I Will Not Be Afraid… more of Psalm 23:4

It should have been a brief encounter when I ran into a friend in a parking lot recently. Instead, I found myself chattering endlessly about nothing and everything at the same time. When we parted, I realized how I had taken so much of her time, so I sent her a text to apologize for my endless rambling. Of course, she was gracious in her reply, but I still felt a little silly about it.

I guess I didn’t realize how isolated I had felt — and how much I needed some girl time with a friend.

Isolation can be nice for a while, giving us time to think and rest, but in time it can be a dangerous thing. The enemy loves to isolate us because it is in those times of isolation that he propagates his sinister ideas in our heads and tactically wraps thoughts around our minds that become strongholds. When we are alone, we don’t have anyone to share our thoughts with or to fight with us to loosen our minds from the bonds that wrap around our hearts. There is no one there to help us healthily interpret our thoughts.

One of the evil strongholds that grow wildly in isolation is fear. That is why I want to stay in verse four of Psalm 23 for one more day.

“I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.” (NLT)

There is one area that we, as women of God, are often susceptible when it comes to fear. We fear that we are not measuring up. We see the touched up, air-brushed lives on social media and wonder why we can’t be “all that.”

We feel the tug of God in our hearts. You know it. It’s that call to use your gifts; to step out and pray that prayer, sing that song, speak that message, hug that one that is in need. It is the “knowing” in your heart that God has called you to be more. But fear says no. Believe me…that voice is loud. And it is especially loud when you are isolated.

I believe that there is a mighty army of women that God wants to use in these last days before His return. The enemy knows it as well. He is intentional in his effort to silence us…to silence YOU. He will use fear to paralyze you and steal your destiny.

So today, I want to encourage you to lift up your head. Believe your God. And know that His calling on your life is sure. He does not make mistakes. You, like Esther, in the Word of God, were created for “such a time as this.”

” And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

Make an effort today to reach out to someone. Make a call, text, or send a card. Sing your song, write your story, paint that canvas, pray boldly, shout out joyfully. Whatever God has called you to do, step out… and do it! Your hands may shake and your voice may quiver. Your legs may feel like jello and your heart may pound like a drum. Just do it!

But, but do not attempt to stand alone. You will need the courage that a sister can offer. And you may be the key to the encouragement and healing of someone else.

My prayer is that you will allow the Lord to turn that burning passion in your heart into a tangible expression of His love and grace.

You are loved. gb