On the way home from a speaking engagement last evening, I was chatting with my mother, who came along with me. Initially, we were just sharing about how awesome God is and how mightily he showed up in the service. And then, the conversation switched back to us reminiscing about me growing up in my dad's church singing, serving as head of several departments, and teaching the word of God from the time I was about 11 years old. All throughout my teenage years into my early twenties, I served under my father until he, my mom, and younger siblings relocated.
I remember how devastated I was when they left and I needed to find another ministry. Dad's church was all I knew! Through tears and growing pains, God kept me. I didn't realize, however, that it was simply time for me to move away from the nest. That foundation had already been laid and I could finally spread my wings. God had sufficiently groomed me and empowered me to go forth in ministry, but I was afraid. I felt the nervousness of a child learning to ride a bike once that parent releases their guiding hand from the back of the seat for the first time.
Even though I was capable of "peddling forward" on my own, I was afraid of falling. But the Lord was with me. How many times have you felt a similar fear when God released you to go ahead and move forward? I know firsthand that, the freedom to launch out into your destiny, though wonderful, can be pretty intimidating at the same time.
But move forward anyway. Do whatever He's telling you to do.
And be confident about it.
Tell yourself. The Father has equipped me with the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for me to fill the unique role He has selected me for. And if you take a moment to look in hindsight, you'll recognize that all those years of "on the job training" you got through experience, trials, and tribulations, have ultimately prepared you for the place God is releasing you to go into.
So what are you waiting for? Move forward in the strength of the Lord.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
