Speaking for myself, the past four years (especially 2020) have without a doubt been unprecedented. COVID-19 and the challenges that came with it, coupled with the most disheartening presidential term and election year I have ever experienced. Nevertheless, in the mist of the chaos and confusion, I was reminded of a song I was introduced to several years ago. A song God used to speak to my heart at a time when “fear of the unknown” caused me to doubt God’s divine direction.
When my sons were young boys, I desired to work closer to home so that I could be more active at their schools. When nothing became available, I accepted a promotion slightly further away. Six months later, a position became available ten minutes from my home. Although it was not my intention to leave after just six months, I took a leap of faith and asked to be considered for the position. The move was a lateral transfer (same position; different location) and per policy, my current supervisor did not have to let me go. Still, I believe that if it was meant to be, it would happen. Well, I was offered the transfer, and he graciously released me. I was confident it was nobody but God directing my path.
My first day commute to the new location, that fear of the unknown I mention earlier, tried to overtake me. I was wondering if it was God or just my desire to be closer to home that was motivating me to go. In that moment, although I didn’t realize it, I was allowing fear to tell me how powerful it was, instead of me telling fear how powerful my God is. As tears rolled down my face and I quietly pondered on whether I was doing the right thing, my attention was drawn to the words of a song that was playing on the radio: But the voice of truth tells me a different story; and the voice of truth says, “Do not be afraid!” And the voice of truth says, “This is for My glory” Out of all the voices calling out to me; I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth. The words of that song ministered to me and I knew that God was with me. Since then, every time I hear that song, I think about that day. How God used those words to speak directly to my heart and give me peace to walk by faith into the unknown without fear because He was with me.
Fear of the unknown can be detrimental to our spiritual growth if we don’t tell the devil to kick rocks lol (get thee behind me), and trust that God will never leave or forsake us (See Deuteronomy 31:6) When we give in to fear we will be defeated, and that is NOT of God! Once we allow God (the voice of truth), to speak to our hearts and drown out all the other voices (even our own), we can get through anything! To overcome fear and have the courage to press forward no matter what comes my way, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.
To hear the song “The Voice of Truth” by Casting Crown in its entirety, please click the link and be blessed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cKm_mYVPQE
Pressing Towards the Mark
AJ
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