This second week in Brave Faith brought some wonderful and encouraging truths to the group:
- Brave is often found right in the present moment. Sometimes it is easier to push forward to get through a difficult situation than it is to stay put. Yet many times God is wanting us to wait patiently, not rushing ahead so we don’t miss out on a valuable insight or lesson. “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope” (Psalm 130:5, NIV).
- There is beauty to be discovered in every season, whether I see it or not. “My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me?” (Psalm 119:82, NLT). Are we straining to see His promises? Are we looking intently for His promises? We are to enjoy the gifts God brings to us in this current season, in this moment, in this day.
- God’s plans may differ from our own. In Luke 22:42, we read Jesus’ words in prayer – “I want Your will not Mine.” If Jesus prayed these words, how much more do we? Our wills can be so stubborn. We must accept the truth that God knows what is best for us. He is good and all he does is good, even if we want something different, or to be different, or a different outcome. May our will bend to His.
- God brings life and hope. He brings life even when we thought the winter would never end., and the dormancy would continue. But no, God brings life and hope. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6, NLT). God took the initiative with us and can be trusted to continue working in us. He will move us to continual change and growth.
- Soul work – the tending of the gardens of our soul – takes work. Gardening is hard work which takes ongoing and persistent maintenance. Year after year the work is done. This work increases our courage. “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you” (Psalm 37:5, NLT).
Being brave does not always look the way we imagine. However, holding onto God’s Word in the current moment will bring us closer to Him and enable others to see brave faith at work in our lives.
This month I am sharing lessons learned from the Devotional “Brave Faith” by Mary Geisen. Week One can be found HERE. I hope you will return for week 3 next Monday. And in the meantime, you can read more about the book on the author’s website HERE .
Today I am joining … #DreamTogether and Inspire Me Monday .
Dear Joanne, lately I have found myself frequently encouraging my young colleagues that they ARE brave and strong, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. Many years ago Mama taught me a powerful lesson about bravery during an excruciatingly painful and scary moment. Mama said, “Sometimes you just have to stand there and take.” Thank you very much for today’s exhortation!
Alice, your Mama offered both a powerful lesson and wisdom that has stuck with you. Now you are passing it on. You are also right that at times we may not feel brave and therein we are reminded that our feelings will deceive us. May we stand there and be brave in His strength and might. Blessings!
Thanks for sharing these lessons from Mary’s book, Joanne. I love the first one especially. Sometimes we need to wait and see what God is doing right now. And yes, His plans are so often different than mine.
Betsy, we can be so quick to move onto the next thing, can’t we? But there are wonderful lessons in waiting and see what God unfolds in the moment, each moment.
Knowing brave can be staying right where we are is one lesson that continues to teach me. It seems contradictory to think about and to live out. But that is where the wisdom of God comes in. Brave is not just the absence of fear but the presence of God.
Mary, brave is being where God is even when it may not be where we want to be. Most times, it takes brave to stay where He would have us to be and I’m grateful He equips us to be there. I am most grateful for “Brave Faith” this month as it has been timely! Blessings!
“God’s plans may differ from my own.” The understatement of all time ;). But I’ve also discovered that when I submit to and embrace his plans, the results far exceed my expectations.
Anita, you have said it well. His plans always exceed our expectations, resulting in much joy, peace, and satisfaction. Blessings!