Be strong, take courage
Don’t live in fear
Your God’s not distant
Your words he’ll hear
(From original song by Crossroads Church, Cincinnati)
In a world of uncertainty, change and challenges, we move through each day either with courage or fear that can overwhelm us. Our families, friends, and coworkers either walk along side and support or act uncaring possibly due to the unknown in their own lives and not knowing how to move forward themselves. Each day as we begin, we consciously choose and lay the groundwork for how our day will unfold. Will you be strong and take courage or will you live in fear?
All of this hit home with me in October when an unexpected curve ball was thrown directly at me and believe me I was not ready to catch it. The job I held for 3 1/2 years got pulled out from underneath me and another job was waiting! The amazing part is that the unexpected became an adventure and the challenge was to “be strong”.
I’m not one to be totally accepting of new situations whether it is for the best or not. Have you heard the expression “we’ll take you kicking and screaming?” That was my initial reaction and it wasn’t pretty. Running through my head was “This is not fair! Why me? I don’t want to change jobs!” Along with those thoughts were my feelings of inadequacy – “I’m not good at what I’m doing. No one believes in me. I never have done a good job!”
A louder voice – louder than all my self-doubts, fears and inadequacies which were screaming at me – kept me grounded and showed up as a gentle whisper that prevailed and overtook the screaming. This voice said “You were made for more! I have another plan for you! I am right here by your side. Hold on because I will carry you through this mess!” This was the joy of the Lord as he whispered through my fear – “Got you covered, girl!”
It only takes a whisper to stop us dead in our tracks but are we listening – truly listening? I chose to listen in that moment because I truly was at a loss for how I would endure and recover from this challenge. In that instant of accepting God’s grace, I was blessed with His peace and knew that nothing was bigger than God. He would carry me through the changes in my life. Stop, listen and accept the grace of God each day. He is patiently waiting for us! May God guide your footsteps each day and may you take time to listen to the gentle whisper that floats your way.
“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” Psalm 31:24 (ESV)
