This is the first week of our new study, Limitless Life by Derwin Gray, in
Proverbs 31 OBS. This book is about
getting free of the labels we place on ourselves and moving forward with God in
freedom.
I don’t know about you but I have been putting labels on
myself for a very long time.
As a child I would say that “I wasn’t smart enough.” As a teen I would say that “I wasn’t tall
enough” or “pretty enough” or “I’ll just fail at that.” As a young wife I would say that “I wasn’t
good enough to be his wife.” And as a
mother I will say that “I don’t mother well enough,” that “I’m just a stay at
home mom,” or that “fear can swallow me whole and I’ll just stay in my
bubble.” Really all these labels = FEAR.
Sometimes I’d rather wear the labels than to step out
into what God is calling me to do. Because I think that would be easier. I’ve been doing it for a very long time…it’s
what I know.
I’ll say, “Oh, I could NEVER do that because I’m not
smart enough to do that.” God says, “With Me, Michelle, you can do
ANYTHING. For NOTHING is impossible with
Me!”
Fear can choke the life right out of you. Fear can build up so much that you are
grasping to take another breath.
Pride is the problem. My pride is the reason I am afraid.
I need to humble
myself. Is. 66:2 says, “This is the one God esteems: he who is humble.”
Humble myself and breathe easy. Be humble and there is courage to do the hard
things. Humility leads to
healing. “God only stitches
new labels in the hearts of those who are humble enough to admit they need new
ones.” Derwin Gray, Limitless Life.
In his book, Limitless
Life, Derwin Gray says, “Never forget
this: fear paralyzes us from acting
on behalf of God’s glory, but faith
mobilizes us to live courageously for God’s glory.”
Again…humility leads to healing. I have to put this statement on repeat.
“He humbled himself and became obedient to
death – even death on a cross”
Phil. 2:8
Phil. 2:8
Moving
Forward --- Remembering Who I Belong To:
I am complete in Christ. Colossians 2:9-10
I have direct access to the throne of grace. Hebrews 4:14-16
God works for my good in all circumstances. Romans 8:28
I cannot be separated from the love of God. Romans 8:31-39
I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 1:6
I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
So yeah…I have this daily practice to move forward in
freedom with God. Keeping my eyes locked
on His and silently whispering to myself that I can do all things through
Him. I can step forward in faith and
wear the courage label that God has always had stitched onto my heart – because
I am complete in Christ, I have direct access to the throne of grace, He loves
me, He will finish the good work He has started in me, and I have not been
given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
Sweet and Sour 365 is on Facebook
Michelle, I appreciate what you said about sometime it's just easier to wear the labels instead of stepping out to what God is calling us to do. And I LOVE all of pictures and scripture you have included!! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Gena!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful blog!! I have been so encouraged by your words-I wrote down your scripture reference and I have them in my heart and it is just flooding with God's love for me as I write because as God has reminded you of His love for you, He is using in to remind me of His love for me and of His faithfulness to me as well!! THANK YOU for following His prompting to write-tears in my heart-tears of joy :)
ReplyDeleteThank YOU Valerie!! Your words make my heart smile.
ReplyDeleteMichelle you always, always do an awesome job. Thank you for sharing. Debbie W. (Proverbs 31 Ministry OBS Team)
ReplyDeleteYou are so very kind Debbie. Happy Weekend!! =)
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful post as always! Love the pics, too. Thank you for sharing! :)
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