Unashamed
Don’t be afraid, for there is no one to shame you. Don’t fear humiliation, for there is no one to disgrace you. The shame of your younger years and the sorrow of your widowhood are over. You’ll forget those days as if they never happened. Isaiah 54:4(VOICE)
Do you ever let the opinion of others hold you back, especially when it comes to professing your faith? My friend and I were talking about why this can be so hard. She explained it well by saying she worries people might think she can talk the talk, but not walk the walk. I know I picture someone who better fits the image of what a Godly woman looks like. What happens when we don’t fit that image? Can be ambassadors for Christ, even after our mess ups? Yes, just look at the Bible. David, Joseph, Job, Moses, Gideon, Peter, and countless others had failures in their lives, yet teach us valuable lessons about faith.
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Phillipians 3:12-14 (The Message)
These verses speak truth for me. I am no expert; I am just trying to keep moving forward. This basically sums up the way I run too so I find it fitting to use what I have learned from running to continue sharing my faith through this blog. I pray it is just a step toward more opportunities to tell of His goodness and love.
It might be uncomfortable, but do it anyway!
I run, but I am not athletic or built light like a runner, and I don’t have great form. I sometimes look like I am jogging in place and I feel clunky. I worry if I look stupid. I do it anyway because the desire is in my heart and sometimes I even enjoy it. At first, I didn’t want to run outside in the daylight. I knew I was slow and I was afraid people would think it was a joke for me to be running. For some reason, I didn’t let that stop me.
Doubts are still coming to me about sharing my faith. I am scared people will think I am ridiculous and question my authority. I worry I might sound stupid, but I am going to do it anyway. I am choosing to ignore the doubts and replace them with the words of Deuteronomy 31:6 (MSG)-’“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” I am also reminded that those fears don’t come from God. God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled. 2 Timothy 1:7 (CEB)
2. Keep at it!
It is hard for me to call myself a runner because I am more of a slow jogger, but people call me a runner just because I’ve been doing it awhile. I started almost twelve years ago and because of the world’s most diligent running partner, I have continued. I run half-marathons because they stretch me out of my comfort zone and keep me training and working towards a goal.
In the same way, I have to keep writing and stepping out of my comfort zone, if I want to get better. Sharing with others is a huge stretch for me, but I was inspired by a writing podcast with a Christian author named Lisa Jo Baker. She encouraged writers to start a blog. She said it helps create the writing discipline that requires one to stick with writing day after day.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (MSG)- says, With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.
3. Find your community
My running and workout friends keep me going. When we run, we hash over our lives, faith, and struggles. These morning chats are the push that get me out the door more than the need for exercise. I’m also blessed to have a bootcamp “family”. Our group has grown closer because of working out and spending time together, even if it is doing burpees and wacky jacks. We relate to each other and share stories and say, “Me too!”
When I started this, I was just sharing songs, but it was hard because it was out of my comfort zone. I have appreciated your openness and willingness to share your love of Jesus. My hope is that through these songs and stories we can have a more open relationship about how God is moving in our lives and grow in our relationships and our faith together as we relate to each other and say, “Me too!” I hope we can keep encouraging each not to believe the lies that hold us back and steal our joy.
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