I Dare You

I am so stinkin' proud of you, beloved.

You have walked on this journey from the ashes of your pain and past with endurance and faithful tenacity.

Even when the lies beckoned you to stay hidden in the mucky pit and the dark corners, you ignored them and bravely reached toward the light, focusing on God's loving truth, calling you up and out.

You fought through the pain and discomfort of change and loneliness to walk the path to freedom.

You continued even when it was hard.

You kept going even when you were scared.

God gave you the strength and support to keep moving every day, one step at a time.

And now I dare you to keep going.

To dare is to have sufficient courage.

And that is what you have.

Don't you give up now, beloved.

Don't you listen to the lies trying to pull you back down.

Don't you listen to their nonsense telling you you can't handle this.

Because you can, and you are.

God is strengthening you and encouraging you to keep going.

Encourage. How have I never noticed this before?

En-courage.

Courage within.

Dang. That's good, God!

God is the courage within you that you need to keep going.

Watch and see what He is going to do.

I dare you to look for the signs God is sending you as He guides you forward with love and encouragement.

I know things don't look perfect. I know there is still work to be done.

But hear me, beloved.

You don't have to control everything.

You don't have to fix everything.

God is fighting the battles and making a safe path ahead for you.

I dare you to keep your eyes on Him and follow Him forward.

Just watch and see what God will do!

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Isaiah 40:31

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him]

Will gain new strength and renew their power;

they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun];

they will run and not become weary,

they will walk and not grow tired.