Shelly A. Faust

Archives for September 2015

An Update From the Airport (Texas–>Canada–>Texas)

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So, it’s Monday and time for another installment of #anewseason right here in my little corner of cyberspace. But since I didn’t write and schedule today’s post before I left for Canada, this little update will have to do for now.

God has a way of going before us and arranging things without us even knowing what’s happening. I suppose that’s why He is God, and we are not. He’s sees the big picture, the whole story. I’m usually trying to make sure I’m on the right page.

When I planned this series a couple of months ago, I knew I would be traveling to my first international speaking event but I didn’t really consider the impact or timing of what God would speak here to ME through these words. I know, I know, I thought all this was for you, too, but turns out, it’s for me. You just happen to be here 😉

I do hope, of course, that somehow you have discovered some nuggets of truth or heard the Holy Spirit whisper some words to your heart as you joined the conversation this month. (And if you have, I would love to hear about it!)

Right at this very moment, I’m in the middle of my trek home. I flew from Ft Saint John to Calgary, where I am now waiting to board my flight to Houston.

I have so much to process when I get home.

I did want to share one thing, though, while I had a moment.

Since I promised to be transparent and embrace the scary place of vulnerability (because how else can God really use our stories, right?) I have a confession to make.

I was thinking just this morning about how it’s (mostly) easy to write about stepping into unknown territory and being brave and entering a new season. You feel brave and type these words and sometimes others are inspired and encouraged at the bold use of sentences and paragraphs formed and published with just a tap tap of the finger.

And how it’s a bit harder to step on the plane and cross international borders and sit alone in an airport lobby hoping you can find an empty place to charge your phone.

And how somewhere in the middle of it all and again at the end of this impossible-made-possible assignment you don’t really feel as brave and your courage feels all used up.

And you wonder if you could do it all again? If you could leave your family and risk vulnerability and face your fears and embrace impossible and hard.

Transparency, remember?

So this morning a two year old named Zane asked me to read him a story. Right there in the middle of my moment. The moment my courage felt all used up and I started wondering.

So I pulled him into my lap and we settled in for some reading.

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And God gently whispered for the ten thousandth time,

It will all be okay.

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Because even when I don’t want to go and my courage feels small, He sees me. And His plans are much better than mine could ever be.

And even when it feels scary (whatever it is), He takes good care of me.

And guess what? He takes good care of you, too.

And if you haven’t read this book? You should. It’s for kids, but it’s for grown-ups, too. Obviously.

Thank you, Lysa. For this and a million other things.

For those of you joining me in this month’s series, #anewseason, I’ll be back Wednesday with a wrap up and an announcement about what’s next. You have been good company.

I’m off to the friendly skies once again, next stop Houston.

Family, I’m coming home.

 

Breaking Up With Comfortable and Finally, A Stamp in My Passport

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First Passport stamp

Way back in January, I was invited to serve on the Hospitality Team for the Klove Cruise. One morning during our devotion time, Bob Goff threw a medal from the stage and it landed at my feet. God whispered to my heart that this year would require bravery and courage. Eight months later I’m waking up in Canada and getting read to speak at my first international women’s event.

The night before I left, my ten year old begged me not to leave because “you’re the glue that holds this family together” and “who’s going to remind me to brush my teeth?” and “while you’re gone my hair will probably look like Napoleon Dynamite.” (Just a tad dramatic)

So upon departure, yeah, my heart needed a little courage. But God is a God who is faithful and promises to go with us on these new adventures that often require bravery and are sure to stretch us outside of our comfortable places (like a stay at home mama from Texas flying to Canada to deliver a word, encourage some hearts, and offer freedom to others who might be tempted to resist an assignment outside of their natural abilities and strength).

Responding to and answering the call of God, wherever it may lead us (across the oceans, to the ends of the earth, to our neighbor’s house, or to the neglected corners of our own community) is costly. Not might be, not could be, IS. It requires a surrendering of the things you hold the tightest. And just when you think you’ve trusted Him in all places, He tugs at a part of you still connected to your own confidence, strength, or ability to control.

I boarded my plane, (medal securely attached to my backpack, Joshua 1:9 strategically tucked into my heart), and stepped further into this new season God has called me to.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

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Steps of obedience are very often followed by blessings of bravery. A bravery not in and of ourselves, but in the One true and living God. He makes us brave with a courage confident in a God who goes before us and has already prepared the way. A God who knows all things and makes all things possible.

So, good morning from Canada!

Yesterday was quite the adventure, as my time in the airport usually is for some strange reason. After being delayed in Houston, I missed two connecting flights but finally made it to Canada.

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From out of my uncomfortable places, I’m praying God will bring comfort and bravery to others. I’m praying He will be glorified and move among these women in this little camp hidden in the beautiful landscape of His own masterfully designed creation.

Because I think He has a way of calling us out to call others in. Calling us out of ourselves, out of this world, out of faithless living.

And into a realm of Kingdom living right here on this ground.

So, I’m breaking up with comfortable. It’s just not working anymore.

How about you? Are you hearing a call from deep within to step outside of the places you’ve been scared to move past? Those places that have kept your mouth shut? Those places that have prevented your feet from walking and your hands from being lifted in surrender?

I’m not just talking about getting on an airplane or speaking at a women’s retreat. There are more things inside of our comfortable zone holding us captive than we realize. Breaking up with comfortable could mean:

No matter what it is that’s stretching you outside of your comfortable place, God has already gone before you and prepared the way. Go ahead, break up with comfortable.

What is God is asking you to do that is outside of your comfortable place? 

20 Scriptures to Help You Overcome Fear and Anxiety

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(We are in the middle of our September series, A New Season. Please feel free to go back and review any of our previous posts.)

20 Scriptures to help you overcome fear and anxiety 2

Fear and anxiety seem to be two of the most common struggles we face when moving out of an old season and into a new season (or at any other time in our lives). These unwelcome adversaries are robbers of destiny and purpose. They have the potential to paralyze progression and lock us into a place of suffocating panic, worry, and defeat.

I have struggled with fear my whole life. As a child, I buried my body under a pile of blankets at bedtime because I was certain whatever was lurking under my bed or in my closet was waiting for the perfect opportunity to get me. In Middle School I stood in front of my eighth grade speech class in full-blown panic mode more than once. In my 20s and 30s, I sat in bed many nights with the crushing weight of anxiety on my chest certain I was having a heart attack. As a young wife, I was consumed with anxious thoughts of my husband being in an accident if he was late coming home from work. As a mother of teenagers, those same anxious thoughts would reemerge if my newly licensed kids didn’t immediately answer or return my phone call. I shared last Friday how I put off getting my passport for YEARS because I was afraid of what God would ask me to do next. Sadly, I could go on and on with this list. Can anyone else relate?

Fear and anxiety are no joke. They can sit us down on the bench or take us out of the game completely.

BUT.

When we arm ourselves with the Word of God, we can rest confidently and securely in His power and strength, even when ours fails.

When we park our minds and hearts on His life-giving truth, our thoughts transform from fear-filled to faith-full.
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We don’t have to be afraid. We don’t have to live with anxiety and wrestle with anxious thoughts. We can walk in boldness and sleep in peace. We can speak, write, sing, go and do whatever task or assignment is before us. We can live without fear or dread of tomorrow.

Here are twenty of my favorite scriptures for overcoming fear and anxiety:

  1. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
    2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJ)
  2. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJ)
  3. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NKJ)
  4. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
  5. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NASB)
  6. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
  7. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The Lord protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.” Psalm 27:1 (GNT)
  8. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)
  9. “God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (AMP)
  10. “When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You.” Psalm 56:3 (AMP)
  11. “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22 (NIV)
  12. “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)
  13. “The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” Psalm 27:1 (NLT)
  14. “Even when I walk through the darkest valley,I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
  15. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1b (NKJ)
  16. “Whenever I am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad.” Psalm 94:19 (GNT)
  17. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 (ESV)
  18. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 34:7 (NIV)
  19. “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.” Psalm 91:4-7 (NLT)
  20. “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38 (NLT)

There are many more scriptures that address these struggles and any others you might be facing. This is certainly not meant to be an all-inclusive list. Hopefully, though, it is enough to get you excited about the Word of God and make you want to open your Bible for yourself. :)

Let’s chat:

  • Have you ever struggled with fear?
  • What one scripture can you hold onto today that will help you move forward in confidence, boldness, and peace?

Let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us and caring for us. Your Word says that we can have peace – not as the world gives – but as only You can give. Your Word also says that we don’t have to be afraid. We can give you our anxieties and cares and trust that You are in control of all things. But sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes it feels overwhelming and scary. Help us. Empower us as we arm ourselves with the truth of Your Word. Increase our desire and hunger to know You more. Make us brave and courageous to do what You’ve called us to do and go where You’ve called us to go. Let our lives be a testimony of Your goodness, grace, love, and power. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

I Never Needed a Passport Until I Got One

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Joshua 1-9

We’ve been talking about the different seasons we walk through in our lives, physically and spiritually. We’ve also discussed the importance of hearing and recognizing God’s voice. And two Fridays ago, I shared a personal story about some consequences of obedience and disobedience in my life.

Today, I want to sit down on the couch and share another story with you in hopes that your heart will find courage to do the thing God is asking you to do.

When we hear God speak with words of instruction, we get to choose how we respond.

When we delay obedience, we walk in disobedience. God may be trying to move us into our next season but unless we trust and surrender we will not enter. He will not force us to obey or make us do what He has called us to do.

About ten years ago I received a prophetic word from a prophet (who has also been one of my spiritual mentors) at a conference. He said I was going to travel all over the world and one day I would have a passport full of stamps. The hidden desire to cross the oceans leaped within me.

And then reality interrupted with doubt and fear.

  • I didn’t even have a passport.
  • Not only had I not traveled outside of the country, I could count on one hand the number of times I had been on an airplane.
  • Going overseas seemed scary and impossible.

You can probably guess I did not get my passport.

About a year later, this same prophet spoke over me at a different conference. His words were short and precise: Get your passport.

Over the next couple of years I did make an effort to pick up an application (or three) from the post office but again, doubt and fear won. It’s amazing how much dust a packet of paper can accumulate.

The same words were spoken over me once more.

Three times I received what I believe was divine instruction to get my passport and three times I did nothing (which, by the way, is disobedience). Coincidentally (or not), I never needed a passport.

But last December guess what I did? I filled out my application, drove to the passport office, smiled for a picture, and finally got my passport.

To say I’m a little stubborn or hard-headed may be an understatement.

Since getting my passport, I have traveled (upon invitation) outside of the country once already and have four (yes, FOUR) other international trips/invitations on my calendar over the next ten months.

In fact, next Thursday, I leave for Canada. It’s my very first time to speak internationally. I could not have accepted this invitation if I had not finally surrendered and stepped out of my comfort zone to get my passport.

When we hear God’s voice, we can choose to heed it and obey or ignore it and disobey.

I heard God’s voice.

  • I received a prophetic word and God confirmed it to me more than once (confirmation).
  • I knew in my spirit (inner knowing) that it was a personal word from Him.
  • It lined up with scriptures and another word He had given me in previous years.

For too long, I chose to listen to doubt and fear and walk in disobedience. I was afraid of what God would ask me to do if I moved forward. I was comfortable doing what was familiar and easy.

As long as I refused to do what God was asking me to do, I could not move into the places He was asking me to go.

I am reminded of Joshua. After Moses died, God told Joshua to “arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving them – the children of Israel” (Joshua 1:2). God was calling Joshua to arise and be established in the place He had planned for him, but he had to do something first: He had to go over.

Unless Joshua crossed over the Jordan, unless he left familiar territory, he could not have walked into his place of destiny.

From Deuteronomy 31:23 to Joshua 1:9 God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, to not be afraid. I don’t know about you, but this makes me think maybe Joshua was a little afraid to do this new thing.

When Joshua made the decision to answer the call, he learned personally that God is a Keeper of His promises. He trusted God with his whole heart and stepped into his destiny.

God is always faithful. If He is telling you to do something, He will not ask you to go alone.

He doesn’t promise it will be easy. He doesn’t promise it will be comfortable.

But He does promise to go with us.

 

Let’s chat:

  • Is there something God has asked you to do that doesn’t make sense or seems a little scary?
  • Is He calling you into a new season? A season of unknowns and unfamiliar territory?
  • Does it line up with scripture? Has it been confirmed?
  • What is holding you back?

Scripture:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

 

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