%20transp.png)
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose. (Psalm 20:1-4, NKJV)
My family vacation was so worth it! I laughed till my stomach ached, felt the ocean breeze and the warm sun as I relaxed at the beach. I conquered my fears by rubbing a 22ft python and touched the paws and skin of an alligator. Of course, got some shopping in, did a little site seeing, and visited theme parks. I relaxed at a very nice resort, was wowed at Cirque du Soleil, and I ate at my heart’s content (I probably gained a few pounds) oh well, but I still had a great time!
Well, now, I’m back home! My time away was enjoyable, fulfilling, pleasant and much needed. It’s good to take a vacation, take a break from everything, take time away from the norm. And it’s funny how time away can give you a different and new perspective on things in life. It did for me. My time away allowed me time to reflect on my purpose, my ministry, and my life.
I realized that the very thing that God had called me to do, in fear, I was trying so desperately to run away from. God had placed such a huge desire inside of me, and though it continues to rise within me, gnawing and nagging at me, I came up with all kinds of excuses of why I couldn’t, shouldn’t, and can’t. And even now, if I’m not careful, I find myself making excuses why I can’t do what God has called me to do. My excuses, along with my fears, tries to push me away from my destiny. What about you?
Fear has a way of pushing us away from our destiny and our purpose, but thank God for the Holy Spirit. Thank God for His Word! The Holy Spirit gave me an illumination and confirmation. Don’t you love it when that happens? I had an “Aha” moment! As I reflected on my purpose, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Simon Peter.
On several occasions, Simon, the hot head, the quick tempered, quick to speak and quick to react disciple often allowed his emotions to be in charge. Simon’s emotions often dictated his actions. Simon, insubordinatly, reprimanded and scolded God. His aggression forced him to cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant, and fear made him deny the very person he confessed to be the Christ (Matt. 16:16). Simon’s emotions fueled him further away from his destiny. Simon Peter — the rock — avoided that which God had called him to be, the fisher of men, returned to normalcy and comfort. Peter ran away from his purpose and returned to fishing. (See John 18:10-27; John 21; Matt. 16:13-23; Mark 8:27-33).
I, too, have been allowing my emotions to dictate my actions. I, too, have tried to returned to what was comfortable, that which pulls me away from my destiny. I found myself doing other things to avoid doing what God had called me to do, but now it’s time. Yes, I’m still afraid, but I’m ready! It’s time for me to follow God’s path for my destiny. It’s time for you to run towards your destiny and follow after your dreams. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but what I am saying is that God is for us more than this world is against us. He believes in us and He is with us. Now, tell me who or what can stand against us!
Let me end today’s devotional with some questions for you to ponder on. Have you allowed things to deter you from your destiny? Have your emotions pushed you off your destiny’s path? Have you settled for doing what seems comfortable, the norm, and easy in order to avoid what God has called you to do? What’s preventing you from following the purpose God has for your life?
During your quiet time MEDITATE on today’s scriptures. Be motivated by today’s VIDEO. Allow all these things to encourage you to walk in freedom! LET’S WALK IN FREEDOM TOGETHER & IMPACT THE WORLD!
Rhovonda L. Brown is speaker and author of two bestsellers, Walking in Freedom!: A Thirty-Day Devotional Journey for Women and At Least Say, “Thank You!”: An 8-Day Devotional Plan for a Grateful Heart.
Copyright ©2010-2016. Rhovonda L. Brown. All Rights Reserved.
Comments