Unworthiness, Pride, and Reputation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeL9mKnd38g

Worthy of My Song (Worthy of It All) ~ Phil Wickham & Chandler Moore

 

When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. ~ Hebrew 6:17-18 MSG

 

Recently, I realized I’ve been battling the lie of unworthiness. Though I know my promises, (I am a child of God, forgiven, called by name, etc.), I sometimes struggle to walk in the empowerment of them. On most days, I am fine. But when the enemy challenges my worthiness in my calling—like now, when I’ve been called to lead a women’s Bible study—I more easily question, “Who am I?” Ironically, the other side of that coin is pride. Because if I am worthy and I can do it, then the common denominator is I, which is a very dangerous place. And though I am realizing this, it’s not a new battle; not even for me.

 

I have always loved writing, even when I was younger—before we had a home computer. As I grew older and as my relationship with God grew, I wanted Him to use my writing. Then, one day, God said He would, and He called me to start writing for Him. Suddenly, I was afraid and felt unworthy of the calling. “Who am I to share with others? They won’t want to read what I write. I am nobody important. Who am I?” Then God shared His most profound promise with me, one that has shaped how I write, lead small groups, and even pray. He said, “It’s not about you. It’s not your reputation on the line; it’s Mine!”

 

Sometime after that, Lisa Bevere was a guest speaker at our church. I didn’t know who she was at the time. I’d never heard of her. If I remember correctly, her message was on our calling in Christ. I realized God was speaking to me when she read this portion of scripture, “When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it all the way, putting his own reputation on the line,” (Hebrews 6:13 MSG). In that moment, in that auditorium, God confirmed His promise to me, that it's not about me. It’s wonderful, because if it’s not about me, then it can be all about Him, which should be the point and focus of all that we do.

 

The Bible says that God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives. Don’t let the devil intimidate you with fear and get you to back down from your calling. For one, you’ll miss out on the blessings God has for you in obedience. And for two, not following through makes it all about you and no longer about God.

 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord… It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ~ Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

©Heather Potts 2022

Stepping into Trust

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NueMKnU8qa0

Greater Things ~ Mack Brock

“But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers— Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season. ~ Jeremiah 17:7-8 MSG

Brad and I are extremely different regarding writing styles. He’s bullet points, outlines, and structure. I'm rather fluid. I can't tell you how it's going to end till we get there. But God always lets me know when it’s done. If I can handle being fluid in writing, why must I grip other areas of my life so tightly?

I think we all struggle with that in some area of our lives. We're OK to follow God's lead in our finances or relationships with in-laws, but there are other areas we feel we need to govern. Perhaps bad experiences have taught us to rely on ourselves. Perhaps it's how our parents did it and we should follow suit. It's not that we don't love God. It's more fear: what if He asks me to release something that I don’t want to let go?

Years ago, I was really struggling to give God complete control in an area. I remember fear whispering, "What if it hurts? What if it leaves you with nothing?" Then Holy Spirit countered, "What if it's more?"

What if the blessings God wants to shower on you are more than today, simply because you were obedient? What if the hope and peace He wants to pour into your heart are not just full, but overflowing because you opened your hand instead of clenching your fist? 

Trust is unnerving because you're stepping where you can't see and haven't been. This time, instead of turning back to the safety net of your control, push yourself to take the hand of your Father. Step out on the water and find out what He means when He whispers, "What if it's more".

©Heather Potts 2020

Uniquely Called

God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7 MSG

If you hadn’t figured it out by now, I love to write! I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. My mom says I’ve been telling stories about Jesus since I could talk. I’m honored by and have thoroughly enjoyed the writing projects that God has led me to along the way. I recently heard two different perspectives on writers. The first said, “Aren’t there enough writers? Why do we need more?” And the second said, “God is raising up a whole new generation of writers. We need more writers.” I absolutely love that second quote, and not just because I am a writer, but because it totally refutes the enemy’s lies. So many times he has said, “Why do they need you? It’s already been written, already been spun, already been done.” But my God whispers to me and say, “But they need you to tell your story. I’ve called you for a specific and different purpose than others.” Those people God called me to reach might not hear what He has to say if I don’t fulfill my calling and my dream.

Jeremiah 15:16 says, “I have been called by Your Name.” We love, follow, and serve a creative God. He is so creative that He has uniquely designed and given each of us a calling for a specific purpose. Can you imagine?! If you put a handful of writers in the room who all write in similar styles, they will still have been called to uniquely touch different people in different ways and for different purposes because they have individually experienced life.

God has called and designed you for a specific purpose. Don’t let the enemy stop you from reaching those who need to hear what God has called you to say!

©Heather Potts 2016