Brave - feeling or showing no fear: not afraid
In the past week, two separate women, on two
separate occasions blessed me with that title- brave.
I was taken aback by this. Pleased for such an awesome blessing but
humbled to say the least. This is not a title I would give myself.
I look back at my life and as clear as day I can see the weak,
helpless little girl who hid herself under blankets at night out of fear and
terror. I am the adolescent who struggled to have a voice
of her own and looked to others for fulfillment and approval.
I've walked through life with a thick coating of helplessness, low
self-worth and confusion. Victims of childhood sexual abuse often do.
These feelings still rise up within me time and again. So,
to accept the blessing of being called brave in
light of knowing all this about myself was quite strange.
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:57
God is able to take every last bit of your struggles and
bless you far beyond what your mind can fathom in the moment. He can
turn your helpless and critical heart into a strong and beautiful one- worthy
of titles of honor. If you are struggling or hurting right now,
bring yourself to the foot of the Cross where you will find hope and
love. I am still learning and growing in knowing the mystery of
the Cross of Christ fully but when I turn my face and see the person I am in
Him and how deeply He loves me-- then I truly am brave!
Turns out - I am the daughter of the Most High King. He has
blessed me with courage and has given be authority over all things. He
says to me:
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,
for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with
my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
He says this to
you too. In this life, we will have struggles. He does not say
I will erase your past or change your circumstances but that “I am with you;….I
will uphold you.” We may find ourselves in heartbreaking situations
where it seems no hope can be seen at all but I challenge you to believe Him
still. There is hope and breakthrough in Christ. There is no person too
weak or too damaged for God to use. No situation is too
difficult or hopeless for God to work for His purposes.
Be brave enough to let God take the lead in your life. Trust me, it'll be worth it.
Be brave enough to let God take the lead in your life. Trust me, it'll be worth it.