At the end of each year, I take time to pray and ask God for a word I can take with me into the new year. Something that I use as a signpost of His faithful involvement in my life because, honestly, there are days when I can lose sight of it. This year He gave me two words: brave hope.
At the time of my prayer, my heart was not ready to receive those words. Yes, I am that woman who asks for something and then will often respond with a, “Meh, no thanks.” Fickle. Selfish. You see, I wanted a word like “victory” or “overcomer.” Brave hope sounded like I would need to dig deep and step into arenas that would challenge me and my faith.
I was right.
This year has been full of fighting on my knees, travailing prayer, and trying to make sense of the senseless. It has frequently felt like a 1-2-3 punch from the enemy that I haven’t been able to catch my breath from. I have had to be brave in order to have hope, even the slightest sliver of it, in the face of doubt.
What I’ve found, though, is a new level of faithfulness from the Lord in the midst of it all. He has shown up. Every. Single. Time. He has moved the mountains that seemed immovable and, even more precious, sat with me until they were moved. And when I partnered my brave hope with His faithfulness, it became a big, wet raspberry in doubt’s face.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Brave hope…in the face of doubt.
The Lord was gracious to give me those words before I would need them. He was kind to prepare me for the growth that would happen because growth can be painful. And deep growth often happens in the dark. But growth never happens alone. He is with us. He sends saints to lift up our arms when we are too tired to hold them up ourselves. He spotlights scriptures and gives us beautiful sunsets to remind us that we are not alone. He sees. He knows. He is working. And He reminds us that no matter how heavy the situation…
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
He is able. He is willing. He is delighted to be our faithful God who answers in His perfect timing and in His perfect way. He has each and every detail confidently in His grasp and will not let one thing fall. And He promises His peace. Unimaginable, undeniable, unmistakable peace. Because He loves you and wants to remind you in each struggle, disappointment, and stumble that…
You are adored.
You Are Adored 