our lives are reminders that we need to keep moving forward on our faith journey. I'm so glad you had an encouraging husband and friends and a lot of prayer and praise as well as Christ's actions in your life to spur you on to a life of not being afraid to share your story! I'm so glad you stopped by today. :)
DeleteSherrey,
ReplyDeleteIt is so true, no one likes change. I cling to the familiar when faced with a change just like many others do. The event that comes to mind is my decision to retire from nursing. I was plagued with questions -what would I do with my spare time, would I have enough money, would I miss my career too much,etc? I tried praying about it but kept taking it all back. It took me two years to decide and now that I have, I haven't looked back and my worst fears, never realized. God is in charge and I just needed to trust. I love the scripture and picture you have included as a reminder of God's love for all of us. Thanks Sherrey!
Kathy, thanks for coming by! Funny how we humans continue to want to be in charge when we know God is in control and will hold us in the palm of his hand. I'm so glad you were finally able to step into retirement and are enjoying it. Trusting God isn't easy -- I know. As always, your encouragement and kind words are appreciated.
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