IN IT TO WIN!

Just about a month ago, I was asked to step out and begin to practice with the praise team. I have to admit, immediately fear struck me, along with intimidation and a thousand uncertain questions in my head...Am I ready?, Am I capable?, Is it too soon?, Is this what God wants for me right now? In the midst of all these uncertainties and doubts, I only heard one answer..."It's time." I don't know how many excuses I made for myself but what I feared the most was missing the opportunity of a lifetime, and missing God. I don't know about you, but there has been a lot in my life I have missed out on because of my stupid fears and uncertainties. This was one I didn't want to miss. After I was invited to come on Tuesday nights to practice, I was so scared. More scared than when I was asked to come on Wednesdays. I just kept telling myself, NO WAY! Then I heard God's voice above all those thoughts screaming at me. He took me to Hebrews 12:1-2 (AMP Bible) that says... "Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, who is the leader and the source of our faith and is also it's finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God". One day I was reading about professional horse racing. Did you know the owners of the horses specifically choose small, lightweight riders to race their horses? This is effective because they realize that the heavier the rider is, the slower the horse will run. I don't know about you, but I have felt extremely slow for as long as I can remember. Every time I fear or doubt or am uncertain about anything, it's like weight is added that just slows me down, hindering my progress. There is a particular song that has been speaking to my spirit for a couple of months now. Britt Nicole's song "Safe". The song talk about breaking down walls and being so tired of turning and running away from everything and realizing that God's love is worth the risk. It has taken me the longest time to realize that God and all He is, His love, and His kingdom are all worth any risks I take. There are many walls God is tearing down for me. Walls of pride, self-reliance, fear, insecurities and wrong ways of thinking. I had built a city upon these things and they are coming down, just like the walls of Jericho, leaving me all exposed and open, Is it scary? Of course! God doesn't make all new things, he makes all things new! God has to tear down in order to rebuild, because our old ways, habits, thought processes, and traditions leave no room for Him. So what is weighing you down? Is it fear? Or have you been in the same situations for what seems like forever, and you have just settled with the thought that this, your life, and what you are and where you are now, is as far as you will get? Or are you like me, where you know God is calling you and you feel uncertain that the time is right, or if you can do what it might take? Of course you have what it takes! God has empowered you and equipped you already! If you feel heavy today, ask God what things are weighing you down, because they will get you nowhere. Don't let the weight of this world or your insecurities slow you down. You have so much to accomplish for God today and the rest of your life. No one else can do what you were created and meant to do. There are certain talents, abilities, and gifts God has placed in you that nobody else has. We are here to win the race that has been set before us, not come in second place! God created us to be winners and to be victorious. We inherited this trait from Him. The lost will not get found and people will not be won over to Christ by all of the unnecessary baggage we keep carrying around! Courage is not the absence of fear, it's a choice to move anyway. I don't feel fearless as I am talking to you today. But I choose to do what I am afraid of. I don't feel courageous in answering God's calling today but I choose to be courageous. I don't' want to be slowed down. I don't want to be in idle mode. I am excited about the possibilities with God and the places He wants to take me. There is so much we can do and so many places we can go. Let's get rid of this excess weight, prepare for the race that has been set before us and win! On your mark..Get set....GOOOOO!!!!
 Love Amanda Blackshire