Yesterday we talked about how God commands us 365 different times in the Bible that we are not to be afraid.
What do you fear?
I find that most of my fears revolve around my own feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. I fear failing. I fear not being “good” enough…whatever that means. I fear being rejected. I fear not being able to realize my dreams because I am too afraid to step out and move forward.
God and I have been dealing with these issues for sometime now.
I have always known that we are not saved by our “works” but by God’s grace. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) There are many things in my past for which I have had to ask for forgiveness, and I have done so and accepted that God has forgiven me.
However, I think I have believed there was some sort of standard for being a Christian woman, wife, and mother to which I have never been able to reach.
Recently, during a morning quiet time, God spoke to my heart. He told me that the standard for which I was striving was not His standard. It was a standard I had set for myself based on what I believed others thought I should be.
And I said, “But Lord. You created the Proverbs 31 woman. You put her in the Bible. She must be in there for a reason. You would not have put her in there otherwise. She is our model, and I.Am.Not.Like.Her! Why?”
Ever so gently, He whispered to me, “My child, the Proverbs 31 woman looks different for each woman. I have called you to specific purposes, and you can not compare your purposes to that of another. More than that, though, I love you UNCONDITIONALLY, regardless of what you do or do not do.”
How freeing. He loves me. Just for me. Faults and all. I do not have to be perfect. I never will be perfect. Most importantly, His opinion is the only one that matters. His standard is the one on which I need to set my sights.
I find when I focus on that, the fear fades away. May your fear do the same.
Blessings,
This is a great post. I am really enjoying reading your blog…very inspirational and on time. Thank you. Please visit my blog if you get a chance…not Christian based but lovely altogether. Officially a follower…tahnks, again!