Confidence to Do What God Calls You to Do

 

Picture courtesy USAToday Sports. 

“Confidence to do what You are calling her to do.”

I prayed this phrase for one of my daughter’s today. She has been given an amazing opportunity that comes with much responsibility. The nature of the opportunity could easily convince her she is not capable and why in the world was she asked to participate.

As I prayed God quickly reminded me of my time with Him this morning. I’ve been lacking in confidence to do what God has called me to do. Recently I’ve been challenged by Judges 6:14, “Have I not sent you?” It is easy for the enemy to convince me I don’t have anything of value to offer you all. (Please know this is not a cry for affirmation, just being real with you.) He can easily convince me that other women are doing a better job at encouraging and equipping you all so why shouldn’t I pull over to the side of this journey and let others pass by?

I remember having these same doubts as a younger mom. I struggled to know how to effectively parent our girls. As you know, our oldest daughter Katie, was strong-willed (Read about our adventures). I often wondered— Why didn’t God give her a better mom?

The reality in all these situations is that yes, we are unqualified and ill-equipped to accomplish the big callings God gives each of us. He gives them to us so we will lean in to Him, know Him better, trust Him when we’re over our heads, and trust Him to give us what we need when we need it. In all of this our faith grows and we become more like Christ.

Last Sunday the Green Bay Packers were shocked by the comeback of the Seattle Seahawks in overtime play. The Packers were ahead for most of the game, but the Seahawks persevered and made a historical comeback. I’ll let the Seahawks’ quarterback, Russell Wilson, tell the story (emphasis mine).

“ ‘There was no doubt in this team. When we were 3-3, there was no doubt. When we were 6-4, there was no doubt. When the score was whatever the score was and we needed two touchdowns, there was no doubt. When I threw that ball to Doug Baldwin, and I threw it to (Jermaine) Kearse there was no doubt,’ Wilson said. ‘It’s because of this 12th man, God is too good man. I’m just glad to be here on this team, and we’re going back to the Super Bowl.’”*

Russell Wilson had the confidence in his calling as a football player for the Lord. He and his team would continue to give their best even though he knew he had made many mistakes throughout the game. He had the confidence from God for what God called him to do—be the best quarterback he could be.

To what or where has God called you today?

  • Like me—maybe you have a kid or two that you feel ill-equipped to parent?
  • A job opportunity that you feel is beyond your strengths?
  • An open door for ministry that you know will stretch you past your comfort zone?
  • An invitation to run for school board, political office, or sit on the board of an organization that makes a difference in the world?

Whatever you feel God is calling you to, know that He has you. Over two thousand years ago God called a young woman named Mary to be the mother of His Son. Talk about feeling and being ill-prepared–and not just to be the mother of the Messiah, but also to deal with the scandal that surrounded her Holy Spirit conception. Even Joseph was ready to divorce her until he, too, had a visit from the angel (Matthew 1:18-19). But Mary was mature beyond her years. She knew this was God’s call on her life. She told the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). God gave her everything she needed every step of her journey. So much so that Mary was able to soak it all in and “treasured up all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

God will give you all you need to accomplish all He’s given you to do. It’s time for us to answer God—“Have I not sent you?” Will you say yes to what He has for you?

Years ago it meant for me to persevere in being the best parent for my girls I could. I read and listened to wisdom from others. I prayed more than I previously thought was possible. I let God show me how to be the mom each of my girls needed.

In 2015 it will mean for me to persevere in seeking God, knowing Him, sitting with Him, listening to Him, and sharing with you all what I’m learning along the way.

In your heart of hearts what do you feel God calling you to? Will you join the many, many other women who have gone before you by saying yes to God, and then hold on to God for an amazing journey? If you feel comfortable, I’d love to hear about your calling.

 

*http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/01/18/green-bay-packers-seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-nfc-championship-russell-wilson/21966293/

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.

2 thoughts on “Confidence to Do What God Calls You to Do

  1. I’ve never seen your post befor but my sister just sent it to me today, not knowing what is going on in my life. Isn’t that just like God?!? I have been a first grade teacher for years. I’ve have told my student I’m not a good writer but I would like to make them good at it. Just a couple months ago a high high school coach of mine from years ago challenged me. She said,”I think God is writing a story with your life to tell others”. I said, “I’m not a writer or a speaker”. Well just this week my story went to an editor.
    This is GOD! It is nothing I could have even dreamed of on my own!

    1. Christine! I am so excited for you! Being published is exciting, but following the leading of God, stepping out in faith, and trusting Him only is even more so! Way to go!

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