Sheer excitement filled the air as she leaped with her hand in the air proclaiming her right to be first. As the nurse entered the room you could see the surprise in her eyes. So we laid her on the exam table. The nurse walked across the room with a tray of drawn up vaccines. Suddenly, excitement turned to realization. What have I done was written on her face. The nurse said, “you’re so brave.” With a single tear rolling down her cheek she replied in a soft cracked voice, “I don’t want to be brave.”
Gently I kissed her forehead and whispered, “I am with you.”
You might think this is a little dramatic for the moment. It’s okay. I thought so too.
Until she leaned gently into my chest seeking shelter to draw strength from. I held her in my arms. A tear almost snuck out of the corner of my eye. Compassion filled my heart. Oh my baby, this is brave.
Be brave ~ be courageous ~ I am with you
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””
Joshua 1:9 NLT
We have all shared those moments on this journey called life. We might have signed up or committed to something with high expectations and sheer excitement until we realized exactly what we got ourselves into. We might have committed knowing the road ahead but aware of the significant importance of the task at hand, willing to accept the risk. We might have stared in the face of something seemingly bigger than us by no account of our own choice, yet, here we stand. We might walk in uncertainty or devastation with shaky knees, tired hands, heavy hearts, and weighted shoulders.
Saying, thinking, feeling those very same words. “I don’t want to be brave.”
Yet, here we are. Here you are. In a moment where brave is your only option.
Those who seek shelter in the shadow of the Most High
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.””
Psalms 91:1-2, 14-16 NLT
Friend, Jesus is your shelter, where you draw your strength from. Lean into him today. Seek his presence – in his presence you will find everything you need. He will equip you with the strength to be brave. Be courageous. He is with you.
Bobbie
