Bravery is a God Thing

My friend Cathy is brave. No, she didn’t fight off bank robbers, or skydive over cliffs, or even save a child from drowning. She is brave because her life turned upside down when her husband died recently. How is that brave, you might ask. Well, when you have a whole new life thrown at you, and you have to start over, that’s brave. When you have to learn to do things that someone else always did for you, that’s brave. When you have to face a daily battle with loneliness and fear, that’s brave.

Now, before you say, “Wait a minute, Grandma D, there are thousands of people more brave than that.” Yes, I know. But here’s the thing. When disaster hits your life it becomes personal. Your world is turned upside down. Getting up every morning takes bravery. Facing another day of the unknown takes bravery.

Bravery in the Tough Times

I know you can relate. You’ve had times in your own life where you did not know what you were going to do. You may have lost your job and your finances have taken a nosedive. Your husband may have forgotten those “until death do us part” vows and walked away. Your doctor may have given you bad news: “It’s terminal. There’s nothing we can do.” It could be your own health, or even worse, someone you love deeply. You trudge along in a fog. You can barely put one foot in front of the other. You dread each day, feeling empty and lost.

People who have done brave things usually deny it. They say, “I was not brave; I was scared!” I guess that’s a good definition of bravery: doing what you have to do even when you’re afraid. Or maybe it’s knowing that “bravery” is just depending on an all-powerful God.

You Are Not Alone

Here’s the good news: there is a Heavenly Father who is right there beside you. He is not going to leave your side. His faithfulness is never-ending. He will be your shield and protector. He is your rock, your leaning post when you aren’t feeling very brave.

The Twenty-Third Psalm is probably one of the most loved passages in the Bible, often read at funerals. They are comforting words when we are grieving, but they say so much more about our Father’s protection, guidance, and love every day of our lives.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Being Brave When Tested

Your Father loves you and will do what is best for you. But that isn’t always what we want to hear, is it? Sometimes, actually many times, what is best can hurt. It is brave just to breathe in and out. But, dear one, that pain is how we grow. He knows that the strength you gain will make you stronger and more like Him.

Even in the midst of your toughest struggles, try to remember that He is the One who is writing your story. He knows the outcome. And it will be better than you can ever imagine. So being brave means you can trust Him. I liked this article by Kate Motaung which talks about “Six Ways to Be Brave for God.” (https://www.ibelieve.com/faith/6-ways-to-be-brave-for-god.html)

I know it’s not always easy, but when you feel lost and afraid, try to just praise Him for His presence. Remind yourself that each step you take is drawing you closer to Him. Eventually you will see the path He has made for you. Keep going! Ahead are good things, I promise.

Prayer:

Dear Father, sometimes life just stinks. We have so many struggles and it’s hard to be brave. Help us to remember Your promise to never leave or forsake us. We are not fighting this battle alone. Give us Your strength and peace. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.