Ellen Chauvin | Soaked & Sprouting

Soaked in God's Word, Sprouting Seeds of Faith

Taking What God Has Given

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“Oh, I couldn’t possibly take that, but thank you for thinking of me!”

“Why not? It’s my gift to you. I want to give it to you. Take it!”

“No, I just couldn’t…”

Have you ever had this conversation with someone? Their generosity toward you is overwhelming. You don’t feel entitled to the gift they are giving.

Imagine if Joshua and the people of Israel responded to God that way, before they crossed the Jordan.

“Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.” Joshua 1:2-3 NASB

“Oh, Lord God, no, really…we can’t take ALL that land! It’s too much!”

“But, I’ve told you over and over (Genesis 15:18, Numbers 33:53, Deuteronomy 11:24, Joshua 1:2-3)…I’m GIVING you the land. Take it!”

There are so many reasons we don’t take the land God has given us. We’re afraid, so we tell Him “No”; there’s a trust issue, and we don’t think we heard Him correctly. But if we’ve discerned through prayer, His word and Godly counsel, that He has indeed given the land, then we need to take it!

It took years before I freely admitted that I was a writer. God wants ME to write? Why? I love it but how could He possibly use my simple words? I know many fellow writers who have had the same thoughts.

Is there land you haven’t taken? Perhaps you’re an author who hasn’t penned the book the Lord laid on your heart; did God open a door for you that you didn’t walk through; did you turn down the ministry or committee position that you felt God had just for you? Why didn’t you take the land?

Let’s think about what happens when we don’t take the land.

We will have missed a God-given opportunity to use our gifts for God’s glory. There are people in our sphere of influence who need what we have to give. God has given us this particular land for a reason. He has a purpose and a plan for us. We may not see the full picture this side of heaven, but trust that He has a plan for us.

If we don’t take the land God has given, those opportunities will float right by us. We may begin drifting through our days with no real sense of purpose. Add to that, the regret we will have and the “what if” questions we will ask and wonder about.

Now, what happens when we do take the land God has given us?
• God promises not to abandon us (Joshua 1:5)
• God promises to be with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9)

There may be battles, but God has promised He has given the land. He will fight for us. God is on our side. He won’t leave or forsake us. He just asks for our obedience. (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)

Now go – take the land!

Grace be with you,

Telling God “No”

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She THREW ME UNDER THE BUS!!

We were presenting our professional organization to the parish government, to get a framed “proclamation” of an upcoming special event.

The parish president asked my associate “What does your organization do in the community?”

I watched her closely, knowing she was nervous about public speaking. The blood drained slowly from her face. I watched as, inch by inch, her tanned face changed to white ash. Her body was frigid with fear. Eyes wide in near panic, she looked at me. Then she waved her hands toward ME to speak.

WHAT!?! I don’t speak in front of people! Especially without notes!

I’m not sure exactly what I said. I’m fairly certain my w-w-words s-p-p-puttered out slowly, and my voice was shaking like I was shivering in a blizzard.

Lesson learned: don’t go to a presentation with someone who is MORE AFRAID of public speaking than you!

I wonder if Aaron, Moses brother, felt like he was thrown under the bus?

Moses spoke to the LORD. He said, “Lord, I’ve never been a good speaker. And I haven’t gotten any better since you spoke to me. I don’t speak very well at all.” The LORD said to him, “Who makes a man able to talk? Who makes him unable to hear or speak? Who makes him able to see? Who makes him blind? It is I, the LORD. Now go. I will help you speak. I will teach you what to say.”
But Moses said, “Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses. He said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you. He will be glad to see you. Speak to him. Put your words in his mouth. Tell him what to say. I will help both of you speak. I will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you. He will be like your mouth. And you will be like God to him.
Exodus 4:10-16 New International Reader’s Version

“H-h-h-here I am Lord, send Aaron.”

What on earth was Moses thinking? Didn’t he remember the burning bush, standing on holy ground and God calling him to lead the people of Israel to freedom (Exodus 3)?

Goodness, that would be like me saying “Ya know God, I appreciate the offer, but I can’t. Maybe try my friend Beth. Or Carmen! She’d be great! But please don’t send me.”

And I have done that. Well, maybe not that obvious. But yes, I’ve ignored the prompting of God. And I’ve tried to reason with Him.

“God, there are so many others who are better qualified than me. I don’t think I can do this!”

I imagine God answering “Well, of COURSE you can’t do this Ellen! Not in your own strength! You. Need. Me. Depend on Me. Trust Me.”

Look what God tells Moses: I will help you. I will teach you.

Funny thing: When I did say Yes, and took that leap of faith, God did for me what He promised to do for Moses. He helped me. He taught me. And yes, He put words in my mouth!

[tweetthis]Don’t miss the immense blessing of obedience.[/tweetthis]

Those are the times that will build your faith in Him, and strengthen the intimacy you have with Him.

Now go…

Grace be with you,