When We're Tempted to Play It Safe

She entered his home uninvited – this woman carrying an expensive jar of perfume. The host never would’ve permitted her to dine with men of their stature. She knew that, but it didn’t stop her from doing what she came to do.

She pressed on, ignoring the whispers and condescending glances.

Her purpose won out over the what-ifs she felt. With one courageous step after another, she followed her passion. Her most valuable possession poured out that day in an act of overflowing love for her Savior.

Would I have the courage to do something as bold as she did?

 

The rest of today's devotion can be found over at Lisa Appelo's True and Faithful. Click the link to join me there.

Lisa is generously giving a 100 Days with Christ Bible Reading Plan to her subscribers. While you're there, feel free to grab your copy. You won't be disappointed!

Kristine

Trusting God's Voice

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalms 20:7 (NIV)

 

I watched him sleeping, his lethargic six-week old body with IV’s in both hands. This was not how I envisioned my first Mother’s Day.

Two nurses came in and prepared to run another IV with some type of antibiotic fluid. I listened to their whispers. My heart tightened. I realized they were discussing putting the IV needle in his head, because that’s where they could see the vein.

I'm sure the nurses were well trained. I'm sure they knew what they were doing. But something about it didn't feel right.

There I stood, a young mom with a history of shying away from confrontation. But the Holy Spirit clearly directed me at that moment. It was time to speak up and voice my opposition to this treatment option.

It was time to trust God's voice.

There are times in life when God directs us to trust others, but never before trusting Him. (Tweet this.)

If we ask him each day to direct our steps and guide us in decision-making, He will intervene when those difficult moments arise.

Trust is hard. I often question if I heard Him right.

We’ve all experienced moments of doubt. We've all feared making a mistake. We've wondered whether to be silent or speak up.

So what is the answer when we don't know what to do? We remember where to place our trust.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalms 20:7 (NIV)

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines trust this way:

  • to believe that someone or something is reliable, good, honest
  • to believe that something is true or correct
  • to hope or expect that something is true

Since Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” (emphasis added) we can interpret the definition this way:

  • to believe that the Lord is reliable, good, honest
  • to believe that the Lord is true or correct
  • to hope or expect that the Lord is true

If ever I needed to trust and believe that the Lord was correct, it was that moment. I spoke up, and the nurses responded in agreement to my concerns.

Soon after, the results came back with good news. A couple of nights later we took our baby home.

I listened to God's prompting that day in the hospital. I also learned a valuable lesson. At times, God directs us to boldness. Other times He beckons us to be silent. As long as we put our trust in God, His Holy Spirit continues to guide our hearts and actions in every situation.

As we grow closer to God, hearing and trusting His voice becomes easier. Let’s draw closer to Him today and put ourselves in a position to discern God's voice in our lives.

Kristine

For more on how to trust God's voice, check out this devotional, 2 Ways to Choose Trust, by fellow writer and life coach, Carmen Horne.