Brave Enough

1. Embrace Jesus-courage to overcome fear and live boldly

Jesus gives us a promise with power. Jesus-courage comes with forgiven sin, with healing, with presence, and with the ability to overcome.

Courage redefined. Jesus-courage is not about heroic acts, but about facing everyday challenges with faith. It's the strength to forgive, to be honest, and to persist in the face of adversity. This courage stems from understanding and accepting God's unconditional love and grace.

Practical application. To cultivate Jesus-courage:

• Acknowledge your fears and weaknesses
• Meditate on God's promises in Scripture
• Take small, brave steps in faith daily
• Surround yourself with supportive believers

By embracing Jesus-courage, you can live a life marked by boldness, freedom, and purpose, even in the midst of life's storms.

2. Practice spiritual survival skills: Word, worship, prayer, partnership

Spiritual survival skills enable us to withstand the storms of the human condition, to dream that life will be different, to confront the droning voice of doubt, and to dig in and hold on in seasons of fear.

Essential practices. These four spiritual disciplines form the foundation of a robust faith:

• Word: Regularly engage with Scripture to gain wisdom and truth
• Worship: Express love and surrender to God through various forms
• Prayer: Maintain open communication with God
• Partnership: Connect with other believers for support and growth

Cultivating habits. To strengthen these skills:

• Set aside daily time for Bible reading and reflection
• Incorporate worship into your daily routine (e.g., through music or journaling)
• Practice different forms of prayer (e.g., contemplative, intercessory)
• Actively participate in a faith community

Consistently practicing these skills will deepen your relationship with God and provide strength during challenging times.

3. Accept true grace and let go of fake grace

True grace is generous.

Understanding grace. True grace is God's unmerited favor and love, freely given through Jesus Christ. It's not about earning God's approval or following rules, but about receiving His unconditional love and forgiveness.

Characteristics of true grace:

• Generous: Abundantly given without conditions
• Edifying: Builds up and transforms
• Righteous: Makes us right with God
• Powerful: Enables us to overcome sin

Letting go of fake grace. Recognize and abandon false forms of grace:

• Self-justification
• Blaming others
• Hiding behind religious activities
• Perfectionism

Embracing true grace leads to freedom, joy, and a transformed life, enabling you to extend grace to others.

4. Forgive others as Christ forgave you

Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel.

The power of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not just a command, but a life-changing practice that reflects God's love. It frees both the forgiver and the forgiven from the burden of resentment and bitterness.

Steps to practice forgiveness:

1. Acknowledge the hurt and anger
2. Bring your pain to God in honest prayer
3. Remember God's forgiveness of your own sins
4. Choose to release the offender, even if feelings don't align
5. Ask God for the strength to love the person who hurt you

Forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation or forgetting the offense. It's a decision to release the right to revenge and trust God with justice.

5. Approach conflict with love and seek God's guidance

Jesus isn't going to give us a detailed job description for our lives. He's not going to show us all the steps in the journey—that wouldn't take faith, would it?

Navigating conflict. Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it reflects our faith. Approach conflicts with:

• Self-awareness: Understand your own triggers and biases
• Empathy: Seek to understand the other person's perspective
• Humility: Be willing to admit mistakes and forgive
• God-centeredness: Seek God's wisdom and guidance

Seeking divine guidance. When facing conflicts:

• Pray for wisdom and discernment
• Consult Scripture for principles on relationships and reconciliation
• Seek counsel from mature believers
• Listen for the Holy Spirit's prompting

Remember, the goal in conflict should be restoration and unity, not winning or being right.

6. Discover your unique calling and gifts from God

God gifts us for his glory, not our own.

Understanding calling. Your calling is the intersection of your unique gifts, passions, and God's purpose for your life. It's not just about a career, but about how you can serve God and others in every aspect of life.

Steps to discover your calling:

1. Identify your natural talents and spiritual gifts
2. Reflect on what brings you joy and fulfillment
3. Consider the needs around you that align with your abilities
4. Seek confirmation from trusted mentors and friends
5. Take small steps to explore potential areas of service

Remember that your calling may evolve over time, and that faithfulness in small things often leads to greater opportunities.

7. Recognize and respect your personal limits

God has designed a world in which his children were created to shine brightly and to do their part to make the body of Christ as healthy and vibrant and effective as it can be.

Embracing limitations. Understanding and respecting your limits is crucial for maintaining spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Limits are not weaknesses, but boundaries that allow you to focus on what's truly important.

Types of personal limits:

• Physical: Sleep, nutrition, exercise needs
• Emotional: Capacity for stress, relationships
• Time: Available hours, energy levels
• Spiritual: Need for rest, reflection, worship

Practicing self-care. To honor your limits:

• Learn to say "no" to non-essential commitments
• Prioritize activities that align with your values and calling
• Schedule regular times for rest and renewal
• Seek support when feeling overwhelmed

By respecting your limits, you can serve God and others more effectively and joyfully.

8. Cultivate Sabbath rest to restore your soul

Sabbath rest for our souls allows us to cease striving.

Understanding Sabbath. Sabbath is more than a day off; it's a spiritual practice of ceasing work to rest in God's presence and provision. It's an act of trust and obedience that acknowledges God's authority over our lives.

Benefits of Sabbath rest:

• Renewed perspective on life and work
• Increased intimacy with God
• Physical and emotional rejuvenation
• Reminder of our dependence on God

Practical application. To cultivate Sabbath rest:

• Set aside regular time (daily, weekly) for intentional rest
• Disconnect from technology and work-related activities
• Engage in activities that refresh your soul (e.g., nature, art, music)
• Practice gratitude and reflection
• Spend time in prayer and Scripture meditation

By embracing Sabbath rest, you allow God to restore your soul and reorient your life around His purposes.

Last updated: November 19, 2024