Let's Face It

When asked are you brave, what is your response? Is it an immediate “YES” or a hesitant “sometimes”? What does it mean to be resilient? Strong? To face the storms of life in both STRENGTH and TENACITY? What is your response if asked, “what makes you feel brave”?

"I felt brave when I moved to another state. I was terrified, living with anxiety for weeks, but I knew God was leading me to move, so I did. I leaned into the Lord, even as afraid as I was, and that’s when the bravery showed up."

-Member, Royal Oak, MI

"Before anything big, I feel the butterflies, sleepless/restless night, I often face the task after tears and prayer. But right before the moment I step out, I’m reminded of a Word or a promise, and I feel strength and a calm… that’s how I know God is with me, and I just do it afraid."

-Member, Cleveland, Ohio

"I think without the confidence I have in God, I don’t think I’d ever feel brave. Knowing He is with me and I don’t have to just rely on myself always makes the difference."

-Member, Baltimore, MD

These are real testimonies shared by some of our members. These women understood the tasks set before them and stepped out in faith. They preserved in moments of feeling overwhelmed, incapable, and flat-out terrified. One thing these women have in common is that they kept their eyes on God despite being afraid. They remembered a promise, a word, and the knowledge they had of Him and allowed that to catapult them forward. They learned that sometimes bravery is doing it afraid because as they made the first step toward what God called them to, His unfailing love and grace strengthened them to face what was before them!

I believe trusting God is like learning how to ride a bike. Do you remember the very first time you stepped foot on a bike? Maybe you were an energetic 7-year-old eager to hop on! Thinking to yourself, “I got this!” Or perhaps a timid 12- year old that had avoided that moment for years. No matter when or how you learned, I think it’s safe to say, once you know how to ride a bike, you hardly ever forget how to. For those who may have never learned how to ride one, replace the bike with another process you’ve learned. Swimming..cooking your favorite meal..braiding hair, etc.

I learned about the brain and how we store information in nursing school. You would never believe it, but part of why we never forget processes like riding a bike is how it’s stored in our brain! Actions stored as procedures are easily retrieved because they are stored in the part of the brain that doesn’t require thinking. Isn’t that amazing?! I would like to consider that this is also true about trusting in God. The more we do it, the easier it is to repeat it!

In Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat was faced with the huge task of leading the people of God in battle against a great enemy. Not just one, but they were surrounded by THREE different enemies. Immediately after hearing the overwhelming details, Jehoshaphat took time in prayer and began to rehearse the promises of God. Verse 12 says, “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” After seeking the Lord and instructing the people of God to pray and fast, the king received direction from God. He placed the worshippers before the army, and they led the way. This is significant because one wouldn’t naturally think proclaiming who God is before going into war would guarantee success in the battle. But. It. Did. And in the end, the enemy was defeated. They were so confused that they started killing each other...Can you imagine going into a war zone only to find your adversary already defeated?!

This story reiterates that when we face challenging circumstances, it’s not about what we do but Who is with us! My prayer for you today is that you face whatever is before you in undeniable strength and grace, knowing that God is always with you. And since He’s on your side, there is nothing you can't do! So go ahead, and FACE IT!