What Makes Us Brave?

What does bravery mean to you?

Some may think of soldiers tirelessly and heroically going to war for our country's freedom. Others may think of shiny superheroes of climactic comic books and Hollywood movies. For others, it may hit closer to home with a challenging circumstance that she or a loved one had to walk through recently.

When I ponder what bravery means, I am often reminded of the extraordinarily brave women of the Bible. Deborah, Queen Esther, Rahab, Jehosheba, Abigail, and Jochebed, Moses' mother. I think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and the woman with the issue of blood.

While some women are named, many are not, and I can't help but think about the generational legacy that each one left behind.

Some, if not all, of these women faced great danger and endured the pressure of emotional and often physical pain while acting without fear. Yet, their gaze was intimately locked on the calling and heart of God so much that their bravery in action was worth more than the cost of the surrounding danger.

In this current generation, what do you think makes us, as women, brave?

You were created for such a time as this.

Esther 4:14 in the NKJV translation says, "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

One thing I noticed about most women from the Bible is that in some way, they all acted on account of a generation. As women, we are natural nurturers. God created us to have compassion, empathy, and an instinct to care for others, whether that be our own children or the people within our influence. It is in our DNA.

Women from the Bible often stepped into bravery when a generation needed saving.

She was challenged and charged, in heart and spirit, to defend children, men, and women of her generation and the generations to come.

May I encourage you that like Queen Esther, you, too, were created for this generation?

God is with you, wherever you go.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9, NKJ

How beautiful the feet of those who step into strength and courage while following the call of God on their lives.

Harriet Tubman, nicknamed "Moses," is heroically known for leading about seventy enslaved people to freedom. She answered the cries of a generation and stepped into bravery while, on foot, leading others into theirs. Harriet birthed freedom into her generation, and her legacy lives on to this day.

As women, we have a responsibility to the generations that come after us. As women who love God, we are called to birth spiritual children, bear His good fruit, and in bravery, lead others to Christ. As we step into our callings as Daughters of Christ, may we remember that God is with us wherever we may go.

God is for us; nothing can stand against us.

Nothing can stand against us.

This is not to say that trials and hardships won't come. Because the call of God is not for the weary or the lighthearted. It is for the Child of God who wants nothing more in this life than Jesus and partnering with Him to advance the Kingdom of heaven. However, we can be encouraged that nothing can defer God's will as we engage with our Kingdom calling.

Thank you, Lord.

Romans 8:31b, NKJV says, "If God is for us, who can ever be against us?"

Sometimes, sharing Jesus with others can be somewhat discouraging. It may feel like you are not gaining traction, and no one is receptive to your heart.

This can be a challenging place. But let me assure you that God's Kingdom is about generational multiplication. So be encouraged that the one person who accepted Jesus because of your testimony, spirit-provoking question, or the tangible way you showed them love is now a part of heaven's equation. And as the generations come and His ripple effect gets larger, the nations that come after you will be touched by your bravery and acts of obedience.

When we are willing to put ourselves in the face of danger, discomfort, and rejection, we are partnering with the advancement of heaven. And in doing so, as spiritual mothers, we are birthing the nations and leaving a legacy of what it means to be brave.

Be encouraged; you are here for such a time as this.