Do you choose to be brave?

Handling criticism | Text: Philippians 1: 27-28 | 1 Corinthians 16 : 13

Reflection:

Each and every one of us can make mention of seasons of great fear in our walk when God would have called us to something we might perceive to be bigger than us. Pursuing purpose while under pressure by criticism from the people around us whether in our families, church, work place or otherwise; it creates a foundation for fear and a great feeling of incompetence to weigh on our perception of the relevance of the call on our lives.

I'll stop for a minute to say to you that in order for you to tap into the spirit of strength and bravery that is required of you, you first have to change your belief system. You can't have more light if you can't handle more heat. Criticism comes with the call. Diverse priorities set a foundation for positional criticism because your critics simply have no understanding of where you are and where you're going. You have to be brave enough to stand confidently in that which God has called you to. Your priorities are different so it's easy for persons on the outside looking in to contradict the authenticity and the sustainability of the call on your life.

You are required to be able to handle criticism if you want to be used by God. We are now in a sociological era where people draw their own conclusions of who is and isn't worthy of being used by God in the Christian community.

Do not invite God to use you greatly before inviting him to shape you in who you need to be to aid the effectiveness in the delivery of that which you were called to carry. The victory will not change the mind of the critic! It is simply for the completion of the assignment. I encourage you, be not dismayed! Be brave and courageous for he that called you to it is more than able to sustain you through it.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for seeing me higher than I see myself. I thank you for trusting me with purpose. I pray dear Lord that you will permeate me with the spirit of bravery. Strengthen me dear Lord for the task ahead as I choose to honor you with my life. I change my perspective and dismiss my desires and the desires of my critics so that I can accommodate your thoughts and perspectives. Take full control of my life Lord. I choose to be brave enough

Amen