We’ve been tackling some potentially challenging stuff in this series, 31 Choices We Can All Make When We Feel Stuck. How are you feeling? What thoughts have you been having along the way?
The thing is, feeling stuck can look like a lot of things. Like not moving forward on our dreams. Not setting the healthy boundaries we need to. Not saying no to something which needs to be let go of. Not knowing what to do or how to do it.
Feeling stuck keeps us from believing we can move forward and live well. We need to remember we can, with God’s help. We need to know there are many choices we can make. I’ve even had a hard time pairing it down to just 31 for this series. Even then, what I’ve ended up writing is a whole lot different than I set out to write, which tells me our choices are expansive.
Each choice involves taking brave steps to get somewhere worth going. If we don’t believe there is hope ahead of us and hope with us now, we can become discouraged and live under the oppressive thoughts of defeat. By making choices, albeit sometimes personally tough ones, we oppose the enemy and align ourselves with the God of all power. In this, we find ourselves empowered and momentum builds.
Do you believe you have a destination ahead of you that is worth the journey? Do you believe there is more for you than what you know today?
I do.
I believe for you.
If you don’t feel it right now, maybe my faith for you can be a gentle reminder that you are not alone.
I believe there is always more of God than we could ever come to know and experience. I believe it is worth it and I believe your heart and mind are worth the journey.
To choose God’s way, his plan, and his timing over our own requires recognizing that it is better. It also means acting on it when we don’t feel like it.
Our fears can become a false security blanket which clings far too tightly. When we become aware of how we might not be living well as a Christ follower, we are faced with these fears so we can undo the constrictions. We are also faced with admitting weakness, confessing wrongness, and accepting need.
In this place, we find humility as we meet a holy God who loves beyond reason, where courage grows.
Choosing to make choices, rather than staying stuck in circumstances or emotion, is brave. Every step taken in obedience to Christ is one of courage. It is one where we proclaim that even in the midst of fear we will choose to live by faith.
You are brave.
You have the courage of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen your brave.
As you choose courage, you choose to stay brave in the face of the enemy.
Did you know that in multiple verses where God told people in the Old Testament to “Be strong and courageous,” he also reminded them of his presence?
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10
God doesn’t call us to be brave on our own. In fact, he tells us to be brave because of our reliance on Him.
I used to get mad at God for all the verses where he said to be strong and courageous, because I just didn’t believe it was possible for me. Didn’t God know what I was going through? Didn’t he understand how weak I was?
Yet, he said it often. Be strong and courageous. In addition to reminding us of his presence, he reminds us to trust and wait on the Lord.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!~ Psalm 27:14
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!~ Psalm 112:7
No matter what you are facing today, God has the courage you need and he calls you to step forward in it. I know you can.
[tweetthis twitter_handles=”@theJoleneU”]God doesn’t call us to be brave on our own. He gives us courage and calls us to live with it.[/tweetthis]
[tweetthis twitter_handles=”@theJoleneU”]You have the courage of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen your brave.[/tweetthis]
[tweetthis twitter_handles=”@theJoleneU”]As you choose courage, you choose to stay brave in the face of the enemy.[/tweetthis]
Oh Jolene,
Your words are so encouraging and inspiring. This post really hits home. Right at this very moment in time. I’m stuck myself. Right now! This very instant! Your words are so helpful and encouraging to my soul!
“Do you believe you have a destination ahead of you that is worth the journey? Do you believe there is more for you than what you know today?”
JOLENE, I DO BELIEVE THERE IS A BIGGER DESTINATION AHEAD. I DO BELIEVE THERE IS MORE FOR ME THAN WHAT I KNOW TODAY. AMEN.
Oh boy, how I can relate to this and I do believe in these words of wisdom you write.
I’ve been stock in the mud many times in life experiences. Yet, somehow; and someway I typically find a away to put things in 4-wheel drive and get out.
As a MN Wrestler, there is a 3 word phrase sometimes used, “Suck-it-Up”. To be clear when I mention wrestlers in this sentence structure, I’m talking about the 1:1 individual and team sport. These true to heart wrestlers can likely only empathize with the true meaning of these 3 words. Though these 3 words are all about courage and getting out of the stickiness!
Many of these life circumstances in respect to getting stuck happened prior to me getting down on my knees and surrendering my soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That said, I’m sure He was there with me during all my stickiness.
Bless you Jolene,
Corie