Live Bravely
Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” Judges 4:8 (ESV)
ME: I cannot face this new year alone!
JESUS: Where did that come from? When have I ever left you alone? You forget Me sometimes but I never, ever forget you.
ME: I am just not feeling very confident or gutsy.
JESUS: Why not peaceful and ready?
ME: I don’t know what is going to happen and I feel a little anxious of the unknown. I want to live bravely!
JESUS: Maybe you need to review an Old Testament story about the prophetess Deborah and Barak, her second in command. I told them to go to war. Barak answered her with a strange response: “I’ll go if you go with me!” She went and they had victory. They would have had the victory without her presence because I had already guaranteed it to Deborah. But he needed encouragement and he wanted more than words.
ME: So, what do I need or want? Tell me, please!
JESUS: My precious child, you are looking for tangible proof that I am always with you, that I will guide you all the way to eternity. You want to touch Me and see Me. Look around! You have family, friends, and multiple blessings. Love flows from them like living water with hugs, gifts, prayers, and visits. Where does all that come from?
ME: You!
JESUS: When you take the quiet moments I offer, please remember My Presence and the work I’m doing in your life.
ME: Sometimes I get my wants and needs all mixed up.
JESUS: I totally understand. However, in the case of our relationship your wants and needs should balance out. You must want to need Me more and more!
ME: Jesus, You are right! I just can’t face life without You.
JESUS: The good news is this: “…I am with you always, to the end of the age.” *
ME: Thank You. My words are not enough but I will remember to want to need You more and more.
JESUS: Live bravely, My child.
*Matthew 28:20 (ESV)