It is never easy to go through trials and
tribulations. Regardless of the reason or benefit, it is still difficult to
walk right through the middle of the fire. I always want to give up, before I
even get started, and quit with every step. My mind has no trouble
contemplating failure, it is the success that is so hard for me to believe and
focus on.
This week God has blessed me to walk through the
fire. I can’t even explain how difficult it is for me to take that first step
toward the unknown.
An unexplained turmoil wars inside of me. My sleep becomes troubled and my appetite disappears. My heart has a jolt of panic, every once in awhile, to remind me that it is not so sure about my new adventure. Thoughts, both good and bad, fight for the time to dwell in my mind. And when it seems that I will be swallowed up by it all, God steps in.
He eases my mind with His presence, and reassures me
of His strength.
Take
no thought for what you will say. The words are inside of you. This is your
testimony and comes from your heart. You’re doing better than what you think.
When the time arrives, all of my fear is calmed by
His peace. During the interview, I’m in the moment and nothing else matters. God
makes me bold and gives me the strength and confidence to do His work. He doesn’t
leave us in the midst of the fire, but rather envelops us in His arms of
safety.
We don’t have to do great things for God. We just
have to be obedient and step forward with faith, and allow Him to work through
us. He even gives me the faith I need to move for Him.
This week He blessed me to have a feature story with
our local news, interview with the leading magazine in the world for health,
disability, and human potential, and be on the local radio—all within three
days. God has opened so many doors for me and blessed me to know wonderful
people who are willing to help me make a difference.
He has also blessed me to know and work with a world
organization. I am the new spokesperson for The Children’s Reading Foundation
of Appalachia Kentucky. They are having a Dr. Seuss Read across America event
March 9, 2013 and a coloring contest for three different age groups. Kids will be coloring Zippy for a chance to win an autographed copy of Zippy's Big Difference. The Reading Foundation also asked
if Zippy could make an appearance. It humbles me and touches me immensely that
my character was invited to the biggest literacy celebration in my area.
(Little Zippy gets to attend the same party as Clifford the Big Red Dog, Scooby
Doo, Bert and Ernie, and the Dr. Seuss characters.)
I was thinking last night about how I used to visit
with God on my deck and cry. I knew He had a great, big job for me to do and I was
so scared. I’m very thankful God made me go all the way. Regardless of how I cried
and begged to Him, He made me endure the trial until it was finished. The greatest blessings come through heartache.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18 KJV
Good things happen outside of our comfort zone, in
the midst of the fire. I hope you will continue to follow me and my journey. God
is a wonderful Paymaster!
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| Emily Stroud from WBIR channel 10 and I after my interview. http://www.wbir.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=2176322137001 |
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