We live in a world that needs to see brave women rise up.
I have the honor and privilege of raising 3 daughters. More than anything, I want my girls to follow hard after God. I want them to choose to live counter-culturally and flee from what the world values, choosing instead to be brave through the light of God’s Word.
Brave in how they live their lives for God’s glory.
Brave in the everyday choices they make.
Brave in what they allow to define them.
Brave in what they let go of.
Brave in what they hold on to.
Just as God’s mercies are new every morning, my prayer, morning after morning, is for my girls to rise up and choose to be brave, learning to place their faith in God and actively live out His Word.
But make no mistake: Our world is no fairy tale. There is a battle raging all around us, a fight for our hearts, minds, and eternities.
Each day we have a choice to choose to be brave.
A choice to pursue righteousness and godliness.
A choice to live through faith and not in fear.
A choice to love instead of hate.
A choice to endure instead of give up.
A choice to be gentle instead of harsh.
A choice to live like Jesus…a little more each day. That’s what brave looks like. Being brave looks a lot like Jesus.
Be strong and courageous….do not fear. (Joshua 1:9)
One of the greatest lies is the belief we can be brave in our own strength… standing all alone.
Time and time again, we see from the Old Testament to the New Testament the importance of being brave together.
Jesus sent the disciples out two by two. (Mark 6:7)
Moses and Aaron, were a power duo. So were Ruth and Naomi and Paul and Luke.
Two are better than one.
Where two are more are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)
I encourage you as we start a new year to grab your girlfriends, sisters, moms, and daughters…and TOGETHER, with God as our commander, fight the good fight.
So gear up by putting on the armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-18 because this battle we are about to engage in is not of this world.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
Even though we know this world is not our home, that doesn’t mean we just give up and refuse to stand against the assault that is happening all around us. No, as daughters of the King of Kings, we know that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
So with that in mind, let’s rise up and engage in the battle knowing that God has placed us here for such a time as this. We were made for this battle.
No longer will we stand idle over our marriages, children, homes, countries, and churches.
Sweet sisters, it’s time to rise up and choose brave.
Let’s Talk: What one area are you choosing to be brave in this year and where are you joining us from?
Love God Greatly!
Week 1 Challenge: Take the first step. What is God calling you to be brave in this coming year? Take time this week to pray and seek His face. Then write down in your journal what steps you need to take to begin choosing to be brave in that area of your life this new year!
Reading Plan
Memory Verse
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I am an American missionary currently living in Croatian. This month I will be having a major surgery here. The language issues and over crowded, understaffed, socialized medical systems, is not making any of this easy and has taken me way beyond my comfort zone. I choose to be brave!
Yes darling!!! We choose to be brave with you. God is healing yiu right now!!! Choose to always be brave! He’d made all things work yoge5for good for you. We are cheering you on!!!
Yes darling!!! We choose to be brave with you! God is healing you right now!!! Choose to always be brave!!! He’d make
all things work together for good for you. All of us at Love God Greatly are cheering you on. Sorry for the typos in the first reply.
Praying for you sweet sister!!
Praying with you!
This year I took a spiritual quiz to find out what word God had for me this year so I could focus on the word and build my spiritual muscles. The word for me this year is courage. I desire to write devotionals and blogs to help others. However, I have been reluctant to step out on faith. My friend sent me a link to read this devotional. She said since your word for the year is courage, I think you might need to read this. I did. So, I am taking the challenge to be “BRAVE.” Thank you.
Bless your friend for sending you this link and bless you for reading it. We are glad to have you joining us on the blog. Courage is a wonderful word and may you be blessed as you step out in courage to write devotionals and blog posts to help others. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
We pray for you
Joining from Florida, God has called me to further my education to better serve the kiddos I serve! With a one year old, a husband, and a full time job this will be challenging but I CHOOSE BRAVE.
Yes darling! Choose Brave. God is supplying all you need I. Jesus name amen
I’m choosing to be brave by teaching pre-k Sunday School even though I feel unqualified. I asked God to serve more and this door was opened to me. I won’t give up even though it feels hard and uncomfortable.
Yes you won’t darling!!! You’d fight the good fight of faith with the whole armor of God on and He is helping you. May He supply all you need dear. In Jesus name amen.
I’m Lauren Rees from Indianapolis, IN. I choose to be brave to support my husband as he goes back to school to become an elementary school teacher and to be brave in our finances.
Welce to this study dear. We are cheering you on!!! May He supply all that is needed for you and your family. In Jesus name Amen.
I’m joining you today from Marion, IA. I’m choosing to be brave in our 2nd week of voluntary self-isolation during the Covid19 outbreak. I ask everyone to join me as prayer warriors for our first responders, medical community, law enforcement, and everyone pitching in to create & distribute all necessary equipment for this pandemic. God is in control and we are walking by faith not fear.
I’m choosing to be brave in writing my first book for women with infertility and launch out into speaking engagements. I am in Atlanta, GA.
Wow!!!! Glory to God. You can do it because you have Jesus. Dear Lord help, teach and provide your daughter all she needs to make this a reality. In Jesus name Amen.
My husband chose to leave me 9 weeks ago and Im finding it very hard to move forward with 3 children but Im going to choose to be brave!
Am so sorry dear. Jesus is your husband and he is with you forever. He promised never to leave you nor forsake you. Hold onto Him and don’t allow the devil and issues take you away fron Him. Dear Lord hold your daughter’s hand through this season. In Jesus name amen. Much love for everyone here at Love God Greatly
God will never leave you or forsake you. In the midst of this, let him be your strong tower. Let him be the place you run to. Don’t be afraid of asking him the hard questions. He wants to answer you. So much love to you dear one!!
I am currently in my Masters program to become a Nurse Practioner as God has called me into the missions field to do medical work. I am also working full time as a nurse and raising 5 teenagers in this dark world. I have to pray against the feelings of stress and being overwhelmed as well as the fear for my children everyday. In 2019 I choose to be Brave and lean on God daily because his mercies are new every morning and He is my strength!
The Lord shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Strength and alertness is supplied to your mind. You’d become all and do all He needs you to do. Amen.
2018 ended with circumstances that left me jobless my husband injured at work, anticipating surgery, and receiving reduced workers comp wages for 5-6 months during recovery. I choose to be brave and trust God will provide, to show the joy of the Lord during uncertain moments, and to spend time in His Word, in prayer and in service while I wait and listen for His instruction. Looking forward to this journey of being brave with you all!
We are looking forward to it too with you dear. The Lord is supplying all your family needs in Jesus mighty name amen.
I forgot to mention….I am being brave in Livonia, Michigan!
God is calling me to be brave this year as my son goes back to uni, after an interruption of studies… I’m choosing to be brave, as queen Esther, to trust God with all my heart, for my son, my daughter, my husband, and our next assignment in the future.
What an amazing God, but still better, what an awesome Dad!
From Pau, France. Many thanks for the opportunity to join the bible study and for the material! God bless you abundantly !
Adriana
God bless you too. The grace and help of God be made abundant for you and your family in Jesus name amen.
Hello im from Miami, FL and I lost my job last Thursday making me a bit afraid on how I will be able to pay for my bills but today I CHOOSE BRAVE OVER THAT FEAR IN THE NAME OF JESUS!
Yes love!!! Choose Brave over fear. God is supplying all you need in Jesus name. Amen.
I was born and raised in New York but I live in South Carolina. I want the Lord to guide me and reveal to me His plans for my life. It won’t be easy but I just don’t want to be in my comfort zone. I know He has more and I have been afraid and I run. Not this time because I choose Brave.
Yes dear!!! Choose Brave!!! Dear Lord, your word says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Jer. 1:5
We don’t know what you want for your daughter but we believe that you have a plan. Help her to wait and trust you while she wait and give her the grace to do it when you show her. In Jesus mighty name amen.
I am from New Hampshire! This year I am trying to be brave in trusting God for the plans He has for me and my family. Last year was a tough year with many trials as I enter the new year I may still have trials but I want to be brave and trust more!
God is in control of everything. He will supply all your needs and protect you and your family. Amen.
Hi Im joining from Scotland, UK. Im trying to be brave in seeking gods will in my life. I hope to seek work in serving the church in youth and family work. But I just dont know where to begin but trusting god to led me where I need to be. Im stepping out the boat and seeking a walking on water kind of faith as we enter this new year. I just want to know god on a deeper level and serve him in all aspects of my life.
X
Dear Kirsten, jus ask the Holy Spirit for help and trust Him in obedience on what He places on your heart to do. And am sure He will guide you. It is a noble task to serve God. Father, please hold your daughters hand and lead her in Jesus name. Amen.
I am all the way from South Africa… I need to stand brave in love again after a horrifically abusive relationship in 2018. With God’s help I am ready!!!
South Africa!!! Am replying you from Nigeria!!! It’s good to have you here. May God heal your heart and bring His son to you, together, both of you would build a godly home in marriage to the glory of God. In Jesus name. Amen.
I choose to be brave as a take on this new adventure with Love God Greatly. Reaching out to others is a bit hard for me. I am new to this area. God is in control and He tells me to be brave.
Barb,
Bless you for being brave and taking the step to reach out to others. Amen, yes God is in control. Thank you for joining us.
I live in Memphis, TN and I work for the Federal Government. I the wake of the Federal Shutdown, I choose to be brave that God will provide everything I need as my family and all the other families that are working without getting paid as we continue to go through this terrible injustice.
Mary,
Amen, I am standing in agreement with you in prayer that God will provide what is needed.
I am transitioning from California to Arizona to be with my pastor husband who is already there. I am leaving a position I love running a women and children’s shelter to join my husband in a new work that God has for us. I choose to be brave knowing that God will provide for us financially as we follow His leading to share the beauty of God’s love to women and children who are homeless in AZ. I choose to be brave knowing that God will provide the funding to build a wonderful discipleship home to bring hope and wholeness to more single moms and their kiddos.
Cindy,
God bless you both as you are following His call for your lives. May He provide what is needed for you and this program. Thank you for sharing with us.
Im choosing to be brave in speaking up and letting my voice be heard even when I know everyone disagrees with me. Also, to be brave to only do what is right for me. To not feel pressured into doing things because its the right thing to do or because other people expect me too.?
Amanda,
It is tough being that voice when those around you are in disagreement. God bless you for being brave. Thank you for joining us.
Welcome to AZ! My family and I landed in Phoenix a few years ago. Prayers for a smooth transition!
Writing from Fort Worth, Texas. Loved today’s study 💛 we ARE called to actively be in pursuit of righteousness, godly life, faith, love etc. Choosing bravery over fear every day!
Maria,
Today’s study was very good! I am really looking forward to this next 6 weeks on being brave. Amen for choosing bravery over fear! Thank you for joining us!
I am Melissa from Kentucky. I choose to be brave as I start my second year in a nursing field that I have never been in, as well as the ADON over a hundred bed unit. Everyday is a new challenge. I tried every way in the world not to take this job, but God kept sending people to me. I have tried to leave this position several times over this past year but God kept telling me to be still.
Melissa,
Well it sure sounds like God has been speaking to you. Bless you for being faithful and listening to Him. May God bless you as you follow through with His plan. Keeping you in prayer tonight.
My name is Jessica from Dallas TX, my criminal background has been holding me back from applying for positions in my career field , but I choose to be brave and taking the first step in applying for my LMSW. God shall supply all of my needs!!
Jessica,
Praying for you as you are choosing to be brave and applying for the job. We need to keep believing that God will supply all of our needs, Amen!
Hi I am Cheryl from Atlanta and I choose to be brave in learning to listen to God and what His plans are for me.
Hi Cheryl,
Amen for learning to listen to God and what His plans are. We can’t go wrong when listening and following God. God bless you and thank you for joining us.
Hi, I am from Wyoming. I choose to be brave as I start applying for jobs. I have been a student for the past 2 years and have recently passed my boards as a occupational therapy assistant. I haven’t found a job yet but hopefully I am able to find one soon. I have to keep reminding myself to be open to God’s path and be brave in 2019!
Bre,
Congratulations on passing your boards! Praying that God will point you in the right direction soon for a job. And yes I have to remind myself also to be open to God’s path. God bless you and thank you for joining us.
Hello from Phoenix, Arizona I am graduating from my bachelors nursing program and I am really nervous about the changes this new career path will bring for me but I am choosing to be Brave!
Dominique,
Congratulations on graduating! That is wonderful. God bless you as you embark on this new career path.
Hi, I am joining from southern California. I have struggled with a severe anxiety disorder for 4 years. I have sought much help but haven’t found much freedom from anxiety’s control. I know what I need to do….I just struggle to do it. I am choosing to be brave this year by facing my fears so that I can regain freedom and my life.
Erica, we are so glad that you are here, and. we pray that this study will encourage you on your journey. I have battled anxiety as well, and I know firsthand how hard it is to push past that feeling of panic that rises up from deep inside you — One thing that really helped me was finding verses that encouraged me, writing them on 3×5 cards and keeping them tucked into my purse for those hard days. Isaiah 41:10 was one verse that really comforts me: ““So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Praying for you tonight.
Joining this study from the Philippines. This coming April, I’ll be giving birth to my second son, God is calling me to be brave in this new season of my life, to let go of my insecurities and self-doubt, and to fix my eyes on Him trusting that He will always be with me as I raise my two boys..
Welcome, Misce and congratulations on blessing #2. I think being a Mama requires a special kind of brave, but thankfully, God goes before us as our Heavenly Father. He makes us brave on those hard days when we don’t know what to do and teaches us which way to go.
Hi! I’m joining from North Carolina. Last year was a challenge with stresses at work and at home.
My relationship at home is on the mend, but we need God’s help for healing and changing some things in both of us. I’ve struggled with anxiety about the future, but this year I choose to be brave by putting my complete faith in God’s plans for me, releasing worry and fear.
Cline, I love that you are taking steps forward to push past anxiety. I love how Psalm 46:1 say that God is our very present help and refuge. This is a truth that encourages me to choose brave when anxiety is attacking. — This is going to be a great study, and we are so glad you are here!
This year I have decided to come to terms with my abusive childhood and stop letting it run my life I have chose to seek help in understanding and to move forward and forgive I am choosing to be brave and face these fears
Lou,
Oh bless you sister for sharing this with us. You are being very brave and even though I don’t know you, I am proud of you. I pray for peace for you. God bless you.
Good Afternoon,
I am joining from Defiance, Ohio and this year I am pursuing God’s choice for my life. I have been reluctant in the past but somehow we always end up where he wants me. This year I am being brave and surrendering myself to his complete will. And may it take me where the good fight is.
I am a little fearful and anxious about my husbands upcoming deployment. He leaves in April for 6 months. We have no family near by. I have a 18 month old and a 7 year old. I KNOW in my heart and mind we will be just fine, but that worries me. I want to take on everyday and make the best of it- not just “get by”. I want to learn to depend on God to give me strength each new day and to be brave to get out of bed and take it on with grace.
Do not worry and let God help you with everything! Pray every morning for strength and let Him do the rest.
I am looking to God’s Sword to help me be brave. I am a baby Christian ( apx 2 years) , I moved to a small town last year to be close to my daughter. God blessed me so much to bring me to an amazing church that loves me and accepts and supports me. My daughter was killed by a drunk driver in September and I have found myself slipping into a place where I can hardly breath and telling God I trust him and asking for courage and wisdom and the ability to forgive before we go into trial is often just words. I cannot seem to actually feel it. I am praying that this study will help me to truly be brave and trust God.
I am beginning this study with my church’s women’s group but find the typeface too faint online and the book too faint and fonts too small also. Please consider an older audience.