Faith …

 

Have you ever sensed God prompting you to action, and deep in the heart you really, really, REALLY long to be obedient, but a blockade stands in the way?

It’s frustrating and a ball of emotions, isn’t it?

Truth be told, most of us face the obstacle of fear – that’s what it’s called –  in our faith walk. And it’s just that: an obstacle.

 

But who sets obstacles in our path?

 

~ Temptation – that which is of our own will & desire

~ Darkenss – the very one who comes to kill, steal, and destroy

 

I wish it were as easy as hearing God, hopping up on my feet, and following. But this internal war – yowza – it creates a situation of havoc at times. Then again, it might be room for God to move. Perhaps the solution remains simplier than we consider.

Four years ago I began a writing journey. I sat at my computer, scared silly. And I kid you not, I asked God FOUR TIMES, “Are you sure?”

Call me a bit of an instant gratification gal. Mounting rejections didn’t help. My flesh squealed a bit. (Okay, a lot.) I sat ready to quit.

But the Lord reaffirmed the call, reassured with answers. One of those answers included three simple words: Stay the course.

 

Have you ever been called to stay the course?

 

Maybe those exact words ring clear or remain situationally close? It’s somewhat like “run the race well” and “work out your faith with fear and trembling.”

 

 

Four years later, I sit at my computer, like I am right now, praising God. He opened doors in ways I never expected or could see all those times I sat and wondered Lord, did you really say to write?

A door swung open at Proverbs 31 Ministries. I wrote a devotional. The comments blew.me.away. How the Lord touched hearts – oh.my.goodness. Tears streamed that day.

He opened doors at Chicken Soup for the Soul and the Owasso Reporter. He flung open opportunity at The Upper Room, and now I contribute monthly at Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. I sit here humbled and in awe of what the Lord has done, how He’s reaching folks across the globe like I never imagined.

 

Do you sit in awe at what the Lord has done in your life? Make a list as an offering. Click To Tweet

 

But there’s more. This time I sit in delayed obedience – which is a “make-me-feel-a-little-bit-better” makeshift for plain ‘ol disobedience.

Last year, I sensed a prompting to begin promoting myself as a speaker. Call me a “speaker who writes” vs. a “writer who speaks.” I feel as comfortable in front of a crowd as I do one-on-one. The only problem? Bowing to the fear of promotion has morphed this girl into a speaker who’s not speaking about Jesus.

Ouch.

Promotion of self seems about as comfortable as a wool sweater from the 1970’s, when donning one of those scratchy things without an undershirt proved pure torture.

But His plans don’t center around us. They pivot on Jesus. It’s not self-promotion; it’s lifting Jesus high.

Folks need to hear about hope. We’re called to promote. You know, the very name at which every knee will bow: Jesus.

So here I go, and I hope you’ll journey, too. Let’s listen to the Holy Spirit – promoting God Almighty. Let’s toss fear aside and venture where He calls – in utter and complete dependence, with arms lifted high in obedience, and hearts open in worship.

 

Here’s my first step this year:

Hello speaker card.

 

Area women’s ministries and groups will receive this simple postcard soon.

I wanted you, those of you subscribed here at KristiWoods.net, to be first on the “know” list. If you have speaking needs, consider praying over “who” He’s called to fill that need. Maybe it’s this girl, the one who desires to promote Jesus alone. If so, simply email me at Kristi@KristiWoods.net and take a peek at this speaker page.

Feel free to pass this along to folks you know, to pray or however He leads. Thank you for helping me step into obedience. I appreciate you!

 

OK readers, how about you?

 

Where do you feel the Lord prompting a move into obedience? Any feet willing to take one nervous step forward? How about “staying the course”? Let us know in the comments below. Because really, it’s often as simple as action – one step and then another in faith.

We’ll be cheering for you, and rest assured each comment will be prayed over.

Love you guys. #goJesus

 

Linking with other Jesus writers and lovers here: #raralinkup, #chasingcommunity, #fuelyourfaith