This question instantly plunged me back to the week before when I was driving down highway 6 jamming out to "Here I Am" our #girlsonamission theme song! As I sat at a red light belting out
"Here I am . . . Lord send me . . . All of my life I make an offering. . . " I wanted desperately to live everyday of my life as if I was on a mission trip: unafraid to pray for any and every person who came into my path, to live fearlessly following Christ and His calling for my life. Why, if I am a Christ-follower, is the thought of doing crazy things for Christ every-single-day so scary?
Immediately the fear of the world's perception of me thrust me back into my reality of just doing what I need to do to get by each day and silently praying for people and just being the mainstream Christian I've become use to.
As Emily read this question in Bible study, I realized the biggest obstacle I face is fear. The fear of what others will think of me if I don't just blend in. The fear of what others will think if I actually listen to God's calling on my life and do things that other people don't. Why is this fear so real and inhibiting? I am not of this world. I am not just someone who "blends in." I want to live a life that's marked by selfless service to others in the name of Jesus.
So my personal obstacle is fear. The fear of being judged, ridiculed, laughed at, made fun of, misunderstood, disliked, questioned, doubted. These are things that weren't even on my radar in LA. We prayed with people on the streets, at our hotel, and wherever else we came into contact with people. I woke up each morning ready to give my entire day to Christ and do whatever He wanted of me.
Verse: Isaiah 41:10
As I pursue God and ignore people's worldly view of me, I will focus on this verse: "so do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your unconditional love for me. Thank you for loving me right where I am in my life and loving me regardless of my faults. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you; with a burning passion to serve people in Your son's name just like I did when I was on my mission trip. Give me the courage to ignore the world's view of me and focus on your view of me. Help me to cast all my cares and fears to You, so that You may give me strength. In Christ's name, Amen.
