STRONG AND COURAGEOUS - QUIET AND CALM

Hi friends, I’m Veronica, you can call me V. I am a Jesus follower, wife, mom, and friend. I am so honored to be sharing some of my story and what being strong and courageous has looked like in my life. So, let’s get into it. 

Joshua, after the death of Moses (to whom he was a faithful assistant), finds himself being commissioned by God. God’s first words to Joshua were, “Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan” (Joshua 1:2 ESV) and continued with the phrase we all know, “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6-9 ESV). God doesn’t just say this to Joshua once, but over the next few verses, He gives this command three times. “Be strong and courageous …Only be strong and very courageous…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:1-9 ESV). So, this command must be of high importance. I’ve heard it said that God’s commands are always for the blessing of His nearness and His glory! I can testify that both have been true in my life.

In 2017, my life forever changed. My marriage of 13 years had come to an unexpected end. Like Joshua, I was faced with a challenge. I had three precious children who depended on me to lead them. In that time of heartbreak, fear, and uncertainty, I had to arise. I had to be strong and courageous. There were days I cried and questioned God. There were days I felt ashamed, embarrassed, and guilty, but I was determined to not stay there. I couldn’t live in defeat or wallow in my situation and feelings. I had to be strong and courageous! I remember saying to myself, “God, this isn’t what I wanted, but if this is what you’re allowing me to walk through, I want to do it the best way I possibly can… But I need you to be with me.” During this season of my life, I clung to Jesus and His word like never before.  I grew closer and closer to Him. I worked hard to take care of my children. I remained faithful through every trial and tough situation. I saw God’s faithfulness to me and my children over and over again. He never failed us! Even though I was a single mom, I was never alone. I knew that God was with me, and He always surrounded me with a community of believers who were there to encourage me and help me in my times of need. My faith grew stronger…I was a strong and courageous woman.

Time passed, and I entered a new season. God brought an amazing man into my life. I watched as Chad fully surrendered his life to Christ and allowed God to change him completely. God was allowing me to walk into my promise of a restored family. As I stepped into this new season, I didn’t stop being strong and courageous, but I began to realize that it was going to look different. When we hear strong and courageous, we often think of a warrior fighting with all of his armor constantly swinging his sword. In this season, strong sometimes looks the complete opposite. At times, strong and courageous for me is now quiet and calm. I’ve had to be brave to let walls down and allow my husband to love me. I’ve had to be brave and trust him after years of feeling like I couldn’t trust others. It’s taken courage to allow myself to enter a season of rest after years of striving. It’s taken courage to admit when I’m wrong. It’s taken courage to say, “Okay God, there are still broken areas in my life that need to be healed - search me and show me.”

God is teaching me that I don’t always have to fight to be heard. I’ve learned to be softer in my approach. I’ve learned that it takes strength to keep my mouth shut, be patient, and pray! LOL! I know it sounds crazy y’all, but it’s so true. Every time I choose to be strong in that way, I see God work, and it’s simply amazing. He’s still teaching me to trust Him and my faith is still growing. As I continue to walk out my story, I will continue to be faithful to God and trust in His Word. I will continue to bring my sword to battle when it calls, but I will also continue to do as my Pastor Melissa Graham teaches, “If you are brave, you will search every corner of your heart for invaders….Be courageous enough to challenge your beliefs and bold enough to make a change…” (Pg. 93 of Guarded by Melissa Graham). I hope that my story has encouraged you to be strong and courageous - quiet and calm.

With love,

V

Veronica Thompson