Greatest Stories

One day, as on every other normal day, I woke up in the morning, and I just didn't feel like going to German class. And then, I thought of what I heard from a friend the day before:

"The greatest stories go to those who don't give in to fear." -- Donald Miller

I searched online for what other people said about "courage", and learned that we need courage not just for making big decisions, but also for the small things in life, those miscellaneous tasks, those routines, those unexpected moments. It could be going to German class even when I don't feel like it, and doing it no matter what. It could be cleaning the house, cooking a meal, or visiting a family with the love and good news of Jesus.

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ― Nelson Mandela

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” ― Mary Anne Radmacher

“Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life.” ― Shannon L. Alder

“Courage cannot be left like bones in a bag. It must be brought out and shown the light again and again, growing stronger each time. If you think it will keep for the times you need it, you are wrong. It is like any other part of your strength. If you ignore it, the bag will be empty when you need it most.” ― Conn Iggulden

“Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.” ― Victor Hugo

Among all these quotes, my favorite one is this:

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the point of highest reality. ” ― C.S. Lewis

When I’m under stress, my true character shows. The stress may be from a difficult situation, or simply a series of miscellaneous tasks in life. The enemy oftentimes disguises fear under reasonable excuses, to lure us into a different direction, away from the path that God has for us. But the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Tim. 1:7)

I'm always fascinated by those great and beautiful stories. My heart echoes with this word and longs for that to happen in my personal life. I believe many of us are also longing to have beautiful and fascinating stories in our lives. Throughout the years, God reminds me over and over with Joshua 1:9 - In order to have beautiful stories in life, I must not compromise or give in out of fear, but trust Him with perseverance.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

I believe this is also a word of encouragement for you. God longs for His church to be strong and courageous, particularly in this chaotic world, to rise and SHINE!

As an example, I’m thankful to have the opportunity to share about Jesus’ love, my walk with Him, and the value of purity in the past two weeks with three ladies from ME. Some of these stories or thoughts, I have not been able to share for a long time, and I missed that.

It’s been such an encouragement seeing the Holy Spirit prepare the perfect situations; also language-wise, I was able to express myself in German, and they were able to understand! I hope it is also an encouragement to all my family and friends who are walking this journey with me. Your prayer and support, and hundreds of hours of German classes, are making it possible. I’m looking forward to more opportunities like these!

When I visit friends from ME, I find that they (myself as well) are all looking for something familiar, something that feels like “home”. At one gathering, toward the end, everyone is tired, and it’s getting late. Even though we all have to travel for more than an hour to get home, somehow we all just want to keep chatting, and don’t want to leave.

Back in their hometown, they are used to meeting with family and friends, eating and chatting together, and visiting one another. Coming to a foreign land, leaving their family and friends, is already hard. On top of that, they also face challenges of language, culture, and sometimes discrimination, on a regular basis. But when they encounter a bit of “home”, it’s such an encouragement which gives them new strength to face tomorrow.

What situations is the Holy Spirit preparing in your life right now? We’d love to hear from you!

Who do you know on the mission field that needs to encounter a bit of home today…and needs to feel known today?

About the author: Esther Wang fell in love with Jesus at the age of 14, and has desired to know Jesus on a deeper, more emotional level ever since. She was born in Taiwan, and currently lives in Hamburg, Germany, where she longs to be part of what God is doing among the Muslim refugees.

Reposted from October 2, 2020

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