Examine how we can persevere in faith, trusting God's faithfulness amidst challenges and uncertainties. Discover how to lean on God's strength and continue the journey with confidence, knowing that He is faithful to bring His work in us to its glorious completion.

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Examine how we can persevere in faith, trusting God's faithfulness amidst challenges and uncertainties. Discover how to lean on God's strength and continue the journey with confidence, knowing that He is faithful to bring His work in us to its glorious completion.
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional

Carry It on to Completion

When the enemy starts shooting his fiery darts at your heart and mind, reminding you of wounds from your past, or arranging circumstances to make you feel that you are defeated, don’t shrink from the attack. Don’t become a wounded one, who falls prey to his lies, accusations, and schemes. Instead, be a warrior. Know the truth of who you are and the power of Christ in you. Stand firm, clothed (abiding) in the character and identity of Jesus Christ. 

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

Becoming Strong in Our Struggles 

by Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer 

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.(Ephesians 6:10-11)

Are you struggling through some wounds right now? What if you were to think about it as a season of strengthening rather than a season of struggle? 

I was thinking the other day about how easily we can be wounded. 

Hurtful comments from others, disappointment in relationships, or a circumstance that seems unfair can make us cower in feelings of weakness and failure. In addition to these common everyday wounds, there are serious wounds that may impact us as well—deep hurts from our childhood, abuse in any form, abandonment or betrayal from someone we trusted, the sudden or premature loss of a loved one, chronic pain, rejection, and more. But those wounds don’t have to define us or dictate our character or our future. 

The Scriptures say our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against "the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). 

That passage tells me two things: 1) Satan and the powers of darkness seek to wound and debilitate us, and 2) We are empowered to be warriors...not weaklings who remain wounded. Scripture exhorts us in Ephesians 6:10-11 to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" and to "put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (NIV).  Then as we're given details in how to put on those pieces of armor, we're told to take the shield of faith "with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (verse 16 NIV). 

I started thinking about how many of us fall prey to the flaming arrows or "fiery darts" of the enemy because we believe his lies, like… 

No one will ever really love you, so just face it  

You are a pathetic example of a parent.  

Your spouse doesn’t really love you; they’re just going through the motions.

You call yourself a child of God? Just look at the way you behave! 

You should be ashamed of all that is in your past. 

Everyone knows what a fake and phony you are. Just give it up! 

You can never live a life of meaning and purpose, so don't even try. 

Those fiery darts pierce our hearts, they stab our minds, they condition our thinking. They convince us that God's words are lies and the Satan's words (which are sometimes our own thoughts or words spoken to us through other people) are true. 

But Scripture tells us to put on the armor of God as a defense against these lies, accusations and fiery darts. 

Intersecting Faith and Life: 

For years, I wondered what the analogy meant and how to actually suit up in the armor of God. Then my husband, a pastor, explained it in a Bible study one evening. He pointed out that every piece of armor symbolizes Christ in some way. And therefore, putting on the armor of God is synonymous with clothing yourself in the character of Jesus Christ, or simply abiding in Him. 
We are to fasten the belt of truth around our waist, which means to know at the core of our being that Jesus is the truth. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). 
We are to wear the breastplate of righteousness, meaning we are to cover our heart with Christ who is called "The Lord our Righteousness" in Jeremiah 23:6.
We are to take up the shield of faith in order to extinguish those fiery darts from the enemy. Psalm 84:11 tells us "The Lord is a sun and shield..." and Christ is the object of our faith.  
We are to put on the helmet of salvation byguarding our heads and minds with Christ because Acts 4:12 says "Salvation is found in no one else.” 
We are to take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God—and John 1:14 tells us Jesus is the Word made flesh. 

When the enemy starts shooting his fiery darts at your heart and mind, reminding you of wounds from your past, or arranging circumstances to make you feel that you are defeated, don’t shrink from the attack. Don’t become a wounded one, who falls prey to his lies, accusations, and schemes. Instead, be a warrior. Know the truth of who you are and the power of Christ in you. Stand firm, clothed (abiding) in the character and identity of Jesus Christ. 

Suit up, my friend. Wield your sword like a warrior and tell the enemy to bring it on! You have all you need to be victorious in Him. 

Lord, Jesus, thank You that You have already declared my victory when I fight in Your strength alone. Help me to clothe myself in Your character so I have all I need to overcome the enemy’s assault.  

Further Reading: Galatians 5:22-23 

For more on becoming a warrior woman, rather than a wounded one, see Cindi’s book, When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts. 

When the enemy starts shooting his fiery darts at your heart and mind, reminding you of wounds from your past, or arranging circumstances to make you feel that you are defeated, don’t shrink from the attack. Don’t become a wounded one, who falls prey to his lies, accusations, and schemes. Instead, be a warrior. Know the truth of who you are and the power of Christ in you. Stand firm, clothed (abiding) in the character and identity of Jesus Christ. 
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>
Full Transcript Below:
Becoming Strong in Our Struggles 
by Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer 
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11)
Are you struggling through some wounds right now? What if you were to think about it as a season of strengthening rather than a season of struggle? 
I was thinking the other day about how easily we can be wounded. 
Hurtful comments from others, disappointment in relationships, or a circumstance that seems unfair can make us cower in feelings of weakness and failure. In addition to these common everyday wounds, there are serious wounds that may impact us as well—deep hurts from our childhood, abuse in any form, abandonment or betrayal from someone we trusted, the sudden or premature loss of a loved one, chronic pain, rejection, and more. But those wounds don’t have to define us or dictate our character or our future. 
The Scriptures say our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against "the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). 
That passage tells me two things: 1) Satan and the powers of darkness seek to wound and debilitate us, and 2) We are empowered to be warriors...not weaklings who remain wounded. Scripture exhorts us in Ephesians 6:10-11 to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" and to "put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (NIV).  Then as we're given details in how to put on those pieces of armor, we're told to take the shield of faith "with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (verse 16 NIV). 
I started thinking about how many of us fall prey to the flaming arrows or "fiery darts" of the enemy because we believe his lies, like… 
No one will ever really love you, so just face it  
 You are a pathetic example of a parent.  
 Your spouse doesn’t really love you; they’re just going through the motions.
You call yourself a child of God? Just look at the way you behave! 
You should be ashamed of all that is in your past. 
Everyone knows what a fake and phony you are. Just give it up! 
You can never live a life of meaning and purpose, so don't even try. 
Those fiery darts pierce our hearts, they stab our minds, they condition our thinking. They convince us that God's words are lies and the Satan's words (which are sometimes our own thoughts or words spoken to us through other people) are true. 
But Scripture tells us to put on the armor of God as a defense against these lies, accusations and fiery darts. 
Intersecting Faith and Life: 
For years, I wondered what the analogy meant and how to actually suit up in the armor of God. Then my husband, a pastor, explained it in a Bible study one evening. He pointed out that every piece of armor symbolizes Christ in some way. And therefore, putting on the armor of God is synonymous with clothing yourself in the character of Jesus Christ, or simply abiding in Him. 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">We are to fasten the belt of truth around our waist, which means to know at the core of our being that Jesus is the truth. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). </li>
<li aria-level="1">We are to wear the breastplate of righteousness, meaning we are to cover our heart with Christ who is called "The Lord our Righteousness" in Jeremiah 23:6.</li>
<li aria-level="1">We are to take up the shield of faith in order to extinguish those fiery darts from the enemy. Psalm 84:11 tells us "The Lord is a sun and shield..." and Christ is the object of our faith.  </li>
<li aria-level="1">We are to put on the helmet of salvation by guarding our heads and minds with Christ because Acts 4:12 says "Salvation is found in no one else.” </li>
<li aria-level="1">We are to take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God—and John 1:14 tells us Jesus is the Word made flesh. </li>
</ul>
When the enemy starts shooting his fiery darts at your heart and mind, reminding you of wounds from your past, or arranging circumstances to make you feel that you are defeated, don’t shrink from the attack. Don’t become a wounded one, who falls prey to his lies, accusations, and schemes. Instead, be a warrior. Know the truth of who you are and the power of Christ in you. Stand firm, clothed (abiding) in the character and identity of Jesus Christ. 
Suit up, my friend. Wield your sword like a warrior and tell the enemy to bring it on! You have all you need to be victorious in Him. 
Lord, Jesus, thank You that You have already declared my victory when I fight in Your strength alone. Help me to clothe myself in Your character so I have all I need to overcome the enemy’s assault.  
Further Reading: Galatians 5:22-23 
For more on becoming a warrior woman, rather than a wounded one, see Cindi’s book, <a href="https://strengthforthesoul.com/product/when-a-woman-overcomes-lifes-hurts/">When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts</a>.

Becoming Strong in Our Struggles

Has God spoken to you about something he wants you to do in your life? What steps can you take to obey him today? 

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

Be Quick to Hear and Obey

“Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Acts 2:36-37

Every year, I participate in a writer's conference where they award the year's best books. This year, I didn't have any books eligible for this award. But I watched expectantly as the live-streamed event gave out the awards of which many of my friends were recipients. Upon hearing a good friend's title of her book being called out to win the prize for best children's fiction book, I had a moment with the Lord. I heard the book's title with my ears, but it was as if my soul had heard it, too. Suddenly, I had an idea.

I called my friend a couple of days later. “What would you think if we did a devotional based on your picture book of the same title?” My friend thought about this for a while. After deciding she would not do any more devotional writing for a while, she put an idea like that out of her mind. But something stirred in her soul the same as in mine. “I like this idea,” she said. At the end of our phone call, we agreed to send an e-mail to the publisher of that book. We wanted to see if they were interested in the idea before we put the work into creating samples and writing a proposal. Within minutes of her writing an e-mail, the publisher got back and said they loved the idea. They wanted to see a proposal and samples.

Within a week and a half, we worked to create five sample devotions and a proposal. Although nothing is guaranteed, the fact that the publishers loved the idea before we sent the proposal and that her previous book has done well in sales bode well for us when it comes to them giving a green light on this new project. While it may get rejected by the publisher, I am called by God to be obedient to whatever he calls me to do, no matter the outcome. If the book gets rejected, it’s not that I misheard God; it wasn’t meant for that purpose or in that timeframe. 

When I began to feel that stirring in my soul when I heard that title, I could have ignored it. I could have justified it by saying I misheard God. I could have justified not wanting to do all the hard work by neglecting God's call. However, because of my obedience, the Lord gave us favor and worked on our behalf. Within a week, we were able to create a high-quality proposal that might come out in publication someday. I heard from the Lord and was careful to obey it.

Peter had to obey God's word, too. Peter took a significant risk by proclaiming the gospel in the above passage. He told the people plainly who Jesus was and that they needed him for their salvation. Because of Peter's obedience, these words cut into the people's hearts. Their ears heard the words and allowed those words to pierce their souls. Because of the power of the word of God, many people were saved that day because of Peter's boldness in proclaiming the gospel. People were also saved because they were careful to obey it. 

If I had not been obedient to what I heard and had neglected my part in proclaiming the gospel to all generations, my friend and I would not be able to partner in that way. Although I have yet to determine if the book will be published, I am proud that I can hear the Lord in that way, and when he calls me to do something, I'm quick to obey it. 

Father, let us be quick to hear your word. When we read or hear the word of God, let us not only listen with our ears but also allow it to pierce our hearts. Allow the word of God to correct, encourage, and inspire us toward love and good deeds. Let us be people who hear your voice and quickly obey it. Amen.

Intersecting Faith and Life

Has God spoken to you about something he wants you to do in your life? What steps can you take to obey him today? 

Further reading

Proverbs 3:5-6

Has God spoken to you about something he wants you to do in your life? What steps can you take to obey him today? 
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>
Full Transcript Below:
Be Quick to Hear and Obey
“Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Acts 2:36-37
Every year, I participate in a writer's conference where they award the year's best books. This year, I didn't have any books eligible for this award. But I watched expectantly as the live-streamed event gave out the awards of which many of my friends were recipients. Upon hearing a good friend's title of her book being called out to win the prize for best children's fiction book, I had a moment with the Lord. I heard the book's title with my ears, but it was as if my soul had heard it, too. Suddenly, I had an idea.
I called my friend a couple of days later. “What would you think if we did a devotional based on your picture book of the same title?” My friend thought about this for a while. After deciding she would not do any more devotional writing for a while, she put an idea like that out of her mind. But something stirred in her soul the same as in mine. “I like this idea,” she said. At the end of our phone call, we agreed to send an e-mail to the publisher of that book. We wanted to see if they were interested in the idea before we put the work into creating samples and writing a proposal. Within minutes of her writing an e-mail, the publisher got back and said they loved the idea. They wanted to see a proposal and samples.
Within a week and a half, we worked to create five sample devotions and a proposal. Although nothing is guaranteed, the fact that the publishers loved the idea before we sent the proposal and that her previous book has done well in sales bode well for us when it comes to them giving a green light on this new project. While it may get rejected by the publisher, I am called by God to be obedient to whatever he calls me to do, no matter the outcome. If the book gets rejected, it’s not that I misheard God; it wasn’t meant for that purpose or in that timeframe. 
When I began to feel that stirring in my soul when I heard that title, I could have ignored it. I could have justified it by saying I misheard God. I could have justified not wanting to do all the hard work by neglecting God's call. However, because of my obedience, the Lord gave us favor and worked on our behalf. Within a week, we were able to create a high-quality proposal that might come out in publication someday. I heard from the Lord and was careful to obey it.
Peter had to obey God's word, too. Peter took a significant risk by proclaiming the gospel in the above passage. He told the people plainly who Jesus was and that they needed him for their salvation. Because of Peter's obedience, these words cut into the people's hearts. Their ears heard the words and allowed those words to pierce their souls. Because of the power of the word of God, many people were saved that day because of Peter's boldness in proclaiming the gospel. People were also saved because they were careful to obey it. 
If I had not been obedient to what I heard and had neglected my part in proclaiming the gospel to all generations, my friend and I would not be able to partner in that way. Although I have yet to determine if the book will be published, I am proud that I can hear the Lord in that way, and when he calls me to do something, I'm quick to obey it. 
Father, let us be quick to hear your word. When we read or hear the word of God, let us not only listen with our ears but also allow it to pierce our hearts. Allow the word of God to correct, encourage, and inspire us toward love and good deeds. Let us be people who hear your voice and quickly obey it. Amen.
Intersecting Faith and Life
Has God spoken to you about something he wants you to do in your life? What steps can you take to obey him today? 
Further reading
Proverbs 3:5-6

Be Quick to Hear and Obey

What feels so scary right now in your life? How can faith in God bring you courage? What do you need to do as a “next step” to push through the fear you hold? 

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

How Faith Is the Opposite of Fear 

By Sarah Frazer

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.” Hebrews 11:23 (ESV)

“Have courage every single day.” The plaque my mother had gifted me sat on the windowsill right in front of my kitchen sink. I looked at it every day and sometimes a tear would slide down my cheeks into the soapy water as I washed the dishes. I didn’t feel like having courage. Fear of the future and the unknown consumed my thoughts. 

Going through a hard year with our family taught me many things, but one of the most powerful lessons I learned was that the opposite of fear wasn’t courage, but faith. Faith is where we find the courage to keep going. When I think about my own story, which includes adoption, I also think about the story of one of the great heroes of the Bible: Moses. Moses was adopted by the pharaoh’s daughter when he was a baby. 

Moses is one of those men who will be always known for his amazing acts of bravery and courage. He faced the Pharaoh and miraculously led the people of Israel out of slavery from Egypt. He wrote the first five books of our Bible. Stories like the Red Sea parting, manna in the wilderness, and the Ten Commandments are accredited to Moses. 

Those parts of his life, although amazing, are not what resonates these days in my heart. The part of Moses’ story I see in my own story isn’t about him, but his mother. The Bible says in Exodus 2:3, “When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank.” 

Can you imagine how she felt when she gave her baby up? I think she felt afraid, but instead of being remembered for her fear, she is remembered for her faith. Hebrews 11:23 says, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.”

In Exodus 6:20 we find out that her name was Jochebed. There have been times in my life where I’ve prayed: “God, I don’t know what you have planned for my life. This situation feels so hard, painful, and filled with grief. But I want to trust you. So I will try and trust you.” 

In Exodus 2:1-10 we read her story. I can imagine, as she placed her baby in the basket, she didn’t feel brave. But she put him in there. The author of Hebrews said she was not afraid of the king’s command to kill all of the male children. Why? Because of her faith. Each day, she chose to keep her baby alive. She chose faith. 

When we face each day, even when we feel afraid, we can step forward. One step at a time, we can take our fear by the hand and go confidently in faith. Each day, we have a choice to give in to fear or to step forward in faith. We can choose faith, too. 

Maybe you are thinking that your faith is too small. You might think that the fear is too big, but it isn’t about our faith at all. It is all about Who we have our faith in. The Object of our faith is God, the all-powerful, all-loving God of the universe! Jochebed knew that God was bigger than all the fears. God was bigger than the Pharaoh. God was bigger than the river. God was bigger than the uncertain future. She had faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

When Jochebed comes to the river, she doesn’t cast away her son. Instead of tossing away her child-like garbage, she intentionally and deliberately surrenders him to it. The basket was prepared ahead of time, carefully constructed with tar and a tight weave. It would not leak or sink. Jochebed prepared a place for Moses to be safe. In a sense, she obeyed the king’s edict as she put her son in the river. Instead of throwing him away, she gave him over to God. She surrendered her plans for herself, her son, and the future. Faith allows us to give our plans to God. 

Choosing to have faith in God means we hand our fears over to God and He will meet us right there. The opposite of fear is not courage, but faith. Even a small faith placed in a big God allows us to move forward. Have confidence in the things that are “unseen,” knowing that God is very real and present in your life. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What feels so scary right now in your life? How can faith in God bring you courage? What do you need to do as a “next step” to push through the fear you hold? 

Further Reading:

Isaiah 41:10

Psalm 27:1

John 14:27

Deuteronomy 31:6

Psalm 56:3-4

What feels so scary right now in your life? How can faith in God bring you courage? What do you need to do as a “next step” to push through the fear you hold? 
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>
Full Transcript Below:
How Faith Is the Opposite of Fear 
By Sarah Frazer
“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.” Hebrews 11:23 (ESV)
“Have courage every single day.” The plaque my mother had gifted me sat on the windowsill right in front of my kitchen sink. I looked at it every day and sometimes a tear would slide down my cheeks into the soapy water as I washed the dishes. I didn’t feel like having courage. Fear of the future and the unknown consumed my thoughts. 
Going through a hard year with our family taught me many things, but one of the most powerful lessons I learned was that the opposite of fear wasn’t courage, but faith. Faith is where we find the courage to keep going. When I think about my own story, which includes adoption, I also think about the story of one of the great heroes of the Bible: Moses. Moses was adopted by the pharaoh’s daughter when he was a baby. 
Moses is one of those men who will be always known for his amazing acts of bravery and courage. He faced the Pharaoh and miraculously led the people of Israel out of slavery from Egypt. He wrote the first five books of our Bible. Stories like the Red Sea parting, manna in the wilderness, and the Ten Commandments are accredited to Moses. 
Those parts of his life, although amazing, are not what resonates these days in my heart. The part of Moses’ story I see in my own story isn’t about him, but his mother. The Bible says in Exodus 2:3, “When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank.” 
Can you imagine how she felt when she gave her baby up? I think she felt afraid, but instead of being remembered for her fear, she is remembered for her faith. Hebrews 11:23 says, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.”
In Exodus 6:20 we find out that her name was Jochebed. There have been times in my life where I’ve prayed: “God, I don’t know what you have planned for my life. This situation feels so hard, painful, and filled with grief. But I want to trust you. So I will try and trust you.” 
In Exodus 2:1-10 we read her story. I can imagine, as she placed her baby in the basket, she didn’t feel brave. But she put him in there. The author of Hebrews said she was not afraid of the king’s command to kill all of the male children. Why? Because of her faith. Each day, she chose to keep her baby alive. She chose faith. 
When we face each day, even when we feel afraid, we can step forward. One step at a time, we can take our fear by the hand and go confidently in faith. Each day, we have a choice to give in to fear or to step forward in faith. We can choose faith, too. 
Maybe you are thinking that your faith is too small. You might think that the fear is too big, but it isn’t about our faith at all. It is all about Who we have our faith in. The Object of our faith is God, the all-powerful, all-loving God of the universe! Jochebed knew that God was bigger than all the fears. God was bigger than the Pharaoh. God was bigger than the river. God was bigger than the uncertain future. She had faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
When Jochebed comes to the river, she doesn’t cast away her son. Instead of tossing away her child-like garbage, she intentionally and deliberately surrenders him to it. The basket was prepared ahead of time, carefully constructed with tar and a tight weave. It would not leak or sink. Jochebed prepared a place for Moses to be safe. In a sense, she obeyed the king’s edict as she put her son in the river. Instead of throwing him away, she gave him over to God. She surrendered her plans for herself, her son, and the future. Faith allows us to give our plans to God. 
Choosing to have faith in God means we hand our fears over to God and He will meet us right there. The opposite of fear is not courage, but faith. Even a small faith placed in a big God allows us to move forward. Have confidence in the things that are “unseen,” knowing that God is very real and present in your life. 
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
What feels so scary right now in your life? How can faith in God bring you courage? What do you need to do as a “next step” to push through the fear you hold? 
Further Reading:
Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 27:1
John 14:27
Deuteronomy 31:6
Psalm 56:3-4

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