I don’t paint fingernails

The cry from down the hall chilled me to the bone.

“Bapa, do my nails!” my 4-year-old granddaughter called.

I don’t do nails. I had already told her that Bapa – what she’s called me since before she could say Grandpa – doesn’t do makeup. That was when she called me into her room and asked me to play with her. Play, yes. Makeup, no.

“Bapa?” she called again.

I trembled. But I also started thinking. If I would die for this little girl – and I would – can’t I go in there and try to paint her nails?

And after all, I’ve told myself that I’m not going to let fear stop me this year. I’ve already tackled some difficulties in sewing. I’ve challenged my own writing. And I’m taking on a huge challenge next month. Surely I shouldn’t let fear keep me from painting my granddaughter’s nails.

So I went in and I went to work, following her directions to paint her nails in blue and silver, alternating. It wasn’t perfect, but I have to say, it wasn’t nearly as frightening as I expected and it came out nice.

The same is true of the challenges I took on in sewing and writing.

And it got me thinking.

If I would die for Jesus – and I like to think that I would – is there anything I ought to be afraid to do for Him?

In fact, can’t I trust Him to never ask me to do something without making it possible? Isn’t fear really a manifestation of a shortfall of faith? If so, then fear is an inappropriate reaction to God’s invitation to take the next step with Him.

That’s why I’ve agreed to pursue a slightly different ministry this year (more on that in the coming weeks) and taken on a ministry challenge this spring (more on that next week).

And that’s why I want to ask you:

What are you afraid of?

More specifically, what is it God is asking you to do that scares you?

And wouldn’t it be better to take that not as a challenge, but as an invitation to trust Him and learn and grow and be blessed?

You see, there’s something heart-warming and life-affirming in the delighted smile of 4-year-old … and in pleasing our Lord and Savior.

Let me know what you’ve been afraid of, and I’ll pray with you.

This week’s opportunities

Pray that our team will be able to soon iron out some wrinkles that came up at the end of the year, so we can plunge forward, united and effective, into 2018. Please drop us a line to let us know you’re praying.

Give while you caffeinate: With Coffee for Thriving Churches, you can support our ministry and drink it too. Take a look.

Strategic giving: This week we have an unfunded ministry need of $100 for an upcoming trip. Isn’t that cool? Gifts in smaller amounts can quickly add up to $100, or a single $100 gift could meet that need immediately, so however God prompts you, you can play an important part in providing for God’s work. At our blog, you can give online and see other giving options.