Courage Does Not Always Roar
I can remember the exact moment I felt God’s calling on my life. It was around 10 years ago. He didn’t speak from a burning bush. He didn’t paint an elaborate picture of exactly what He wanted me to do. He simply placed one word heavily on my heart. “Share.” And I remember sitting there, knowing this thought came from God but equally knowing that I was inadequate. “Lord, I can’t do it. There must be something else. You know I’m too scared.” I wrestled with Him. And finally, I came to the point where I proclaimed to God that I would rather forfeit the blessings He had for my life than to do what He was asking. I became, like Moses, unwilling.
I shamefully admit that I ran from the calling to ‘share’ for almost 10 years. I ran from this calling because I was not confident in my ability to carry it through. It was this dependence on my own self-confidence that kept me stuck, not able to move forward with the calling God was placing on my life. I waited YEARS to become confident in my own abilities, thinking then I would take that step. I prayed for confidence. I wanted to feel brave. I wanted to feel courageous. I desired to act, but the confidence never came and so I did nothing.
So often, we look at what others are doing, and we assume they possess something special. We assume God has equipped them with unique bravery. We assume that God works differently in them than He does in us. With tears in my eyes, I am telling you that is a lie. It was a lie when God called Moses. It was a lie when God called me. It is a lie for the calling He has for you.
Moses was unsure of himself but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t called. I was unsure of myself, but that didn’t mean God couldn’t use me for His purpose. You might be reading this, scared out of your mind, but that can’t stop God either.
The truth is, God does not call us to be confident, but He does command us to have courage.
Confidence operates from a place of personal power. Courage operates from a place of personal conviction.
Confidence shouts ‘WE BELIEVE IN OURSELVES’! Courage screams ‘WE HAVE FAITH IN GOD’!
Confidence depends on our own capabilities. Courage depends on the One who makes us capable.
There is so much freedom in realizing that confidence is not a prerequisite to being used by God. In fact, it’s not a requirement at all! If you are waiting, like I once was, I just urge you to take that leap of faith and courageously act. Act through the fear, act through the uncertainty, act through the doubt.
Because courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it is slow of speech. Sometimes it is scared and shaky and uncertain. But when done out of obedience, it always glorifies the One who calls us to it.
I hope this was an encouragement to you today!
~Lauren
Great message!
Such a great word. I have waited for “the right moment” in many areas of my life (out of fear, uncertainty and sometimes gasp selfishness) only to miss out on some pretty amazing adventures. Thank you for speaking to my heart as we enter yet another season of decision-making. It is true – with God all things are possible. 🦁
This is such a gentle but powerful post. I’ve always been shy, insecure, & hesitant about sharing my opinions or ideas thinking they’d be less worthy than those of others. I never considered that God was asking for courage rather than confidence to step out & serve Him. Just wow!
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