Battle Ready by Kelly BalarieSample

Day Five: Unlimited

Where is God calling you to try? To trust Him, to make a change, to grab hold of a dream, or to treat someone differently? What might you need to press into even if it appears laughable, impossible, or beyond your ability?

Move on it. And don’t get caught up in the awkwardness of it. New things, like new jeans, take time to fit. Embrace the oddness, the feeling you’re a little “out of your mind” for trying. People thought Jesus was out of His mind too. That never stopped Him. 

People talk. There will always be vocal dream-killers and shame-speakers. They walk all around us. They speak opposition and unknowingly try to hold us back while laughing at our dreams. They point fingers. What does it matter what they do? 

We don’t serve them. We serve God. The one who does not limit us but unlimits us by His grace. Go by His Word, not theirs. Who cares if you appear an “extremist” of love? Who cares if they call you “out of your mind”? The day generosity, kindness, and forgiveness have madly multiplied within you is a good day, I assure you. 

Circle back to this truth. Choose to move out on wild, nearly scandalous faith. Scandalous faith pushes love forward even when there’s no good reason to do so. Faith knows God has good reason. By faith, creativity, restoration, progress, life, music, messages, business acumen, wisdom, skill, and wonder are released, all to the stand-back glory of God. 

Spirit-filled, empowered women step out despite opinions, risks, failure, their past track record, or their perception of themselves. 

How can you prepare your mind to follow through, despite these things? What can you tell yourself? Write down your motivational truths from Scripture. Refer to them.  For example: “[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Prepare your mind with new thoughts so you don’t end up shrinking back, saying I’ll look dumb; I’ll be judged; they’ll make fun of me; I’ll feel bad; it will feel too hard . . . [fill in the blank] . . . 

Or don’t. 

And let people, opinions, and fears keep you exactly where you are today. 

What is something you’re afraid to try because you think people will laugh at you or criticize you?