Here's the link to find out more: Worth Dying For
I feel like everything I'm immersing myself in this summer connects to my little Joshua Bible Study I'm doing. I'm glad. I like when God does that--to me it signifies that there is a "big picture" that He's trying to show me {He has thus far been unsuccessful! But I am still trying. :) }
Anyway, I have reached the part where he really discusses bravery in a profound, practical way. I felt so touched because one of the first things he discusses in his book is that real heroes are the average human being doing the right thing on a day-to-day basis. And he mentioned moms. I just really needed to hear that. My daughter tells me on a regular basis that I'm her hero, and it makes me uncomfortable because that's a lot to live up to. But his words gave me the extra encouragement that I needed this week to just keep on doing what I'm doing because it's the right thing to do.
I am inspired by his chapter on bravery because I am so often scared to do the unknown.
Case in point: shortly after my ex moved out (before the divorce proceedings started), our front porch light went out (not the bulb, the fixture). This was during Christmas time. I know next to nothing about electricity except that it scares me ... and if you're working with electricity you need to turn off the breakers. Oh, and connect "hot" with "hot." Something like that. And there's something called grounding which protects appliances from shorting out. Notice the abundance of technological terms here. ;)
Anyway, I bought a new porch light (the fixture), and I was absolutely wracked with fear every time I thought of changing the fixture. So, literally, it sat on a table in my backyard until the NEXT CHRISTMAS. I wish I could say I'm exaggerating, but unfortunately that would be a lie. That's how long fear was my master in this situation.
I promised myself when December rolled around again that I was definitely going to bite the bullet and REPLACE THAT PORCH LIGHT before my Christmas break was over. So, one day, I told myself that I was just going to do it. Fixing the light was Priority #1 that day. I was sooooooo afraid. I turned off all the breakers in my house (much to the dismay of my son, who was playing his video games). I read the instructions at least five times, visually trying to walk through the steps in my mind several times before attempting to conquer the unknown. Long story short, it took about half an hour, and I cannot describe the level of elation I felt when I flipped the switch and the light went on!!!! I could not have been happier (or prouder) if I had conquered an entire army all by myself. :D Honestly. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. Afterward, I remember quietly chiding myself that I put off for one year doing something that took only a half hour to do.
Since then, I have had to attempt many unfamiliar situations, and conquer many fears--several plumbing issues, car issues, etc. Most of the time, God has allowed me to figure out the solution on my own. A few times I have had to call in reinforcements. {So humbling. Not fun.} But I am aware that He can fix the problem any way He desires.
Maybe that's why this book is really speaking to me. I'm doing a lot of conquering fears lately.
I also think about Joshua and his inexperienced Israelite army. Those soldiers pushed through their fears, conquered the impossible, gained A LOT of character in the process, and gained a lot of confidence as well.
What fear is God asking you to conquer today? My prayer is that you will choose to accept His challenge so that you can enjoy the full measure of His blessings, and gain a lot of confidence in yourself as well. God bless you! :)
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