To rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear. (Luke 1:74)
“What if you’re wrong?” came the accusing question, attacking what little confidence I had. Before me sat a broken young man, disguised by his brash attitude and his incessant talking about himself. While I listened, an extraordinary picture unfolded before me. I saw in my mind’s eye both despair and torment weighing down his heart. But I also saw something else—treasures of true identity put there by God. Realizing the Lord’s purpose for our meeting, I began to talk about these treasures of destiny, contrasting his present life with God’s truth. He sat silent and shocked, his eyes widening with each word I spoke. After a few moments of awkward silence, he simply asked, “How do you know this about me?” The door now opened, I told him of his significant worth to God.
Our greatest Enemy seeks to poison our hearts with the lie that our acceptance with God depends on how “good” we are or how well we do something. In contrast, God constantly encourages us to follow His lead, knowing full well that failure, as much as success, will mark our efforts. Never offended or disturbed by any potential failure or lack, He continues to ask us to do more than we think possible.
Though filled with risk, the leadings of the Lord provide opportunity to drive all fear from our lives. Trusting, fearless love motivates joyful obedience even when the way seems unknown.
Encourage yourself to follow the Lord into unknown situations, trusting His presence.
Mark Francis enjoys time with family, coaching, cooking, and writing. He and his wife, Laura, and their four children live in Sandy, Utah.
