Hero

Champion Day 8 Fearful Made Fierce

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Daniel 1:3-21
Daniel 2:27-30
Daniel 6:10-24
Philippians 1:3-11

Champion, Day 8

“Am I good enough?”
“How could God ever use me? I’m so weak in my faith, in my trust, in my understanding of You, God.”

These questions regularly pop into my head. Sometimes, when I look at the Bible Greats (those characters who *seem* to have it all together and act perfectly before the Lord), I get discouraged. I’m sure my name will never go down in recorded history for doing anything amazing. I’m a hot mess just trying to consistently read my Bible every day. How then do we approach the accounts of people in the Bible doing extraordinary things for the Lord?

Daniel is a Bible hero well-known for faithfully praying to the One True God, despite being forbidden by the king. He was thrown into a den of lions and the king expected him dead by morning. (Daniel 6:16-18)

Miraculously, when the king reached the den the next day, “Daniel said to the king, ‘May the king live forever. God sent His angels and shut the lions’ mouths; and they haven’t harmed me, for I was found innocent before Him. And also before you, Your Majesty, I have not done harm.’”  (Daniel 6:21-22)

Wow. Daniel’s faith must’ve been great to be considered innocent before God Almighty. Who was Daniel really? How did he get into this pickle?

Daniel and many others were captured and taken from their home in Israel to foreign Babylon. Forced to leave his family, along with everything familiar, Daniel was taken to a strange new place with many different customs and values.

His whole identity shifted to become Babylonian; he was even given a new name. In the midst of this upheaval, he needed to decide if he would continue following God Almighty or worship other gods, as was expected of him by the king. (Daniel 1:1-7)

As Daniel navigated such challenging circumstances, we see that behind every holy choice Daniel made, God was at work, revealing Himself as the true champion.

Daniel chose obedience when he and his friends decided to break the cultural norms and follow God.
The Lord gave them favor with the king, who then entrusted Daniel and the others with great responsibility.
By living in authentic community, they were able to support and encourage each other onward in obedience. (Daniel 1:17-21)
The Lord empowered Daniel to interpret dreams of several successive kings, a feat impossible for Babylonian sorcerers.
Daniel was humble, giving God the credit and glory for his ability. He was able to recognize his limitations and his need for God’s power.

“No wise man, medium, magician, or diviner is able to make known to the king the mystery he asked about. But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has let King Nebuchadnezzar know what will happen[.]” (Daniel 2:27-28)

Notice who Daniel didn’t mention?

Himself.

Standing before the king, in possession of an extraordinary ability, facing an opportunity to curry earthly status and success in a new land . . . and Daniel recognized this as an encounter between the king and God, with Daniel simply present as God’s voice.

Daniel demonstrated this understanding as he closed his speech before the king.
“As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king[.]” (Daniel 2:30)

Repeatedly, the Lord provided perfectly for Daniel. 

The Lord showed Daniel how to be wise with heavenly wisdom.
The Lord gave Daniel strength to be faithful to the truth.
The Lord God Almighty carried Daniel through every trial he experienced;
he was never alone.

At first glance, it’s easy to think we could never do what Daniel did.
In all actuality, he was a boy who was kidnapped and forced to live in a new place.
His God, however, was and is extraordinary.

Daniel chose to be obedient, and the Lord provided for him.
Ladies, the Lord is faithful to finish the work He’s started in us until He returns again! (Philippians 1:6) He is our champion, our rescuer and redeemer!

Lord God Almighty, we long to be great for You. Give us pure hearts when we do what You’ve called us to, humble us if there is any pride in us. Give us favor with those in positions of authority over us. Let us respond with faithful, simple obedience, Lord. Jesus, give us courage to live in community that will keep us accountable. We wait for you to show Your face to us, so we might follow You. We trust you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, amen. 

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Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Champion Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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The GT Weekend ~ Champion Week 1

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) This week, we were introduced to some very difficult truths. The difficulty lies in the profound simplicity of God’s love for us, and in our inability to think outside of our own human limitations. “Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith.” (Galatians 3:11) Abraham’s defining trait was faith. His faith prompted obedience, and his obedience was credited to him as righteousness. (Romans 4:3) This brings us to our first difficult truth: we are not chosen because we are qualified; we are chosen simply because He chose us. All we must do is believe. Read any story in the Bible, maybe Daniel in the lion’s den or Joshua at Jericho, and consider the qualifications of that story’s “hero”. You might be happy to realize they are people just like you and me and the hero isn’t them at all. God is always the hero. As we look at those same stories, the second truth comes to light: faith means letting go of limitations because God is not bound by them. Joshua never raised a sword, yet he watched a city crumble. (Joshua 6) Daniel spent the night in a den of lions and left without a scratch. (Daniel 6:21-22) The Almighty created us and all we see; who are we to tell Him what He can and cannot do?!

2) In keeping with these truths, we are introduced to the nitty gritty side of Moses and his faith journey. Moses rejected God’s commands because of his own human limitations. How often do you find yourself telling God, “I can’t possibly do what you are asking? I am weak or unskilled. I am incapable. You can do better than me.” Too often we avoid stepping into God’s purpose for us because we trust our insufficiencies to be more significant than our Savior. We tend to focus on the end result, but the end result isn’t for us. It’s for Him. God gives us the ingredients and then asks us to give them back to Him, so He can give us something even greater. In 1 Kings 17:8-16, we read of a widow who is instructed to feed Elijah some bread but has none to offer. She does have a handful of flour and a small bit of oil. We watch as God multiplies her ingredients so she can make bread and glorify Him who provides. Remember back in Moses’ story when we see him protest God? Each protest is based on his insufficiency, and each time God answers based on His sufficiency. Reflect on stories like these when you feel discouraged or unqualified and remember you serve a God who is qualified.

3) The waiting is never wasted. What a powerful sentiment! How many times have you felt stuck like you were called to go somewhere or do something but couldn’t quite make it happen? I have encouraging news for you. God is always working in your life; He is preparing you to do His will while simultaneously using you to do His will. Setbacks are teachers. They are purposeful, but we must remember God doesn’t face setbacks. He knows all things always and is in complete control. So, if you find yourself feeling stagnant, ask yourself why you are hesitating to step into God’s purpose for you or perhaps if you have focused on your purpose for you instead of God’s. If you are fearful and afraid, ask yourself what you are holding back on trusting God and why. Prayerfully ask Him to make these answers clear and for the strength and courage to move forward as He is calling you. He will not shy away from your doubt, your questions, your fear, or even your anger. The Lord of the universe longs to guide you. He does not need us, but He chooses us anyway because He loves us extravagantly!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 back to the Lord and let His Spirit speak to you through it!

So that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Prayer Journal
Yahweh, thank you for showing me Your strength and wisdom this week. I am grateful to know my God is capable of impossible feats; no lion is too mighty nor storm too big for You. Lord, I know I can’t do this life without You, but sometimes I falter and doubt. I question You and Your sufficiency, but You know my heart and my mind. You know the weakness of my flesh, so please hear my cries when I’m weak, and calm my heart. Remind me who You are and what great power You possess. Help me let go of the limitations I have placed on You and simply bask in the sweet fact that You choose to use me to further Your Kingdom just because You love me. You are my strength, Lord, and my shield, for I have put my trust in You. (Proverbs 30:5) It is in Your Son’s name I pray, Amen.

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Sara put words to a struggle we all encounter at various points in life, either to live in fear of people or walk in faith with the God who has never failed us. Take some time to identify where you have lived in fear of people in the past. How has the Lord shaped your heart to choose Him, as the better, over acquiescing to others? Celebrate His work here! Consider new challenges where you are apt to choose what people want at the expense of following the Savior? Take these specifically to the Lord in prayer!

2) On Wednesday, we were challenged to consider the pitfalls of our identity sources. Sara noted how grateful she was for having walked through a season of having her identity deconstructed. Consider writing out your top 4 markers of your identity and sift through the source for each of those. If the source is removed, the identity will crumble. What is holding up your identity?

3) All throughout this Journey Theme of Seeds, we’ve been challenging ourselves to consider “what if” we lived as boldly as the examples we find in the pages of Acts of those first century Christians. Their stories are incredible and their faith seems entirely other, but it began simply, exactly like our own. Each of their journeys grew from a seed of faith, nourished by a regular, consistent investment in a relationship with the God of the Universe in everyday life. The invitation for dramatic life change is ours as well. What If  you were to begin investing deeper with Jesus this weekend? Where might He take you? What would He want you to know? Who would He want you to share the gospel with? Suppose the Lord had written an invitation to you, what would your response be? Write it out and be willing to be different!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Job 38:31-33 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades
or loose the cords of Orion?
Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season,
or can you guide the Bear with its children?
Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
Can you establish their rule on the earth?

Prayer Journal
Ah Lord God, Your good kindness to us is so far beyond my comprehension. Keep taking my breath away with the vastness of Your love and Your design for life! You, who created galaxies we haven’t even explored. You, who gather the seas in Your hand. You who measure the mountains on a scale. You, who crafted the body of an ant and the structure of micro-organisms, purposed to have a relationship with every single human being on a deep and personal level. And then You called us out, made us new, and gave us purpose as You invited us into a mission to love others as You have loved us. Keep my eyes focused in this rich truth, reminding me You’ve invited me ever deeper into “What If!”.

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Champion Day 5 Legendary Hero

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Joshua 1:6-9
Numbers 13-14
Joshua 5:13-6:27
Isaiah 40:28-31
Isaiah 41

Champion, Day 5

Big burly guy, biceps of steel. Broad back, thick muscular legs. Oh, and a bushy beard.
That’s how *I* picture the Biblical Joshua.

Perhaps we mentally jump to the battle of Jericho as he carried out God’s counter-intuitive battle plan with strong leadership skills. (Joshua 6)

Or maybe we remember Joshua as a spy who explored the Promised Land, one of only two men who trusted God could bring them into the land. We might use words like steadfast, courageous, or brave to describe his heroism.  (Numbers 13-14)

Perhaps you don’t know much about Joshua; our only connection might be a fairly common verse, found in the book named after him, “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Now, why would a brave man who led armies into countless battles AND stood nearly alone in his commitment to God’s promise need to be reminded to be strong and courageous THREE times in the span of four short verses?! (Joshua 1:6-9)

All too often, when we think of “famous” men and women of the Bible, we put them on a pedestal, esteeming them for their valor, courage, perseverance, wisdom, and strength. We look UP to them as someone special, set apart and used by God in extraordinary ways to fulfill His divine purposes. We begin to elevate them, believing WE could never do what THEY did.

Do you notice what we’ve done, though? We’ve taken GOD out of the equation. In truth, GOD was the one who worked through our mighty heroes of the faith, which makes GOD the real hero, NOT Joshua (or Esther or Gideon, or anyone else).

Since God doesn’t change (Hebrews 13:8), He can use US in the SAME way He did our favorite heroes of the faith! With this profound truth in mind, let’s revisit Joshua.

As I prepared for this Journey Study, I poured over the Scriptures, digging into Joshua’s story in a new way.

As I studied, God showed me He is always working in our lives, preparing us for the plans HE has for us.  Most often, we are not aware of what the future holds, but God knows every single detail and is weaving a BEAUTIFUL masterpiece, both in our lives and throughout history.

I bet Joshua would say the same, “I had NO clue when I saw Moses stretch out his staff over the Red Sea and the waters parted so we could walk across on dry land that one day *I* would be leading the people in a silent march around the city of Jericho and watching the walls come crumbling down on the 7th day.” (Exodus 14:21-22; Joshua 6:4-5) He might give a reflective sigh, “Man oh man, the JOURNEY sure prepared me for Jericho.”

Perhaps he would open up, “I was eager to settle in Canaan, the Promised Land. The daily manna along the way had filled me with the courage I would need at Kadesh when everyone else doubted God. (Numbers 13:26-33) I had complete confidence God would make a way for us, like He had at the Red Sea. But no one would listen! And because of THEIR doubt, we wandered in the desert for FORTY years. I had NO idea what God would teach me during that ‘wasted time’ in our nation’s history.”  After a long pause, he might add, “The waiting is NEVER wasted.”

Or maybe he would confess, “Even after all I witnessed God doing, I was still afraid as I assumed leadership from Moses. But God didn’t shame or scold me. He definitely didn’t abandon me. Nope! It was almost as if He grabbed my hand, leaned in close, and whispered in my ear, ‘Be strong and courageous. I’VE got this.’”

What about YOU?
Have you ever had Kadesh moments?

Faced with challenges, will we focus on the overwhelming, seemingly-impossible tasks before us, or will we fix our eyes on JESUS, trusting Him to provide strength, wisdom, and courage to follow Him?

Joshua would beg us to “be strong and courageous,” relying not on our own abilities, but trusting wholeheartedly in God, Who ALWAYS keeps His Word.

When we do, we watch walls come crumbling down, broken relationships restored, bodies healed, and bills paid.

You see, the God who helped Joshua conquer Jericho is the SAME God who is asking you to lead a small group, start a new job, or call an estranged family member.

The same God who gave Joshua the courage to believe in Him at Kadesh is the SAME God prodding you to take those foster care classes, write that book, present your idea at work, or message a friend who’s hurting.

If Joshua needed to be reminded (more than once) to be strong and courageous, it’s okay that we have our doubts, too. God is bigger than our fears. He can handle our questions.

So, my sister, be strong and courageous, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU, today, tomorrow, and FOREVER. ALL praise and glory and honor go to GOD, our TRUE Champion.

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

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Champion Day 3 Bold And Brave?

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 3:1-4:17
Exodus 33:15-16
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
2 Corinthians 12:6-10  

Champion, Day 3

What comes to mind when you think of Moses? 

He’s probably one of the most famous Bible “heroes.” Maybe his name conjures up an image of a man with arms stretched high over the Red Sea, holding back the waters; perhaps you picture him standing boldly before Pharaoh demanding freedom for the Israelites; or possibly you think of him on Mount Sinai with thunder crashing and smoke billowing around him as God draws near to give him instructions for his people. 

Moses is often remembered as a mighty, powerful leader whose example we should emulate, but while strength and boldness are certainly part of his story, when we look a little deeper there are also elements of his story which aren’t quite so heroic. 

After being miraculously rescued by God as a baby and raised in the luxury of the palace, Moses flees Egypt after killing a man. (Exodus 2:11-15) He spends many years in Midian, living in obscurity as a shepherd. 

When God reveals Himself to Moses in a burning bush and calls Moses to lead the Israelites to freedom from slavery, Moses’ response isn’t what you might expect from a mighty hero. 

Instead of responding with faith or courage, he is full of excuses. 

 Who am I to do this task? (Exodus 3:11)
What if they won’t listen? (Exodus 4:1)
I’m not good with words. (Exodus 4:10)
Please send someone else. (Exodus 4:13) 

Even when Moses finally accepts God’s call and steps out in obedience, his leadership is far from perfect. Despite securing the freedom of the Israelites and leading them through the wilderness, he isn’t permitted entrance to the Promised Land because of his failure to trust God and obey Him. (Numbers 20:1-13)

The true picture the Bible paints of Moses is not one of a mighty hero, but one of a human being, with moments of greatness and achievement, but also with flaws and weaknesses.  

Personally, I find that comforting. Moses was able to accomplish great things for God not because of his own power, but because of God working through him, even in his weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:6-10) I am encouraged that if God could use Moses, perhaps He could use me. 

I relate all too well to Moses’ hesitation at the burning bush and the sense God is calling me to something far beyond my own ability, for which I feel inadequate. I share his experience of being called to speak for God while feeling I lack the skill. 

And I love how God responds to Moses. 

When Moses protests no-one will listen and he is not skilled at speaking, God doesn’t answer by encouraging Moses he is good enough or he has what it takes. Instead, He reveals Himself to Moses. 

Moses’ excuses are all about himself and his own perceived inadequacy, but God points Moses back to what really matters. He reassures Moses of His presence, He provides signs to demonstrate His power, and He promises to help Moses complete the task. 

He directs Moses’ focus away from his own weaknesses and onto God’s strength.  

In the end, Moses rises above his fears and apprehensions and steps out in faith, confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites to freedom. He comes to realise that success does not depend on his own ability, but on the fact that God has called him and is with him.   

When the Israelites finally leave Egypt, God’s presence goes with them in a brilliant cloud by day and pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22), providing a visual reminder they are not alone.   

Moses comes to recognise the importance of God’s presence with him and the people. This is what marks them out from others, and enables them to take possession of the Promised Land.   

“‘If Your presence does not go,’ Moses responded to Him, ‘don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and Your people have found favor with You unless You go with us? I and Your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.’” (Exodus 33:15-16) 

It is encouraging to remember that, if we have put our trust in Jesus, we have the same distinguishing mark. God’s presence is not only with us, but in us through the Holy Spirit. We have God’s promise, “I will never leave you or abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5) 

Like Moses, we can look to God for direction, and we can know His strength working through us, even in our weakness and despite our perceived inadequacy. 

This, not our own ability, is what will empower us to be used by God and fulfill His calling. 

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Champion Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Champion!