The thought had been in my head for several weeks. Yet I was frozen, unable to follow through with what I felt I should be doing. The small gift and card sat on my counter, nudging me each time my eyes came upon it.
The book arrived just in time to push me hard enough to move me forward in obedience. I opened and read the first line of the dedication:
“This book is dedicated to you!”
I’ve read and reviewed a lot of books, but I have never had a book dedicated to me. And the author continues:
“As you read the pages of this book, I pray that my testimony and the those of others will inspire you to be courageous. God is calling an army of ordinary people to rise up and release His love and heart to a world in desperate need.“
These were the words which gave this ordinary woman the courage to step out and obey exactly what I knew God had been calling me to do for several days. Fear had been holding me back with the questions which probably hold us all back at times:
- “What if I get this wrong?”
- “What if I have the wrong person?”
- “What if this offends them?”
- “What if this makes me look silly?”
So many “what if’s” had been holding me back and only one answer kept coming: “Do it anyway.”
Fear and doubt will hold us back from stepping out in obedience when God calls us to action. It’s not like we haven’t been wrong before. And we have surely looked ridiculous more times than we would care to admit.
But oh the joy and blessing which comes when we have our ears open to hear the voice of God and take courage to step out.
God knows we need an infusion of courage, in fact, He spoke these words to Joshua once He called him to lead the people into the Promised Land:
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NLT).
Scripture often reminds us courage is to be taken – seized by our hearts and minds – as we step out:
“But Jesus spoke to them at ones. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!’ ” (Matthew 14:27, NLT).
We step out, not with our own strength and courage,
but because of Whom is with us, in us, and going before us.
The book dedication, written to me – OK to all of us truly, continues:
“I pray this book would spark an awakening in the body of Christ, an opening of ears to hear the voice of God and a courage to step out in obedience to share His love with the world. It is time, Church, God is calling you. Awaken and arise!”
These words were what I needed to move me to complete action and I am so grateful I did. In stepping out, the greater blessing and joy were mine as I discovered God had indeed been the One calling me to action.
Yes, I am on the launch team of “The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement” by Debbie Kitterman. I’m only a few chapters in and the encouragement it has deposited has begun to awaken me. And it will do the same for you.
This is a book which will move us out of our comfort zones and
stir us to step out to deliver the words others are desperate to hear – His Words.
Debbie Kitterman is a wife, mother, author, and founder of the ministry Dare 2 Hear. You can find her in these places:
Website: http://debbiekitterman.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dare2Hear
I’m reading this too, Joanne! And I completely agree. I love the way Debbie is challenging me to step out of my comfort zone and “do it anyway.” This book is lighting a fire I didn’t even know had dwindled inside of me!
It’s so true, Stacey. May we realize how much we all need to be encouraged and use this gift wisely and to the honor of our Lord!
Oh Stacey, I am so blessed to hear that this book is lighting a fire you didn’t even know was dwindling! Go God – He wants us to start a fire in others too. Blessings
Dear Joanne, thanks for sharing your experience so far (and you, too, Stacey) in reading Debbie’s new book. I’ve been stuck in the doldrums lately, and hope it will be part of the spiritual kick in the pants I need.
Alice, it may not be the proverbial kick in the pants but it will surely strike a match and set a fire in your heart 🙂 Let me know as I would love to hear how it moves you.
Oh Joanne – I like how you put that – striking a match and setting a fire! Yes please King Jesus!
Alice, I pray my book helps you get unstuck too. sometimes we have the routines of life and we just need a little something extra to help us break outta it. 🙂 I look forward to hearing your testimony and what God did for you and what you think after you read it. 🙂
I’m sure I often look ridiculous, but thanks for the extra shot of bravery today anyway! laurensparks.net
Lauren, I loved your comment as I look ridiculous more often than not. I’m at the point where I would rather take the risk than miss out on what God in store. Blessings!
Lauren – I often feel like I look ridiculous too as I step out, but I think its mostly me that feels I look that way. I am sure you didn’t look ridiculous. I like what you said Joanne – that you would rather take risks that miss out – that is some powerful truth right there! thank you and Blessings to you both.
Do it anyway. Love anyway. Just said that to someone yesterday because the Lord TOLD ME TO. It was exactly what she needed to hear. Timing was perfect. Hmm.
Susan, I love this. The Lord told you to do exactly what you needed to deliver to someone else. He knows what we each need to hear. May He bless you for your obedience!
Susan – this is GOOD! I think I need to have that written on my board as a constant reminder…. thanks 🙂
The call to “do it anyway” has already challenged me too. I’m honored to be part of Debbie’s launch team for this book and love how she encourages us gently while pushing us out of our comfort zones to awaken the body of Christ. Amen.
Mary, it amazes me how God uses these book launches in my own life. May this message take deep root in all of our hearts.
Mary, I am so very grateful to have you, Joanne, and others on my launch team. You are all an encouragement to me to keep getting out of my comfort zone too. Believe me, I have to be gently pushed outside mine sometimes too. 🙂
Love, “God is calling an army of ordinary people to rise up and release His love and heart to a world in desperate need.”
A great trumpet call to this “church” generation.
It truly is a trumpet call to us all. And there are many trumpet calls throughout the book. It is wonderfully encouraging!
Thanks Su and Joanne! A trumpet call for us all, me included. 🙂
Joanne,
Isn’t this book so wonderful? I love that Debbie talks in plain English and makes it so easy to understand. I am flying through this one but may have to go back a second time slower lol.
Meghan, I am so glad you are enjoying the book! 🙂 Yay.
It’s great to have you back at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com after our month’s vacation! Thanks for sharing!
Tina