The voice inside my head urged me to find a way out. Monday afternoon I had received an email from Jack, our worship leader at church. It requested my confirmation to play electric guitar and sing backing vocals at two worship services next weekend.
“But you haven’t played live for several years,” the voice said.
“Your chops aren’t nearly as good as the other three guitarists in the rotation,” the voice said.
“You’re really busy during the next 10 days,” the voice said.
“All you have to do is hit the ‘DECLINE’ button and this feeling will go away,” the voice said.
Tuesday came. After lunch I found myself alone with the Lord, praying about other things that concerned me such as a friend who has cancer, six couples whose marriages are struggling, and new opportunities in my job that will require significant reprioritization of my time. Big stuff. Real issues. Serious challenges. Then the summons in Jack’s email snuck back into my head. Suddenly I realized what I was feeling — I was afraid.
But then I remembered a different Voice. This Voice speaks to the heart. This Voice says:
“You are a passionate worshipper.”
“You love music, and you love helping lead others to worship Jesus.”
“You don’t need to compare your performance to others.”
“There is always plenty of time to enjoy Me.”
“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and discipline.”
“Go for it.”
I know this Voice. It is the Voice of the Holy Spirit. When He says go, it’s time to obey and to rest in that simple obedience. This Voice dispels fear. Following this Voice moves me past fear into settled peace.
I pulled out my phone, opened up Jack’s email, and clicked on the ‘CONFIRMED’ button.
Which fears hold you back from living out who you really are?
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