Too Big for My Britches

For years, I heard it all: "You're doing too much. Start one thing at a time. You're spread too thin," etc. But here's the thing: it wasn't that I was neglecting sound advice or wise counsel. If there is one thing I am happy about, it is that I welcome wisdom and am always open to being teachable.

I believe you cannot grow if you are not teachable, and as long as you are living, you should always be learning, growing, and evolving in knowledge and wisdom. So, am I open to sound teaching and wise counsel? Absolutely.

However, when you have a strong conviction, you must make sure the teaching and counsel you are receiving is God-ordained. Some people operate from a place of love and concern, and those emotions can, at times, be mistaken for being Holy Spirit-led. I am always open to listening, but I take everything to Father God in prayer, and I believe His Word, which states in 2 Corinthians 13:1, "This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."

Having said that, Father God has never failed me in doing anything He has instructed me to do. Has it always been easy? Absolutely not. Has every door opened at the first knock, every heart opened at the first ask or request, or has everyone been on the same page? No, no, no, and no. It has taken prayer, fasting, sitting quietly, pressing in, being bold and courageous, standing while shaking in my boots, waiting when the pressure of people, situations, and circumstances insisted I move now, and more.

I have learned over the years to trust Father God, and that has only come as a result of being strategically placed in positions where I had to learn. Each, I believe, was part of my training. It was there that my trust was established and my faith was encouraged and strengthened. I had to lean in and live out Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." I had to make this scripture my personal mantra.

Let me be very clear about something here: I am not suggesting or encouraging anyone to move without sound wisdom and wise counsel, but rather to understand there may be times when your obedience to Father God may not make common sense, or make sense to everyone around you.

Trust me when I say, I have had many instances where it looked like I was operating irresponsibly and was void of wisdom. However, in addition to what I knew was instruction from Father God, I also had trusted people with whom I sought counsel before stepping out.

With all that I carry — and it's a lot — at times I've felt like, "Father God, this is too much," and I have been afraid to step out in it. But then I am quickly reminded that I do not walk alone. I am not carrying anything alone. He is carrying, leading, guiding, equipping, instructing, and empowering me.

I am required to believe, be willing, and be obedient — and even in that, it is not solely reliant upon me. It is His Word and His will, and I am His child. As are you. The word of God tells us in Philippians 2:13, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure."

If you feel the weight of what Father God has called you to carry is too much, or if you feel pressured to adjust how and what you do based on what others — even well-intentioned people — are telling you, remember what the Word says, and may it keep you grounded: "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure..." — 2 Peter 1:10. And never forget: "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 1:6

Be blessed!
Prophetess Ceola J.