As you know, my one word focus for 2013 is courage. I’ve
been thinking about it a lot. I’ve been reading about it in scripture. I’ve
been meditating on it. I’ve been listening to others. I’ve been writing about
it and I’ve asked my writing colleagues in The Network to write about it when
it’s their turn to post here at From Carol’s Quill. It’s in my heart and my
mind.
Recently, God has led me to see a process in courage and
beyond:
- God places in our hearts a desire: to do, to experience, to love
- He helps us dream about giving life to that desire and often gives us gifts or places people or circumstances in our path to accomplish those dreams.
- Insecurity steps in: I’m not enough, I can’t, I’m too little, it’s too hard
- That results in a sense of vulnerability: I may fail, be rejected, ignored, hurt
- This is the pivotal point in our journey. Sometimes we turn away. Give up. Abandon our dream. Ignore God’s leading. Be disobedient.
- And sometimes we decide to be obedient anyway. Even though we are insecure. Even though we are vulnerable. Even though.
- At that point God shows us that the attempt is worthy. Regardless of the outcome, the itself path provides experience. The process brings knowledge, wisdom, growth, empathy, strength. Courage.
God created me to desire and dream. He gifted me with talent
or the ability to learn. When I proceed with courage in the process, I also leave the results
to Him.
Insecurity and vulnerability become nearly irrelevant. Despite
insecurity, I try and I do my best. I learn from my mistakes and get
better each time I try. If I fail, I learn why and try again.
I may feel vulnerable, but even if I am rejected by people
or ignored or hurt. I am never rejected by the God of the universe who stands
at my side, pushing me forward, lifting me up, cheering me on.
In the end as well as through the process,
God loves me. He is pleased at the trying. Results are important—even sometimes
to Him—but the process is what causes learning and growth and it is the process
that shines the light of obedience that makes God smile.
PRAYER: Heavenly
Father, thank you for giving us minds that dream big dreams. Please show us how
to make those dreams a reality. Show us how to be obedient to you in the
process. Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? What desire has God placed on your heart that
you are just now beginning to dream about?
4 comments:
What God does for us is what I hope I did and do for my kids. I see courage in them as they move into their adult lives!
Thank you, heavenly Father!
@ Pam - what a great comparison! We encourage our children growing up to stretch. When they're grown, we treasure the courage they have to explore their dreams.
The Lord is reviving the vision He placed in my heart. I didn't see things coming together in the natural world - and in time I became so discouraged that I actually went backwards - allowing negative thoughts to destroy those things I had worked hard to achieve. It's been a couple years of healing and getting my focus back - but this time the dream is bigger because my God is bigger than anything I can dream or imagine- but it takes courage to stand against the enemy shouting that there is not place here for fear or unbelief!
@ Terrie - I'm so excited to see what God has in store for you and how He's taking you on to a higher place!
Post a Comment