Hello Siestas! I pray you are well and blessed.
My name is Amy. I grew up in Texas and New Mexico. I’m blessed to have been raised in a loving home where I grew up as a Pastor’s kid. While I am no longer living in either of those states, I still claim Texas as my ‘Home Sweet Home.’ I love to read, cook, organize everything, and writing. Just recently I took up knitting!
I chose a scripture that while I know it – I don’t live it. For that reason I don’t have it memorized like I should. It carries so much promise I knew I needed to share it with you.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 NLT
I could write about my insecurities and fears all day. In fact, I have re-written this post four times now. Why? I have a fear of what other people will think of me – of how I will sound when people read it. The funny thing is that I want to be a writer. My heart and passion are in encouraging others, listening to their stories, and teaching God’s Word.
It has taken me a few years to find out this is what I really want to do with my life. My education is not in English or Communication, but I have figured out that it doesn’t matter. As my pastor says, “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”
For years I have allowed my insecurities and fears to control me. I allowed the enemy to use them to hold me back from God’s call on my life. It has crept into my life in many areas: with my weight (a struggle that has lasted over fifteen years now), in finding a spouse, with other relationships, with job opportunities, with life goals I’ve wanted to achieve, and so much more.
Coming into this year I knew I had to change focus. My problem wasn’t that I didn’t know the issues I needed to deal with, or even the solutions to those issues, it was in the action to take the steps to achieve them. We’ve all been there at one time or another, right? Take my weight issue, for example: I’ve known for years I’ve needed to admit it, work on it, and conquer it. My problem wasn’t admitting I needed to lose weight. I had admitted that to family, friends and even myself. My problem wasn’t in knowing what to do – I had read everything, been to a dietitian, nutritionist, a few trainers, and tried many diets. My problem was simply doing it.
I have a wonderful younger brother. He has grown into an amazing man of God. He is my best friend and the best person in my life when it comes to being honest. He isn’t afraid of hurting my feelings. He loves me enough to speak truth. He talked to me the other night about this very issue of weight. His words, while truthful and hard-hitting, held so much grace. While I was carrying on about feeling alone with no one around to help me, he said “Amy, in the physical sense you are alone. You are alone because you are the only one who can physically do this. I can’t step into your body and make you – it’s up to you. But in the spiritual sense, you should know better. You are so strong. Physically you are strong. Spiritually you are strong. But you’re also strong mentally. If there is anyone I know who can do this it is you. You really are a warrior. You just have these jabs the enemy keeps hitting you with. You are in this for yourself!”
I need to hear those words. My eyes watered when he called me a warrior. I don’t know that I’ve ever been called that before. It made me realize that I’ve allowed my insecurities and fears to control me for too long – not just in my weight, but in many areas in my life. To hear someone I admire so dearly call me a warrior! I associate warrior with words like boldness, courage, dedication, steadfast, determined, unstoppable. To see my brother’s confidence in me helped me to understand that is how Christ sees me – like a warrior! I needed this to kick me into high gear.
Now I’m determined. I won’t allow fear or insecurity to hold me back from what God is calling me to do. It doesn’t matter what the issue, I can conquer it. I am a daughter of the Most High God. Dear Siesta, you are too!
I want to encourage you that whatever issues you are facing this year, remember that Jesus adores you and calls you His daughter. His Word says that we can confidently walk forward in life wearing strength and dignity as our fashion statement. We can walk into our future knowing that we are warriors for Christ. We don’t have to know the future to face it with confidence. The Word says we laugh without fear of the future! We don’t have to fear what is to come, our future mistakes, our insecurities and how they will play out.
We just do our part and take a step. Our confidence comes in knowing he is taking us one step at a time as Psalms 37:23 says: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” NLT
My prayer for us, Siestas, is that we take Him at His Word. He delights in the details of our lives, He knows what is to come, and we can confidently take the step, the action, and move forward, without fear.
Stephanie Morris, Norman Ok
“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27 NKJ
From Tishomingo, OK
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
Kimberly Balles Rolling Meadows, IL
And to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:19
Stephanie, Fort Worth, TX:
Isaiah 53:10, ESV
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offsprings; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Isaiah 53:10 ESV
I Thessalonians 5:21 and 22
21 but test everything; hold fast what is
Good.
22. Abstain from every form of evil.
Psalm 139: 13-14 NIV
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Angie Hill, Jasper, Alabama
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 NIV
Laura J., Katy, TX
Ps. 91:4. He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Albuquerque, NM
Psalm 139:23
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts”; KJV
Jackie siple Rockledge FL
.“Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Mark 9:7 NIV
Allison from New York
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
-Lamentations 3:25 & 26 NIV
Jennifer Watson, Ruston, LA:
1Peter 4:7 (NASB) Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Proverbs 12:25 NIV
Franklin, TN
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Heather Hoch Pflugerville, TX
Psalm 63:6 (NASB)
When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.
Tonya Thibodeaux, DeQuincy, Louisiana
Verse 22
James 1:4 – “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing.”
Casey Hale, Roanoke, TX
“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”
Psalm 86:11 – NIV
Carolyn Valente, Chicago, Illinois, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.James 1:17 NIV
Felicia Gonzales, Hayward, CA
to be made new in the attitude of your minds (NIV)
Kati B. Central Arkansas
Romans 5:19 HCSB
“For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.”
Holly, Cape May
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. “. Psalm 37:23 NLT
Shelly and Sienna Busby, Colorado Springs, CO Dec 4, 2015
For Gid hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Kathy from Chandler
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.” Psalm 37:5 NLT
Mansfield, OH
You gave them authority over all things. Hebrews 2:8nlt
Gina Fernandez, Wilson, NC
Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.
Proverbs 4:23 HCSB
The Lord will keep you from all harm.
He will watch over your life.
Psalm 121:7
Misty. Calhoun, GA
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12 : 1. NLT
Gay
Round Rock, Tx
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Gay Beck, Plain City, OH
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (NIV)
Crystal in Castle Pines, CO
Micah 6:8 NIV
He has shown you, o mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Austin, Texas
“…their weakness was turned to strength…” Hebrews 11:34 NIV
Barbara Dunton
Midland,Texas
Psalm 17:8 (ESV)
“Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings.”
Kathryn Anderson, Jacksonville fl: Romans 12:18. If possible, as far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people NASB
Jennifer B
Lucas, TX
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 NIV
Kirby Ray from Parsons, KS. “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3 NIV
Hello sister in Christ I just want you to know how this has moved my heart and this is one of my favorite scriptures!! We need not worry about our future it is all in his hands! Bless you for encouraging other and I pray you will be encouraged and refreshed as you encourage others as well! Move forward in what he has for you not letting fear get in your way. What he has for you is far greater than any fear you could ever face.
Be blessed in all your ways Psalm 37 also says the lord will give you the desires of your heart!
Jill Smith, Eugene, OR
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8 NASB
Shiela Meert, Elkhart, IN
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
Rev 5:13 NIV
Galatians 20 (NIV)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Tami, Louisiana (Psalm 23:1-2) NIV
“the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.”
Zachary, LA
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31 ESV
Carol ~ Webb City, MO
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
Kim Cook – Valley, AL
“I am united to the Lord, one spirit with him.” 1Corinthians 6:17 NIV
He is the one who has enabled us to represent his new covenant. This is a covenant, not of written laws, but of the spirit. The old way ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives life. 2 Cor 3:6
DeQuincy, LA.
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1 NLT
PatWilfong,GreenBankWV.
(1) O LORD, You have examined my heart and know everything about me.
(2) You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away.
(3) You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.
(5) You both precede me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Psalm 139:1-3,5.
The Book, an edition of the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. p. 634.
Clancie Speck, Elizabethtown, KY, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25, NKJV