Hope Unending: Returning Home & Finding More预览

On Being Brave

Daughter, stay in the boat. Hang on tight and let go, too. For I steer you, and I see you, and I point the only way safely, the only way home.

Look beyond the waves. Focus on what you know: I am more than any storm. I am more than wind and rain and waves and the unknown. I say. I am more than what you can ever see.

Keep counting moments toward me. Keep claiming love words. Keep practicing how to see me in the dark, when you can’t see, when you fear I am far away and you worry you are lost, and the lighthouse’s beam could never shine so bright and so far in the dark. I say.

You know how to look for me. Yes, you are scared. Yes, you are wondering how you are going to survive—tell your landlord you have to move out, get food from the food kitchen another week, keep your clothes clean, so you’re ready to interview for a new job. It’s a lot. I know. Especially when there is no help you can see.

So look for me. You’ll see me. You will recognize how I bring direction. You will recognize there is more than danger in this storm. You will see deeper, further. You will recognize the guide I bring to show you, amid the storm, how to effectively cast the sail.

It’s time to face the storm with me next to you now, daughter. It’s time to surrender and not face it alone.

Together, let’s trim the sail. With me, it’s okay if the wind is blowing, and the storm is raging. Let the waves rage. Let the wind blow, I say! Open your eyes to see me. You have what it takes. I see it in you.

Is it dark here now, my love? Is the wind so loud you can’t hear me? Is the night so dark you can’t see me? Is the storm so great you can’t find me?

There is more to every day than what your eyes can see.

I am your lighthouse. I shine in the night, in the storm, in the darkness where you think light could not. Look up now, my love. Look up and keep seeing.

You see.

Right now, you see.

Exercise & Prayer

Close your eyes. Imagine yourself in a small boat, vulnerable, tossed by wind-whipped waves. The sky is dark. It is cold. What do you fear most? For you, what events/situations make your life like this storm? Picture yourself there, with everything out of control. What do you cling to? Ask Jesus to show you where he is in the midst of it. What do you see him doing? What does he say? And now, how do you respond?

Father, this heart of mine struggles to see you. I want to see you in the small things in my day. I confess to you my ingratitude, my hard heart that focuses on dangers more than the good of your promises. Help me to see you, desire to search for you, and be a light shining with you, filled with faith to help others, in turn, see. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We hope this Plan encouraged you! Read the complete conversations with God—and engage more deeply with His heart.