“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” I Peter 5:6-7 (NLT)
Is fear keeping you from fully living the life you want to live? Does self-doubt linger and insecurity cause you to look too much at your own limitations, instead of looking to God?
There was someone else in the Bible who was fearful. In Exodus, starting in chapter three, we can read all about the fear of Moses. God gives Moses an assignment, and Moses says, “Who am I?” God says (in my paraphrasing), “Don’t worry. I will be with you.” But Moses continues to question God.
Do you see Moses’ doubt, hesitation, anxiety, and overall insecurity? God has to tell Moses that it’s not his own abilities that will save the people of Israel, but God’s abilities. In other words, “Humble yourself, Moses. It’s not about you, it’s about Me.”
Do you see this pattern in yourself too? You try to rationalize the “crazy” idea that’s been written on your heart. You feel like God’s telling you to do something, and you immediately start to question it.
“What if I’m wrong?”
“There’s no way that could ever work.”
“I’m not organized enough, smart enough, talented or bold enough.”
We often think of humility as not bragging when we’re good at something. But it takes humility to step up and do something you worry you are not good at doing. God is the one with the “mighty power.”
You know what can cast out your fears? God’s love. God’s perfect love for you takes your fears out of the picture (I John 4:18). How do you know if you’re living a life controlled by love or one controlled by fear?
Here are four qualities of a heart led by love.
CONFIDENCE
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
God’s Spirit is convicting, not confusing. When we’re following through on a plan of God’s, we can be bold because we know we’re doing the right thing.
SECURITY
But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
God keeps His promises. If you’re relying on Him, He will get you through it.
COMPASSION
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
When Jesus felt compassion, he acted (Matthew 14:14). Our compassion is no good if it doesn’t motivate us to do something.
HUMILITY
And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
When we’re too proud to follow through on a task we feel we’re no good at, then we are going against God. There is a time for using gifts, but there are also times to challenge our weaknesses. Those are the times we can really give God the glory (2 Corinthians 12:10).
God wants you to humble yourself and do His will, just like He asked of Moses. His answer to Moses can be His answer to you: “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say” (Exodus 4:11-12).
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