Is the Lord challenging you to step out in faith in some way today? If not, He will certainly do so in the days ahead, because He is always stretching us and calling us up higher.

The verse above is one that God has given me many times when He has asked me to do something different - something that I am hesitant to do because of how some people might react. Here, the Lord is saying that if we will just make up our minds to follow Him into uncharted waters, He will cover us and protect us from negative responses from others that would cause us to feel ashamed or humiliated. This promise has inspired me to step out and accomplish things that I never dreamed I could do.

It's true that the Bible says that we will suffer persecution because of our faith in Christ. (2 Timothy 3:12) But it's also true that there will be times when the Lord will provide us with supernatural support and protection from our enemies because He wants us to step out and do something new. Take note of these verses when you need some divine encouragement: "All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:11-13 NIV) This is the promise of God's presence when He leads us into new territory.

One translation of Isaiah 54:4 says: "Don't be afraid! You will not be disappointed. People will not say bad things against you. You will not be embarrassed." (Isaiah 54:4 ERV) Armed with this promise from God Himself, I believe that you can boldly go places and do things that you have never done before - with great success! What is the Lord calling you to do today?

Prayer: Lord, today I ask You to give me the faith I need to perform and complete all of the divine assignments You have for me in this life. Grant me Your supernatural support and protection, and help me to resist being afraid of shame, disgrace, and humiliation. Thank You that as I follow the leadership of Your Holy Spirit, I will have Your powerful presence with me every step of the way!