I used to run away from my fears like mad. I’d point out opportunities to others and cheer like crazy for them. * (This is the first in a five part series; all links are listed below)

I knew they had it in them. And I knew I didn’t.

This fear stemmed from lies. From not knowing what I was capable of doing. What God was capable of doing through me.

You see, my talents weren’t the kind that were obvious. So, I defaulted into believing I just didn’t have any. Or at least I didn’t have any that were God-sized-dream worthy. When I began to trust God, little by little, He blew me away with all the abilities He awoke in me and the doors He opened.

I am a lion chaser now. (click for explanation)

And I want this for you.

I can understand if you’re thinking, that sounds great, but not just yet. Maybe one day when you have time or can take it if you fail because really, what if you do?

What will so-and-so say?

Won’t they look at you funny?

Not to mention, your dream is big and how in the world will you even start?

Will you allow me to answer those questions?

You might fail. So-and-so might talk about you. Funny looks are almost guaranteed at some point. That God-sized dream will require God-sized help getting it started, and who knows how that will come about.

Before you send me an email thanking me for that brilliant insight, let me explain.

Begin lion chasing, and you’ll notice something. Those questions matter less and less. As each beast falls, and you’re more convinced than ever of God’s hand at work, your drive to fulfill His call will be louder than any sideways glance from anyone.

And little by little, you’ll became convinced that nothing else matters, but to fulfill the call He has on your life.

Maybe you doubt you have a calling, because everyone’s talents and abilities are so obvious, and yours are a little less clear (and if that is the case – hello, friend!). But you know, there is this thing that’s deep inside, that God put there. You’re not even aware of it all the time.

Maybe it’s only when you’re fishing, or praying, or sitting on the beach, or like me, driving in a quiet car, alone. But until you believe, until you leave Egypt, until you know for sure you were meant for more, He can’t show you all He longs to.

Monday I’ll begin posting the first of three specific things that helped me go from ‘frady cat to chaser of big cats. Ideas you can put to use too.

So, are you in? Let me know in the comments.

“Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.” —2 Samuel 23:20,NIV

“‘Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'” —Isaiah 6:8, NIV
 

 

This post is part of a five-part series – here are the links: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

*This article was originally written/published by the author under the title “How to Chase Lions – Part 1.”