Take a Step Forward

On Wednesdays, we are thrilled to fling open the doors to all of YOU! We love hearing your dreaming stories…the lessons you’ve learned, the roads you’ve walked, the dreams He’s planted in your hearts! Today we are excited to welcome Elizabeth Livingston to God-sized Dreams. She shares the important reminder of walking in obedience to God when He calls us to do something. Thanks so much for sharing your words with us today, Elizabeth!

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A few days back I was going through my diary of 2017 and reflecting on my life during the past year. There were many challenges trying to block my way, but God led me faithfully through, in His grace and strength.

I also was identifying the achievements I had last year. One of the biggest achievements was my blog. I still can’t believe I have begun to write. I definitely can’t come into the category of writers yet, but blogging has given me a platform to share God’s Word and its principles with others. It gives me immense joy to see my life become a source of blessing through it.

The blogging idea was actually given to me by a friend, and I didn’t take it much seriously in the beginning. I could see more impossibilities than possibilities of having my own blog. But after praying and thinking much about it, I began to write. And to my surprise, I have written more than 35 articles in the past years which became channels of blessing and encouragement for others.

Many of my articles were written in the midst of my deepest pain and intense frustrations. At times I faced limitations of good English phrases, and my writings didn’t sound professional. Often, I felt disqualified, inadequate and criticised in my attempts to be a blogger. There were even times when I thought that I was stuck by my circumstances and there was no other escape except quitting. My mood swings, family issues and health issues didn’t allow me to feel like writing.

But all these adverse situations actually allowed me to rely on God completely rather than on my own understanding and strength. God brought people into my life who helped me with proofreading, shared their ideas and suggestions to improve my blog, and supported me with their prayers so I that I could continue my writing.

In my attempt to write, what I have learned along the way is that God doesn’t want perfection from us; He wants us to be willing to answer His call. When He puts something in your heart or uses people to tell you what He wants to do through you, it’s very important that we take a step forward with willingness, despite our limitations. He knows our shortcomings, our inabilities and our fears. This is where He strengthens us for His work.

And over the last couple of years, I can see how much I have grown in my understanding of His love and grace. As I wrote the blog for the encouragement of others, I myself was encouraged and blessed.

Is God calling you to do something for His glory today? Do you feel you aren’t skilled or capable to do that work? Do you think you might fail in your attempt? Do you even think that you will be mocked or criticised by people?

I want to encourage you to take a step forward. God isn’t looking for perfection from us, but He is looking for our obedience and willingness. Don’t focus on your limitations, but let God work on them as you do what He has asked you to do.

Allow His strength to become perfect in your weaknesses.

The work He wants to begin in you, He is faithful to complete it. What matters is that you do the work to your best ability and trust God with the rest.

Nobody is perfect except God, so don’t worry…go ahead and accomplish what He has purposed for your life!

^“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

Elizabeth Livingston writes to encourage others through God’s Word and her life experiences. She writes to point people to the hope and love of Jesus in the midst of their trials. She believes God has unique plans for each one of our lives and when we embrace His promises and His plans, we can live a life which brings glory to His name. She is a wife, mother and a budding writer who wants to reflect God’s love, truth, and grace through her words. She lives in Trivandrum, Kerala, India with her husband, Nevin, and children Asher and Athalie. You can connect with her at her blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter.