Chasing Our Tales

Too many times people stop pursuing their dream or calling just because they think that it is too late. You feel like if it hasn’t happened yet then it will never happen but that is simply not true. There are many times that God will call someone at a young age but there are things that He has to take them through in order to use them. Sometimes it is for the testimony that will come out of them or maybe it is to build character, strength and wisdom. Either way, if He has called you to something He is well able to finish what He has called you to.

The reason that I titled this “Chasing Our Tales” is because it can have many meanings. If tales were spelled a different way, then it would be a perfect example of what we do a lot of the times. We chase after what we believe to be our purpose but because of circumstances we find ourselves going around and around in circles, similar to a dog chasing his tail. Many times when this happens we find out that we have been trying to do things on our own instead of being led by God. Anytime that we try to move in our own strength we will wind up running around in circles. God wants to lead and guide you and show you the way but you need to get out of your own way.

The other connotation that I wanted to impart with the title is the actual meaning of the word tale. Tales are stories that we listen to that cause us to go in one direction or another or to form a specific opinion about something.  There are tales that people will tell you like, “You will never be able to do that, or, you are too old”. It does matter what one person says to you. What you need to go on is whether or not God said you are able. We cannot listen to tales spoken by others to hold us back. We have to listen to the one who gave us the dream. The dream that God gave you may seem like a fairy tale but it doesn’t matter whether our minds can contain that dream, what matters is that in God’s kingdom, His dreams do come true. Take heart today knowing that what He has called you to, you are well able to accomplish through His strength and guidance.  Take a step out, now take another step, walk right past the fear that has been holding you back and walk right into your destiny.

The Blank Canvas

It’s funny, sometimes I sit down and start to write and the words just flow out onto the paper (document), but other times I sit down and just stare blankly at the white canvas that is this word document. As I sit here and start to type with no particular subject in mind, I feel unequal to the task but then I pray and ask God to just take over. When I think of the blank sheet in front of me it reminds me of our lives and how they are so much like this blank paper. We look at our lives and think about all the bad we have done and never think about the blood of Jesus which washed away our sin and made our lives like a blank canvas to be written and painted on. We have a new beginning in Him, so why is it so hard to see that. Well, I will tell you, it is hard to see that because we have an enemy that roams around like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour. The enemy knows your past, do you really think that he will just let you forget it just because the sin has been washed away. What fun would that be for him? He has a plan and that plan is to destroy who God says you are before you even get started. What better way is there than to continually walk under condemnation. I have to admit, I have done that a lot over the years and if it’s not that, it’s the constant reminder of past hurts that try to hold me back. I can honestly say that I am so happy to be worshipping where God has planted us. The church I go to is such a healing body of believers and the Word that comes forth is extraordinary. The body of Christ should be life giving just like Jesus is. It should be a place of refuge from the storms but all too often it can be a place where the enemy uses us most. Why, because the enemy wants you to walk around without power.

 

Today, think about all of the things that the Lord has done in your life. Think about what He pulled you out of and how He has totally changed you and your life. Give Him thanks for this and ask Him to help you see that your sins have been washed away. Receive His forgiveness and walk in the strength and power that comes from living a life with Christ. Draw on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide you in all things and ask Him to show you who He has called you to be. Ask Him to open your eyes to the attacks of the enemy to see the attacks for what they are so that you know how to stand in the midst of the storm. He loves you and wants you to be empowered so that you can be a witness for Him to lead others to Him. Remember, prayer is not some religious exercise you do because you are Christian, prayer is a conversation with your Heavenly Father, it is a form of intimacy just like when you are talking to your husband or your best friend (mine are one in the same). You come to Him and give Him honor, giving Him thanks for who He is and then you talk to Him. It’s as simple as that. What great plans does God have in store for you? How does He plan to use you to win your city? Whose life does He want to touch through you? Don’t live under condemnation anymore, be the blank canvas and say, “Here I am Lord, send me!”