How brave are you?
Are you only wishing for wonderful things?
Is it just me, or do people seem to be complaining quite a bit more these days? Everywhere I turn someone is complaining (or yelling) about something. Big or small, the complaints grow. Things have changed, how dare they! I cannot go where I want, how I want, the travesty! Someone doesn’t agree with me, how dare they! We have grown so accustomed to an easy life, we have lost focus on the fact we were created for eternity. The moment the smallest obstacle arrives, we flail around and pitch a fit. Oh man, when did we become like tired two-year olds? And, I am including myself here too, don’t worry. I have been known to throw my own mental fit when things do not go as I would prefer. Why? Somewhere along the way, I began striving for a wonderful life rather than holiness. Are we only wishing for wonderful things?
What good is adversity?
Any athlete can tell you the value of adversity. Have you ever started a workout program? Then you know adversity in the form of sore muscles also means your muscles are growing and becoming stronger. Many successful people will tell you the adversity they faced help them to succeed in their fields. We know, on some level, adversity is necessary and beneficial. But man do we struggle when we are going through it. No one loves adversity, and it never happens at a good time. Businesses and schools closing down was anything but convenient. Being told where we could go was not convenient. The loss of jobs was not welcomed adversity. Protests, riots, and the destruction of property is definitely not convenient. Adversity does not seem to be a respecter of time, or our preferences. Yet, adversity can be exactly what we need, and it often is.
How can adversity result in bravery?
How can adversity result in bravery? Does adversity help us to become more brave? And, is there purpose in adversity?
Romans 8:28 (NLT) says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Yes, there is purpose to all adversity. However, we are not delusional enough to think all adversity is good. It most definitely is not. But, God will work all things together for our good. All things, means just that, all things. By grace we are saved, and by grace we are empowered. His grace is greater than any adversity we encounter.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Paul shares, “So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” What bravery Paul has developed through imprisonment, stoning, beatings, and more. I have not faced any adversity compared to Paul. Yet, if Paul can boast of Christ in all circumstances and stand bravely on the promises of God, we can too.
What does bravery look like now?
With all 2020 has brought us, I believe bravery looks like grace. It is the ability to not involve oneself in arguments, either online or in person. Bravery looks like finding joy, every single day. Maybe bravery is holding onto hope, and not complaining to anyone who will listen. For us, this year, bravery looks like asking, “God, what do you want from me today?” Being brave means we cease to shout, “Why me, Lord? Why us? Why now?” And, being brave is believing we were created for such a time as this. As believers, our bravery has our focus set on Christ rather than the things of this world. We are seeing all we have been given, all we are called to do, not what has been taken. And we have the opportunity to become braver than ever before as we walk in truth, speak in love, serve others, and do not waiver from where God leads.
Going further
Will you be brave with me? When everyone else complains, will you speak hope? As everyone else attacks those with different beliefs, would you speak grace? And, when everyone else says this year is a waste and absolutely horrible, would you speak life and believe God is working all things (yes, even this year) for our good? For such a time as this, God has created you with purpose and intention. Will you be brave and be the light in the darkness?
Prayer
Father, help us to be brave. Help us to walk through adversity with hope, as we are led by grace. Your grace is sufficient for us. Give us eyes to see our weaknesses and the cracks in our faith. Allow us to see our great need for you, and to worship you daily, every hour. Every hour we need you. Use us to show others how to be brave, how to stand firm. As the storms rage, remind us you are there in our midst, calming us, and commanding to winds and waves. May all we do and say be for your glory. Amen.
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