Comparison is one of the biggest thieves of bravery. And in today’s culture, it has never been easier for us to compare our lives, gifts and spiritual walk to someone else’s. When I sense God calling me to take a step of faith, I often get derailed when I look at another sister and think, “I’m not the person for this task. She could do this better than me.” This happened a few years ago, when I was given my first opportunity to speak at a writers’ conference. At first, I was thrilled by Continue Reading
The Danger of Letting Others’ Opinions Distract Us
“God did a good work, Abby.” Tears formed when I heard my friend’s words on the voice message. After a year and a half of working on a book that will be birthed in three months, I was second-guessing everything. Questions about my intentions sent me reeling, and wondering, “Is this what I can expect?” Following God’s call is a constant act of surrender. I used to picture surrender like someone caught in the middle of a crime by a police officer. She throws up her hands, resolved to submit Continue Reading
Was Jesus Ever Afraid?
Before God even created us, he knew our weaknesses. He knew fear was one of the biggest ways the enemy would attack our minds and attempt to derail the plans he had for us. It’s no wonder that scripture tells us to “fear not” or “do not be afraid” over one hundred times. But what about the person in the trinity who took human form? Was Jesus ever afraid? The Bible tells us he was without sin, but we also see him experience human emotions. In Matthew 21:12 we see him angry because his Father’s Continue Reading
