You're Going To Make It Sampler by Thomas Nelson

You’re Going to Make It

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ISBN 978-1-4002-3911-5 (audiobook)

ISBN 978-1-4002-3909-2 (eBook)

ISBN 978-1-4002-3908-5 (HC)

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God Made You to Be You

DAY

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

EPHESIANS 2:10 esv

MORNING

A few years ago, a rush of nerves came over me right before I spoke to a large group of Christian counselors I respect so much. Hello, vulnerable. Hello, being afraid that they might analyze not just my message but my mental health as well.

As I was praying backstage, wishing I hadn’t said yes to this opportunity and feeling afraid of this assignment before me, I asked God to help me. The other speakers were so impressive with their abilities to wow the crowd, and they beautifully fulfilled their assignment in being there. Some had impressive degrees, and others rallied the crowd to their feet with their bold declarations and high energy.

I didn’t have any of that.

Just before I walked out, the Lord whispered into my heart: Bring what you do have, and it will please Me. I had empathy and a deep understanding of what it feels like when your life suddenly gets turned upside down and you have to learn to live that way for a while. None of that felt impressive. It felt so very ordinary. But the Lord was clear that those counselors didn’t need a polished presentation by some perfectly put-together person. They needed a tender conversation. Reminders from His Word. Love. A friend to encourage them. A fellow human they could relate to and connect with.

As soon as I realized what the Lord really wanted from me in that moment, my fear started to lessen. I wasn’t there to impress them; I was there to connect with them.

As I took the stage, I simply stated I didn’t want them to think of me as a speaker and them as the audience. I wanted them to imagine we were old friends gathered because of a shared love for the Lord and a desire to learn how to do life better together through His Word. As I shared what I’d been walking through and some wisdom that could help them in their hard places, I felt calm and deeply connected to every person sitting in that room.

I’ve never forgotten that. It taught me something important: I am most brave when I am most aware of what the Lord wants from me. Then I can just settle in to be His best version of me.

I can inhale His approval of me.

I can exhale the fear, nerves, and pressure.

I can embrace the steady confidence of being exactly who He’s made me to be.

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I don’t know what you’re anxious about today, but I do know the Lord does not intend for you to feel the impossible pressure to be someone you’re not. He isn’t asking you to impress others. He’s asking for you to connect with others. Remember, what’s impressive to others often intimidates them. What’s real and helpful to others often inspires them.

Before this day takes off, breathe in His promises for you. Shake off the anxiety. And fulfill God’s assignments to help others in the way He’s wired you with assurance.

EVENING

What opportunity has the fear of failure been stealing from you lately?

I know how compelling fear can sound in your mind sometimes.

But friend, lean in and receive these words: Failure isn’t the worst thing that can happen. Refusing God’s invitation is far worse.

Achievement isn’t always God’s goal for us. He wants us to learn perseverance and courage and humility. So even failure has its gifts. Whether you succeed or not, as long as you are surrendered to Him, God can bring good from it all.

Refuse to stay stuck in a prison of fear, and dare to walk in obedience to God’s whispered instruction. Break away from fear and embrace the possibilities of hope.

Hope comes alive when we decide to step out and find out what God made us to be and do.

SOMETHING TO RELEASE BACK TO GOD FROM TODAY:

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A statement to remember as I walk into today:

God isn’t asking you to impress others. He’s asking for you to connect with others.

A PRAYER TO RECEIVE BEFORE TOMORROW:

God, I can’t listen to Your leading when I’m feeling intimidated by others or when I’m trying to impress others. Help me silence those defeating scripts that my fears and insecurities are fueling. Keep my eyes, ears, and heart open to what You ask of me. I love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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