General Stonewall Jackson was approached by a timorous subordinate general who admitted grave doubts about a planned military sortie. “General Jackson,” he said, “I’m afraid of this. I fear we can’t quite carry it off.” Jackson replied, “General, never take counsel of your fears.”
I came across this quote in a book I’ve read and loved the reminder: never take counsel of your fears. I don’t know how the story concluded. Not sure if the battle was won or lost – not even sure where it was fought. But the wisdom of the statement really encouraged me.
How often are our fears louder than our faith? Even just last night something happened, I had a positive spin that I reflected on … and then negativity and fear came in so much louder and more confident. It came in the form of “being realistic”. But really, it was simply a negative take on a neutral situation.
Ask for More
The last few days, it has really been on my mind that I need to have a bolder, stronger faith. Ask for more, expect more, and give more.
I almost feel greedy saying that I want to ask for and expect more. As if it would be better if I just sat back quietly and accepted the status quo. But I really don’t think that’s the case. Remember Christ? He specifically told His disciples to ask, seek and knock! I truly believe that He likes us to look to Him for more!
And think about the faith that grows! Courage, boldness, optimism, etc! Yes, you will likely work harder than you’ve ever worked in your life, but that is a good thing! High risk {big, bold asks} – high reward {remarkable results}!
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” – Malachi 3:10
Faith-Filled Eyes
As you learn to ask for more, work to have faith-filled eyes. Eyes that see the positive, the blessings, the confirmations that you are on the right track. What’s the point in asking for more if you don’t recognize it when it comes?
In addition, if you have truly surrendered all to God, lean in and rejoice in the way He leads. That gentle nudge and longing in your heart – don’t discount it and try to ignore it, but rather give it to God and pray regarding it!
How do you expect God to lead except for perhaps in gentle, quiet ways? He’s not going to write you a letter specifying an appropriate list of asks. He’s going to lead and encourage you quietly, because that’s Who God is! Remember how He spoke to Elijah, not through severe weather, but rather thru a still, small voice?
This literally occurred to me the other day. I’ve got things on my heart that are near and dear, and yet that annoying voice of “reason” loves to argue with me about whether or not they matter. But I’ve realized they do matter! Perhaps it’s because fear has been arguing so loud with me, negativity in my mind, that it has helped me see that that’s not God’s voice, but rather the enemy.
And I’m so grateful to realize this! I’ve begun thanking God for putting these things on my heart and as I pray daily regarding them, I ask Him to direct me how to pray. I’m done taking counsel of my fears.
Never Take Counsel of Your Fears
Let me just further encourage you to never take counsel of your fears. Seek God wholeheartedly, and then lean into where He leads!
When doubts or negativity get loud, remind God what you have on your heart. This isn’t like a wishing well were you will get these wishes granted, but I truly believe that He uses our hopes and dreams to lead us where He needs us!
And remember, God typically leads through a still, small voice. Pause, pray, and really listen for Him. Ask Him to direct you today and then listen intently for that direction. Don’t listen to the fears that get loud, but rather refute them and listen for God. He always answers, pray for the wisdom to understand where He is leading.
I pray these words encourage your heart and draw you into a closer relationship with God!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2018/12/05/more-than-we-ask/