Rise Above: Breaking Free From the Chains of Spiritual Isolation a 5-Day Devotional With Katherine ShorterSample

Day 5: Soaring Above in Faith

One of my all-time favorite books was by Latoyia Dennis. I met her several years ago and was welcomed into her community to speak in front of fellow believers. I was terrified...literally paralyzed with fear. It was my first time being on a stage and speaking my truth to a group of women. I didn’t know if they would be interested in what I had to say or if they would judge me for my past. I couldn’t hold the microphone or get on the stage. But they supported me and met me where I was. I stood behind that podium just off to the side of the stage and shared the journey of how God brought me out of the bondage of expectations that had become my idol.

I finished that engagement so encouraged to speak to more women for God. Her subsequent book, Hatch, Leap, Soar, set my heart on fire for Him. That speaking engagement led to a blog, a few podcasts, YouTube channels, a few books, and leading ministries…all with a heart to edify the Kingdom and glorify Him. That broken woman who never saw herself worthy of being in relationship with someone living in ministry has now been sent herself.

As I look back, I know that if I hadn’t found the strength to trust God and step into something that terrified me, I wouldn’t be able to speak to you now. We would still be yoked to our own fears. The enemy would still have us convinced that being isolated from the flock is the easiest and safest place to be.

God’s will for our lives is to not be alone…spiritually, emotionally, or relationally. When we are in isolation, the Kingdom is robbed of the jewels that we are and the gift that we are for each other when we are in community for His purpose. The Father is inviting you back into the flock, where His Spirit dwells in the communal hedge of protection. He is inviting you to let His people walk alongside you as you heal, walk, run, and then soar into His purpose for you.

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Are you ready for the Lord to remove the shackles that isolate you? Where will you soar with Him?

If you enjoyed this reading plan by Katherine Shorter, click here for a resource entitled EmpowHER: 5 Reasons Why the Kingdom Needs You to Heal.