Show Up, and Be Present!
Dear Friend,
New environments can sometimes be uncomfortable. Yesterday, Judah went to football practice for the first time. This is his first year playing, I could tell he was a little nervous, he was in an unfamiliar territory. Sometimes an unfamiliar territory will cause you to be unsure of yourself. He is an AMAZING athlete. He was engaged, but lingering back. He was there but he wasn't really present. I could tell he needed a confidence booster.
I started thinking about myself and when I would come into "new territory" or new spaces. My confidence would be lacking because I was unsure if I was qualified to be in this space, or this position. And if the enemy even smelled a little fear, he would take that and run me over with thoughts. Am I qualified for this? Should I do this? Do I belong here? Am I good enough for this? Sometimes it would cause me to shrink back and not be present. Sometimes it would cause me to run from an assignment. Sometimes it would get the best of me and I would simply give up. Well, Not in this season.
As I was thinking of ways to encourage Judah, I want to encourage you. I need you to SHOW up, and be PRESENT! What do I mean by show up? Don't shrink back! The enemy your devil, is trying to devour (see 1 Peter 5:8) your "present moment". He wants you to shrink back, He wants to consume with thoughts of lack and inadequacy, but guess what He is a liar! You are not inadequate, you are not under qualified, you DO not leave your position! You need to stay in position, God called you to this position, God promoted you to this season! God gave you this opportunity! So why wouldn't you allow the Glory of God to shine through you? God's glory is manifested in us, when we are present, and show up and represent Kingdom. However, don't put your confidence in YOU, put your confidence in Christ Jesus!
I want to leave you with these scriptures today!
1. If God is for us, WHO can be against us?
31 What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us? 32 He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31 AMP
2. We are to carry His Glory!
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:17
3. Jesus gives us the strength we need for our assignments!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
4. We should represent Christ in everything we do!
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
5. God goes before us!
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
Confidant in Christ,
LMJ
P.S. For A bonus, God called you to possess the land, so go possess it.
Joshua 1:6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land I swore to their fathers I would give them.
