Yellow Streak
A yellow streak - Ignoble lack of courage: chicken heartedness , cowardice , cowardliness , cravenness , dastardliness , faint-heartedness , funk ...
Ok, you probably get the picture...it isn't pretty is it? I was going to post a picture of the yellow streak that decorates my van now thanks to a run-in with a McDonalds drive thru post. However, the post (at McDonalds) really has nothing to do with what I'm talking about...except it's a reminder for me. It reminds me that not everything you run into is unpleasant.
Yesterday S.Etole (visit her blog) left this comment in my post of Monday Musings...
A question I ask myself frequently is "What would I do if I weren't afraid?" and then I do it {mostly} ... resting in His provision.
I ran into that comment and though it shook me, it wasn't an unpleasant shaking. I started to think deeper about what keeps me from following hard after Him...what am I afraid of? What would I do IF I wasn't afraid? OH, I could make a long list I'm sure...but this was the thing I settled on...ready?
That I don't have what it takes...as it relates to a dream of mine.
I believe I'm a good husband, father, brother...I work on all those and pour my life through those arenas. God has open doors for me to minister and allowed me to encourage men with all He has taught (and is teaching) me...and I have loved every moment of it. My dream is to expand that vision (as He leads) and take it beyond my local borders. I have a book nearly finished and two others started...and then I think...
I don't have what it takes...that there are other, wiser, stronger in the faith, spiritual giants, men who do have what it takes...who needs what I have to say...I don't have what it takes.
Then I read S.Etole's question again...I think about my yellow streak and what I should do about it. The Holy Spirit reminds me...
Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage
and do it." Ezra 10:4
"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may[a] serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29
So as I let the Father shake the things not of Him in my life...I ask you the same question shaking me. What would you do if you were not afraid? I would love the opportunity to pray for you. Blessings, Jay.
Comments
What a wonderful thing to be hidden in Christ! We are free to be ourselves, redeemed and restored. Grace takes our weakness and makes it strength as we depend on Him.
I think you know where I am as far as what you're talking about here and I appreciate your prayers! I often wonder how things will work out, how this will all come about, but I have to trust. Perfect love casts out all fear. Thank you Jay.
Thanks Bro'