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Today Stephanie is here to talk about being brave – something we all might need when we head to our (in)RL gatherings, right?!
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There’s a lot of talk about being brave. Doing big things for the Lord. Waking up to the dreams He has for you.
All good things, right?
So, why do we feel heavy with burden?
I know God is asking me a question. I know the answer is ‘Yes.’
And the stress? It quickly follows.
With the Resurrection fresh on my mind, I’m curious if you know the secret? The one that will reach to the ends of the earth.
The few days after the tomb was empty, the disciples locked themselves in a room. They were afraid of the Jews who yelled ‘Crucify him.’ I can’t blame them. They hid and prayed and tried to understand what had happened to their Hope. They knew and loved Jesus and yet they were anything but brave.
You may feel hunkered down and scared like them, wondering what to do next.
You may can relate to the feeling that Jesus has left you behind. {Even if the truth is He’s right there in your midst.}
You may wonder how you can do the very thing He’s called you to.
This is where you can’t manufacture what happens next. You can’t organize an effective plan. You can’t conjure up courage. You can’t finally overcome your fears enough to get it done.
The secret lies in the waiting.
Once when He was eating with them, He commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift He promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Without the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, they couldn’t understand their purpose much less bravely act. So, they waited. And received.
They received power, understanding and the courage to do what had been planned from the beginning. The to-be world changers the world had rejected were now unstoppable. Not because they dared to dream big dreams or pushed through fear or had crafted a well developed plan to help those in need, but because the ones who loved Jesus received the Holy Spirit and allowed Him to move in their lives. And the last thing Jesus tells those closest to Him – the ones who would be His world changers?
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The secret is in the Power. He’s made us believe we can do it, when it’s Him doing it all the time.
I’ve created my own version of this sometimes overwhelming verse to make it more personal and less missionary-like. I’m sure you can personalize your own version, too.
You will receive power to be courageous in what God has called you to do when you allow the Holy Spirit to control your life – your thoughts, your tongue, your money, your relationships, your time, your talents. And you will be wonderful witnesses of Jesus, loving others deeply and telling them about Jesus everywhere you go – in your home, your neighborhood, your favorite store, your child’s school, your office, on vacation. . . all the way to the ends of the earth.
The Holy Spirit is alive and active today. Jesus promised us that He had to leave so the Spirit could come. And that the Spirit in us would do more through us than Jesus ever could while He walked the earth.
Drink that in.
Will you quit trying to be brave and do good things for the Lord? Will you wait on the Holy Spirit to empower you?
You can do ‘that thing’ He’s asking of you, with His help. Never does He leave us. He didn’t sacrifice and bolt. The Spirit is waiting for your ‘Yes.’
What’s one area you know the Lord is prompting you to let Him work through you? What’s your version of this life-changing verse? We’d love to pray with you & agree in His Spirit.
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Leave a Comment
Marina says
Loving my neighbors. After 7 months, we’ve finally met a few of them, but this is an uninviting neighborhood with hard to reach front doors and tight deep roots. Pray for people to come outside, for boldness for me to reach out, and whatever God needs to do to tear down invisible barriers. No fences here… So everyone stays close to their home…
Maybe a few will surprise me and show up *last minute* to (in)RL Saturday…
Stephanie says
Praying for open doors and hearts, Marina.
Darlene says
Wish I lived near you, Marina….I’d be there. I’m in the same situation after FIVE years in a new state. Lake town, lots of weekenders only & people keeping to themselves.
Felecia Wong says
Thank you for sharing Stephanie. This post came at a perfect timing, I really need to hear this today.
Stephanie says
Thanks Felecia! I pray The Spirit will encourage & empower you today. Xo
Debbie Barker says
Yes, thank you for your writing today! Sometimes when our lives change with people we love passing we tend to feel left behind, but as you remind us God never left us, and never will ! We need to look in to our heart and up to him!
Kay says
I took a severance package from my work to be home with my daughter. We are moving to Kentucky so we can be closer to my son, who live with his father. I will have to have an income after we move. Pray for God’s plan for us to unfold in front of us and lead us to where we need to live and a job for me to be able to provide for my kids and I. I want to work from home but I want whatever God’s dream for our lives would be. Praying to see what that is, courage to follow wherever He leads. Need to see His plan and follow it !! Need His peace and guidance and wisdom!! Wonderful verse….waiting for His Spirit for power and courage and wisdom to follow Him completely!! Thanks for writing such a timely devotion!!
Stephanie says
Praying for abundant provision for you and your family. I know God is already at work begins the scenes getting everything ready for you.
Beth WIlliams says
Kay,
Prayers for abundant blessings from God. May God richly bless you and your family in ways you can’t see.
Father God,
Please bless Kay with a work from home job. She needs an income to support the family & courage to tackle what comes next. Shower her with your love, grace and some financial blessings.
AMEN!
TaraHorsley says
Yes thanks for writing this today. I live in Indianapolis Indiana on a street called Spann Ave. I have live here about two years. I have met two neighbors since I lived here and I have told them about Jesus. The other neighbors keep to themselves and won’t talk to you even if I talk to them. Since I had surgery I have not worked. I am researching work at home jobs that I can work from my computer and make money to help support my family and to pay bills. My husband is just working four hours a day and five days a week. Pray for Gods plan for me to unfold in front of me and lead a few work at home jobs to me. Praying to see what that is, courage for me to follow where he leads me. I need to see his plan for my life and follow it. I need his peace, wisdom and guideness in my life more now. I want to follow him completely in my life.
Stephanie says
Praying God will speak to your heart clearly about your next steps. And for sweet rest and recovery in Him.
cory says
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Father, I thank you for speaking to me, for being with each of us here, personally, meeting us where we are. Providing me the gift of your power, your love, your spirit to direct me and supply me with all I need. I pray Father that I would be surrendered to your will and guidance so others will see your light shine through me. That I will bring you honor and praise through all I do.
I fear you Lord because you are great and I cannot anticipate where you will lead. But I worship you as I wait for your light upon my path.
Thank you for the community here at InRL.
Brandi says
Stephanie, what soul-soothing words you have shared! The perceived lack of movement is sometimes daunting in the pursuit of God’s will. Even though He isn’t here or atleast I think He has disappeared- I will wait. Wait.
I choose to be still and know.
And I pray right now for all of you – the trials and transitions you are facing- I pray they begin to pale in comparison to the light, the hope, you find in His eyes. May His hand surround you, may His favor go before you, and may His voice guide you all along the way! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Blessings friends!
Lisa Hnath says
One area in my life where the Lord wants me to “let Him drive” is Tree of Life Devotions, a 1year devotional I’ve written. But first, I believe, He’s working on my heart, melting a big obstacle that was lodged there since childhood. In fact, He has “melted” it and now He’s in “spring cleaning” mode, getting my heart’s inner chambers in peak working order.
Of course, I’m doing my part, too – praying, seeking prayer, seeking his voice in the Word and opening up to my “Holy Surgeon’s” heart work. I get scared: what if God doses something painful? I have to remind myself that He knows me better than anyone – and loves me best!
My NEW color is, are you ready for this, yellow. Yes, YELLOW. I’ve never worn yellow in my life! Now, my nails are yellow, my scarf has yellow in it… these are just some of the little changes which show me Jesus’ work in me. Looking forward to what He’s going to do next.
Lisa Hnath says
One area in my life where the Lord wants me to “let Him drive” is Tree of Life Devotions, a 1year devotional I’ve written. But first, He’s working in my heart, removing a big obstacle lodged there since childhood. He has “melted” it and now He’s doing “spring cleaning”, getting my heart’s inner chambers in cleaned and freshened up! Yay!
Of course, I’m doing my part, too – praying, seeking prayer, seeking his voice in the Word and opening up to my “Holy Surgeon’s” heart work. And I get scared: what if He does something really painful? I have to remind myself that He knows me better than anyone – and loves me best!
My NEW color is, are you ready for this, yellow. Yes, YELLOW. I’ve never worn yellow in my life! Now, my nails are yellow, my scarf has yellow in it… these are just some of the little changes which show me Jesus’ work in me. Looking forward to what He’s going to do next.
Brigetta says
I believe in the idea of waiting on God, of being still and knowing that HE is God. But, sometimes I worry that we wait when we are supposed to act. That there is a tender balance somewhere in the middle. We HAVE the power of the Holy Spirit now. It has already been given to us. I think sometimes we need to step out of waiting and trust that His power is there. It’s just having the wisdom to know when that is.
Lisa Hnath says
One area in my life where the Lord wants me to “let Him drive” is Tree of Life Devotions, a 1year devotional I’ve written. But first, He’s working in my heart, removing a big obstacle lodged there since childhood. He has “melted” it and now He’s doing “spring cleaning”, getting my heart’s inner chambers cleaned and freshened up! Yay!
Of course, I’m walking in faith, too – praying, seeking prayer, seeking his voice in the Word and opening up to my “Holy Surgeon’s” heart work. And I get scared: what if He does something really painful? I have to remind myself that He knows me better than anyone – and loves me best!
My NEW color is, are you ready for this, yellow. Yes, YELLOW. I’ve never worn yellow in my life! Now, my nails are yellow, my scarf has yellow in it… these are just some of the little changes which show me Jesus’ work in me. Looking forward to what He’s going to do next.
Lisa Hnath says
One area in my life where the Lord wants me to “let Him drive” is Tree of Life Devotions, a 1year devotional I’ve written. But first, He’s working in my heart, removing a big obstacle lodged there since childhood. He has “melted” it and now He’s doing “spring cleaning”, getting my heart’s inner chambers cleaned and freshened up! Yay!
Of course, I’m walking in faith, too – praying, seeking prayer, seeking his voice in the Word and opening up to my “Holy Surgeon’s” heart work. And I get scared: what if He does something really painful? I have to remind myself that He knows me better than anyone – and loves me best!
My NEW color is, are you ready for this, yellow. Yes, YELLOW. I’ve never worn yellow in my life! Now, my nails are yellow, my scarf has yellow in it… these are just some of the little changes which show His work in me. Looking forward to what He wants to do next.
Joanne says
I give God Thank and I praise Him for loving on us through (in) courage. I’m encouraged by your stories. Please pray for my new friend Mark. I believe meeting him is a divine connection by God Almighty Himself 🙂 pray for Healing in Mark. He had a head injury when he was 25 and it has left him with a ringing in his ears. He has be hurt by others. When things comes against him he pulls away into himself and distance himself. Pray for his heart and mind. Pray that no weapon formed against will prosper that what the enemy meant to harm him with that God will turn around for his good. Please pray for Mark pray for me pray for our friendship. Thank you. God bless all of you and I pray for each prayer request that God would intervene in your situation and grant healing deliverance success and favor for each of you. In Jesus Name.Amen. Thank You LORD! I praise You and give You all the glory!
Lisa Hnath says
One area in my life where the Lord wants me to “let Him drive” is Tree of Life Devotions, a 1year devotional I’ve written. But first, He’s working in my heart, removing a big obstacle lodged there since childhood. He has “melted” it and now He’s doing “spring cleaning”, getting my heart’s inner chambers cleaned and freshened up! Yay!
Of course, I’m walking in faith, too – praying, seeking prayer, seeking his voice in the Word and opening up to my “Holy Surgeon’s” heart work. And I get scared: what if He does something really painful? I have to remind myself that He knows me better than anyone – and loves me best!
My NEW color is, are you ready for this, yellow. Yes, YELLOW. I’ve never worn yellow in my life! Now, my nails are yellow, my scarf has yellow in it… amazing. His work is definitely heart-opening. Yes, He will reach you in your heart.
Karen Bowden says
This article was a timely confirmation of something that God has asked me to do this week– I was asked to mentor a lady who is a new to the faith and I did say “yes” to God and to her this morning, but feel so inadequate. However, I know that God will equip me to do this and that it will actually be Him doing the work. I just have to be available and allow Him to use me.
Thank you for posting this today!
Blessings!
Colleen says
I need to follow up on a job interview today. The thoughts running through my head are as follows: its above you scope, you dont tithe consistently why would God bless you with a good job? He answers others prayers so much more often than yours, what if they reject me?, what if they hire me? Doubt and fear haunt me. I am a Christian and the shame that I know better, I know that God only grants good gifts and protects me from harmful things should stop this overwhelming fear and doubt but alas, here I am. Holy Spirit take over and please help me get over myself.
Sarah S says
Will you quit trying to be brave and do good things for the Lord? Will you wait on the Holy Spirit to empower you?
Yes. That is exactly what I’m doing. Thanks for this encouragement today. I am practicing being still. Staying home and letting my husbands dreams and goals become a reality in my heart. I thought i was submissive before. But, this is a different kind of submission. It is a partnership. Working together. Living united. This is what God is calling me to trust Him in. Unity with my husband… Rather than striving to serve others in the church or Bible study. Those were good things I was doing. But, the Holy Spirit has been leading me to stop it all. Be still. Make my husband and our home my first priority and so honor my Lord and Savior. So far…this has been a blessing for me. It has shown me who my friends are…and it has brought a real sense of peace into my life. He leads me beside still waters.
ZynWoof says
Stephanie:
This devotion is such a blessing to me today also, thank-you! I do need to wait patiently & expectantly for The Lord, not cowered in the corner as is my usual.
Here’s my story…
My husband lost his high-paying, full-time job six years ago, then mine followed… We are now in our mid-50s, and for the 3rd time in our marriage, we lost nearly everything we’d built up (two homes, one on three acres, five cars, all of our savings, etc.) and ended up back in an RV. His ex-wife got it all in the divorce in 1996 and it left us homeless and in an RV the 1st time; in 2003 the French company that employed my husband left the USA for China after the US entered the Gulf war and we were stranded 3,000 miles from home, and landed in an RV the 2nd time.
The continued bombardment of stress has caused both of us to be neglectful with our health, each of us gaining a tremendous amount of weight over the last 18 years.
I’ve been angry, depressed, doubtful, engulfed with rage & fear and afraid to say yes to anything ever again, constantly wondering where God went each time we stumbled, then fell into a financial and homeless abyss. Even with all of the up & down “practice” I have contracting back to this “living-in-an-RV existence,” it’s terrifying to watch all of our material comforts disappear over and over again.
This week, with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I have cautiously stepped out from my corner and gone to the gym for some much-needed physical exercise that also enhances my mental & emotional well-being (I was the Aerobics Queen in the mid-80s which I loved, but for all the wrong reasons…). All Glory to God. Thank-you for never forsaking us Lord Jesus and staying with us even to the ends of the earth. I know He has plans for us that are NOT for our destruction, but for our prosperity, to give us a future & a hope… Jeremiah 29:11
Beth WIlliams says
Stephanie,
Prayers for a much brighter financial future. May God richly bless you and your family in ways you can’t imagine.
Father God,
Stephanie and her hubby have been through a lot in their marriage. They need your strength and love to get them through. Shower them with some financial blessings and show them you love in miraculous ways!
AMEN!
Angela says
As a new single mom of 5 I know I needed to hear this. Thank you! Waiting patiently is so hard, and letting go of the need to fix and control stuff I can’t as well.
Nancy Ruegg says
Love your amplified paraphrase of Acts 1:8, Stephanie! It really makes that verse practical for us in the twenty-first century.
Help me, Lord, to love others deeply as you do, and to boldly tell them about Jesus!
Erin says
Being called to motherhood again, round two. I’ve held a lot of fear about this for a long time. I’m letting go. And I need to let Him take all the rest.
Renee Swope says
I’m just getting to read this late tonight Stephanie, and it was just what I needed!! Thank you for boldly and beautifully reminding my heart to receive: “They received power, understanding and the courage to do what had been planned from the beginning.” Such a needed reminder. Thank you friend!!
Sarah says
It’s neat reading through the comments and hearing how others have been impacted by this. Amen. It is so easy to rely on our own power, strength, work ethic than to rely on God’s… we’re in control then, and it’s a very vulnerable place to wait. My husband and I are stepping out in faith in some pretty big, life-trajectory changing ways right now. It’s so encouraging to just sit and be reminded of truth. Thank you.
Janice says
I have had many trials just as I stepped out in faith to follow my vision to reach out to abused women and children. I lost hope. Now God is reviving my ministry and I must follow. This means giving up a job and letting the Holy Spirit lead me. Please pray for this single mom. I need wisdom and courage. Time is running out for my lease. I need a cheaper place to live and supernatural provision. Thank you. God bless you!
Diana says
I am trying to get into the videos and having no luck. Cannot find out where they are.
Sheila says
Good afternoon, I just wanted to write you because your writing was amazing and much needed at this time. Iam 63 divorced, I live with my daughter and her family and my son and his family are in Iowa… I guess what Iam trying to say I feel like my heart wants to reach to the needy people in our community our church is very big on doing that, and I can feel nudges from the Holy Spirit but (yes Iam Afraid) Lately I have fallen and fractured my back several times, but I need to needed!!! Thank-you for your writings!! I would love to do that, but (there again its but). God Blessings be upon you!!!
Pamela DeNeuve says
Thank you for your post. All I can say is yes…yes…yes…
I am in the midst of a project that is much bigger than me. Using just my own strength, it would be impossible to complete. Each project have so many moving parts and so many additional tasks related to them. If I stopped to think about everything to be done, I would become paralyzed with fear.
Each morning I turn it over to God. In God I trust. This is no time for fear or being faint-hearted. Thank you so much for this reminder.
Beth WIlliams says
I live out in the country with older neighbors who mostly keep to themselves. We chat occasionally when we see each other outside. When tragedy strikes and it has twice–once to each family since I moved there 10 years ago–I do some act of kindness for the family.
I try to reach out to friends and family even those on the internet. I pray for others often to remind myself that there are people out there with worse problems than I have!
Blessings 🙂
Debi Schuhow says
Stephanie, thank you for your words. The waiting is something I’ve come to embrace; it is there that I and you enter His rest.
Tina Storms says
Thank you for the precious words of scripture and the practical way you phrase them for your life. The ministry of “incourage” is a blessing to me. May God continue to bless the writing men and women of this ministry and fill readers’ hearts– believers and non-believers– with His Holy Spirit to lead us on to His plans and purposes for eternity. Thank you, Father God, for your Word.