Find courage and peace in the midst of terror

Photo courtesy of lel4nd (Creative Commons)

Bravery doesn’t always bluster into the room. And you can find courage in the most unlikely people.

One of the most powerful speakers of the recent Global Leadership Summit at Willow Creek Church, spoke barely above a whisper, and yet she filled the auditorium with a boldness so strong as to take our collective breath away.

Pranitha Timothy, Director of Aftercare with the International Justice Mission, shared that when she leaves on a mission, she never knows if she will see her family again. Yet she is compelled to go into dangerous situations in India to rescue people from slavery and bondage in factories and sweatshops.

Her voice is soft and hoarse, the result of a brain tumor which was successfully removed, but which left her mute for a time. We found ourselves leaning forward not only to hear but because her story is so compelling.

This wisp of a woman risks her life to save others – and depends completely on the strength she receives from God. She readily admits she would be helpless on her own.

What an amazing faith!

What if we approached our own lives with that level of faith? In my own experience, I know I have missed opportunities because I was too fearful to step forward. Rather than trust that God would give me the knowledge and strength to proceed, I have shrunk back into the familiar and safe. Now I wonder what have I missed by being timid.

“I have strength for anything through him who gives me power.” Philippians 4:13

What challenges will you tackle with the power of God?

 

I Feel Free

Have you ever reached that “mind like water” state where time disappears and you are just at peace?

I look forward all week to my long runs on Saturdays, because it’s a chance to challenge myself and run a different route from the same old route I run the other days.

Sometimes, my long runs are brutal – I get hot, thirsty, tired and unmotivated part of the way through and it’s difficult to make myself finish.

I wasn’t sure what to expect today.

I headed out early this morning, so it would still be cool. As I got going, I noticed the  rhythm of my feet on the sidewalk and my breathing, and I thought how peaceful the solitude was after a crowded week.

There was not much traffic. I only passed a couple of other people running or walking.

There were some clouds, so the sun rose gently, not jarringly bright, and the breeze was soft on my face.

I explored a new route, and saw a friendly deer (you can barely see her in the bottom left of the  picture), discovered some beautiful homes, and landscaped office complexes.

Time melted away. My only reminder was my running app that told me as I completed each mile.

After reading Andy Andrews’ ebook The Perfect Moment, I was paying attention. I was intentionally looking for a perfect moment. What a thrill to experience such a satisfying set of perfect moments. The run was incredible. I felt free and at peace.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Where have you felt at peace this week?