«Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go» (Joshua 1:9).
My friend Anne always liked bonsai and wanted to buy one for her office. However, everything changed the day we went to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England. We were admiring the bonsai exhibition with a group of friends, when Joanna, a biologist, began to explain the techniques used in this ancient art. In order to reduce the size of these trees, various techniques are used, such as pruning, wiring, and root cutting. However, the idea of transplanting a bonsai every two or three years and trimming its roots to half their size horrified Anne. «This is what we do with our lives,» she told me as we chatted days later. «God created us to be free, great, and courageous, but we prefer a miniature life; safe and pretty, but with shortened roots.»
What did you dream of when you were little? I always wanted to live an adventure with God, preach the gospel, and win souls for Christ. Many of us had big dreams and a living faith when we were girls. However, reality, fears, and disappointments managed to get us to put our dreams aside and settle for a bonsai type of life. In a terrible exchange, we gave up our passion for predictability, but as we try to minimize and eliminate all risks, we not only give up our dreams, but God, as well.
In Waking the Dead, Christian author John Eldredge wrote, «If you are not on the quest for a dangerous adventure in your life, well, then you don’t need a Guide. If you haven’t found yourself in the middle of a fierce war, then you don’t need an experienced Captain.» If we are going to fight the good fight and courageously take our place, we will need God continually and desperately. There will be many ambushes and changes along the route; there will be surprises and problems; however, the Invincible One will march by our side in this unpredictable adventure of faith.
Dear Lord, forgive me for living without courage, for seeking my safety and comfort far more than Your kingdom.
Please help me make brave decisions this week. I know I can face my fears because You are by my side. Show me what You want to do with my life.
Share Your dreams and plans with me. I’m willing to follow you, to leave control and security behind.
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Take From: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2022
«NO FEARS»
BY: VANEZA PISSUTO
Collaborators: Alexandra Pérez & Angelica Cuate.
