Recently, Jesus called me through a few trials and lessons that needed to be learned. During this time, I was able to go deep to the root of the situation in this time of closeness to Him. The Lord exposed and cleansed me of so many things and I am so thankful that He did! I was able to recognize the self-pity and loneliness I was feeling and was finally able to call it what it was – sin. But we (Jesus and I) went even further than that.

I wanted to know the history and reason behind my sin. Why was I so prone to feeling this way? Jesus showed me hidden hurts and feelings from my past that still haunted me and made me feel the way I had been. He then gently and lovingly helped me release and surrender these past doubts, insecurities, and hurts to Him. He lifted them from my hands and then filled those empty places with new Godly desires and ambitions that He put in my heart. I felt so free!  I was finally able to experience His undefiled, filial, Agape love in my life. But it wasn’t till I surrendered my sin that I had been harboring in my heart all this time to Him and in faith accept His love for me.

It’s one thing to read and “know” that Jesus loves us; it’s another thing entirely to BELIEVE IT and by faith choose to accept it in our lives. Do you truly believe that Jesus loves you and has your best interest at heart? Or are you upset with the situation in life that God has you in? Are you longing for freedom and independence? Jesus’ love is the answer.

I had been dealing with insecurity, my true identity, and loneliness when God stepped in, turned me to the cross and took my hand in His. Only someone who is either a God made out of love and compassion or a crazy person would die for me so that I might live with Him in paradise and (if that wasn’t enough) love me enough to continually listen to me and lead me to His heart over and over again.

Apparently 62% of girls struggle with insecurity. (According to the national Dove Real Girls, Real Pressure National Study 2008)That’s 7 out of 10 and I was part of the percentage of girls! This is a big statistic. But it isn’t unbelievable. Girls are pressured almost every moment of their lives to look prettier, act cooler and be sexier, dress like the world, and the list goes ever on and on.

Girls, we must let God’s love and forgiveness be our identity and security. We can find true contentment and peace in Him. Jesus showed me His beautiful love. He showed me that I kept trying and trying to “up” my image according to the world and my friends and distant family who were, by the world’s standards, so cool. I wanted to make myself feel happy and secure by looking like I was popular. Then Jesus showed me why I thought that way and helped me rid myself of past bitterness and inner struggles.

Now, I’m Brave. Now I can conquer my flesh. Now I can be free. Now I can be myself and show love to others through a selfless heart. But it’s all because of Jesus, because I know that God can do all things powerful and beautiful THROUGH ME. He has called us to a life of brave humility, strong freedom from sin, reckless love, valiant confidence and GRACE. Jesus doesn’t want to see us cowering under insecurity brought on through the cunning ways of the world. He wants to see our heads lifted high and spirits undaunted, strong, and firm in the promise of His word.

“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Cor. 1:4-9)

God wants us to have fellowship with His Son! How humbling and honoring! We should count ourselves privileged and loved. This is no light blessing. We as tiny mortal human beings are God’s children and that is our NEW identity! “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people.” 1 Peter 2:10

Once we accept this truth and in faith chose to truly believe it, we won’t need the worlds popularity or acceptance to make us feel better. We will be firmly planted in Jesus and what HE says about us.

Are you ready to be BRAVE? Are you ready to accept the fact that Jesus IS ENOUGH? Can you hear Jesus saying “I know you better than anyone else; I see your heart and your thoughts 24/7. No one else can love you unconditionally the way I can. I want you to be strong and have peace.”

There’s a new song by Bethel Music called You Make Me Brave. I just heard it a little while ago and loved it! Here are some lyrics:

You make me brave

No fear can hinder now the love that made a way

You make me brave

You call me out beyond the shore into the waves

You make me brave

No fear can hinder now the promises you made.

Also, this song may have influenced the title of this article just a tad bit… ; ) Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I hope you were encouraged. Let’s start a conversation in the comments!

• Have you ever felt insecure or inadequate in any way?
• What helped you?
• Does God’s love reign in your heart or do you have another idol sitting on His throne?
• What makes you brave?

If you ever need talk privately don’t hesitate to email me personally! { lisa@alovelycalling.com } Have a beautiful, brave day. God bless.

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”-1 Cor. 16:13