count or discount?

Have you ever questioned what you're made of?
Have you found yourself asking why God would ever want you to represent Him?
I sure have.
I am in a constant struggle with how inadequate I feel my abilities are in comparison to others.
Surely God must have a more experienced, more knowledgeable, more eloquent, more "Christian" woman to share His hope.
How on earth could I ever make a difference?

I usually start to hesitate and discount myself with logical reasoning. "Lord, I'm average. I'm introverted. I'm uneducated. I've been damaged, etc. etc. etc." (Notice how many times I get sidetracked about myself rather than focusing on God's Glory and Master plan!)

I know I'm not alone in this feeling. It seems a lifelong lesson for each of us to resist the error of giving into insecurity and doubt. We seem to default into the same response as Moses at the burning bush. In Genesis 3:10, after explaining His plans for the Israelites, God instructs Moses, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."

That was it. God laid out the Master plan and told Moses to get going. But Moses responded to God with his own doubt in verse 11, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" He discounted who he was and questioned His Creator's supreme wisdom in the matter.

Oh, how I can relate!!!
I too, usually hesitate with God and am quick to say, "Really, Lord?....ME?.....REALLY? Are You sure?"

As always, God remains faithful and true - always encouraging His children closer into obedience and holiness. He graciously answered Moses' question in verse 12 by saying in full reassurance, "I will be with you."

"I WILL BE WITH YOU."

Wow!!! God promised to be with him... participating alongside Moses... accompanying him in the task.  He would be right there!!!

Do we think about that when we start to rationalize and make excuses as to why we are inadequate? Hardly. We usually feel like God is thrusting us out into danger without a plan or thought. But that couldn't be further from the truth. Our Heavenly Father promises to always be with us.... accompanying us in His plan. We are not alone. In fact, we are safest with Him in His will.

No matter how hard life may become - He is there. 
No matter what trials we may face - He is there.
No matter what - He is with us.
With Jesus as our Savior - He is ALWAYS with us!
We can never be separated from His love.....NEVER!

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)

When we discount our ability to move ahead with Him, we sin against God by lowering our own value and participation in the Master's plan.

Think of it this way...
Do you believe God created you to count or discount?

If I believe the promises of God's Word, I must believe that I count for His call. I am made for His glory. I don't need to defend who I am or what I know.... He is with me and He IS! There is none like Him! He is the great I AM!

When I remember that God is with me, I can approach any situation with the truth of Jesus in Luke 21:15, " For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict."

That's right - HE IS WITH ME!  He gives me exactly what I need to glorify His Name and fulfill His purpose.  He is in control of my whole life!  

So yes, I count!
And yes, I can!
Why? Because the great I AM is right here with me!  WOO HOO!

So, let's get up and get going today, shall we!?!?  Let's share His love to the world He walks us through!  This is the day to rejoice and be glad in our King.  This is the hour to be His light... to count  and stand firm for the sake of His call!  Glory glory glory to the Lord Most High!

Blessings!

~Victoria

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson