Do It Scared

“So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night rather than in the daytime.”
Judges 6:27 (NIV)

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

"God, I'm not sure I can do this. The pressure of writing a weekly devotional feels like a lot." I stared at the blank screen, searching for the right words. This was a big step of faith.

Two years ago, we were praying about next steps for Arise Women's Ministry. We knew that developing weekly content was important, both to engage our community and to grow the ministry. When I was asked to write a weekly devotional, I knew in my heart it was what God was calling me to do. But I was scared. Would I have something new to say each week?

Saying yes felt frightening. But it also felt right.

As I read Gideon's story in Judges, I get it. He was willing to obey God's command to tear down his father's altar to Baal, but he was afraid. Yet he didn't let that fear stop him. He took action anyway. He just did it under the cover of night.

When I started writing devotionals, I wrote a few extra ones ahead of time, just in case I ever drew a blank. Like Gideon, I was willing to obey… but I gave myself a safety cushion. In the two years since, I've never once needed to use them. God has always been faithful to give me something new to write.

What about you, dear one? Is there an area of obedience God is asking you to step into that feels scary? Be like Gideon. Obey, even when you're afraid. Picture Jesus walking ahead of you, hand extended, saying: Come. I'm with you. Take the step.

This week, take that step… even if it's under the cover of night. You won't regret it!