Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. - Psalm 124:8
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. - Proverbs 29:25
The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? - Psalm 27:1
This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. - Isaiah 30:15
Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. - Hebrews 4:11
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. - 2 Chronicles 20:15
Today, bravery looked like confronting someone with the help of the Lord, even when the words came painfully and slowly. To share the truth is to also to be loving (1 Cor 13:6; Eph 4:15; 1 John 4:18). God uses personal challenges and conflicts to stretch us and teach us character. Thus, bravery is part of trusting in God to teach me, and to allow Him to use me to be a light to others during my challenges. As the cliche goes, God turns each “test into a testimony.” A sweet friend encouraged me this week with a scripture, as she knew I had just lost my grandmother over the holidays:
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. - Romans 5:3-5
It was bittersweet to face family and friends at my grandmother’s funeral. Yet, in my personal pain and trial, I was still able to speak with regard to God’s plan for my situation and I hope I encouraged someone else to be brave and do the same.
God bless you in this season, even if it includes loss. God’s peace be with you.
Gianna Elyse 