You’re Braver Than You Imagine!

If you were to list the five bravest people you know, whose names would be highlighted on your “Warrior Wall of Fame?”

My Bible reading recently included the bravery of Daniel and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego whose faith landed them in some pretty precarious situations involving blazing fires and ravenous carnivores. Their courageous devotion to God certainly makes my wimpy fears of the future pale in comparison. But my “Warrior Wall” is also decorated with a vast assortment of lesser—known heroes.

The bravest people I know are those who choose to believe there is beauty and goodness to be found in the hard stories of life. When I picture these heroes of faith—I see their courage in every one of the countless invisible choices they make daily.

I truly believe that each one of you qualifies for accolades of heroism, whether you realize it or not. Your bravery shines each time you surrender the story you would have chosen and lose yourself in the majesty of the more difficult story God is writing for you.

You’re braver than you imagine.

The words of Nancy Guthrie in her book Holding Onto Hope, capture the courageous focus of your warrior hearts.

. . . because I believe God’s plans for me are better than what I could plan for myself, rather than run away from the path he has set before me, I want to run toward it. I don’t want to try to change God’s mind—his thoughts are perfect. I want to think his thoughts. I don’t want to change God’s timing—his timing is perfect. I want the grace to accept his timing. I don’t want to change God’s plan—his plan is perfect. I want to embrace his plan and see how he is glorified through it. I want to submit.

Don’t you find it surprising, that the bravest choices we will ever make are framed in surrender?

You’re braver than you imagine.

Your “invisible” choices matter. They are seen and celebrated by a great cloud of witnesses—maybe they’re leaning over the banisters of heaven or sitting in the next cubicle or sharing your dinner table or standing behind you in the grocery store check-out line.

You’re braver than you imagine.

Jesus cheers you on and applauds each courageous choice to surrender the details of your story into His very capable hands.

God is your greatest fan.

As your heavenly Father, He is constantly coaxing you forward

into the heights of spiritual victory.

(Bob Sourge)

You are seen and you are celebrated. Receive the applause from heaven and “Warrior-On” my brave friend!

Who inspires you to be brave? Take a moment today and let them know how much their faith and courage has changed your life.

Lord, I surrender the hard parts of my story into Your hands and I declare along with the Psalmist, “I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, ‘You are my God!’ My future is in your hands.” (Psalm 31:14-15). You are famous for Your faithfulness and worthy of my utmost trust!