See the Size of Those Grapes!

Today, as I sat a my computer and began to pray, a post I shared a year or more ago ran through my thoughts. I hope you find comfort and encouragement by it: Living above our circumstances demands our bravery!

Let's face it, following God doesn't always make sense in the natural.Can you imagine bystanders looking at Gideon, speculating, "You're going to reduce your army of how many thousands to three hundred men?...And God told you to do it?" Or how about David throwing off all conventional methods of battle and running full force, with just a sling and five stones, to slay the feared--Goliath!

David never shrank from the bear or lion NOR die he cower to Goliath. When Saul sought his life, David bravely spared Saul's life, determining to not raising a hand against God's anointed. David trusted God to defend his life and lived above his circumstances. 1 Samuel 16:18 describes David, "One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him." (NIV)

Brave men and women of God step forward when others step back; they press on with others give up; and they follow through regardless of the cost, dismissing the opinions and speculations of bystanders! They understand the true meaning of BRAVERY; bravery isn't recklessly following after every conjured whimsical notion; true bravery simply follows God's voice, knowing He will do what He has promised!

Abraham bravely put Isaac on the altar, trusting in both GOD's character and His ability; he reckoned God could raise Isaac from the dead...he knew God's promise existed through Isaac...he trusted God would fulfill His promise.

When Joshua and Caleb surveyed the land they saw God's promise...I can just imagine their report..."YOU SHOULD SEE what God has waiting for us...milk...honey...grapes. Huh? Giants?? Sure there are giants...but you should see the SIZE of those grapes."

Bravery looks pass conventional wisdom, pass consequences and costs, and simply listens for the still small voice, asking...WHAT HAS GOD SAID?

Living above our circumstances requires BRAVERY...BRAVERY requires faith...And true faith listens for God's voice and trusts His wisdom! So, what has God promised YOU? What has HE called you to do? What does HIS WORD declare about your circumstances?

Deuteronomy 31:5-6 says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified...for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (NIV)

What's YOUR story? HOW can YOU reveal YOUR TRUST in GOD? WHAT is HE CALLING YOU to BRAVELY do?

FRIEND...HE WILL NOT FAIL YOU!

PRAYER: Father, speak to us clearly; direct us; give us the strength to obey! Fill us with faith to live BRAVELY for YOU! IN JESUS NAME we pray, AMEN!