Day 17: "You Make Me Brave"

If songs had sequels, I think this song would be the second installment of Oceans. Both songs talk about leaving the shore and going into the waves. The only way we can keep from drowning in the ocean is by keeping our eyes on Jesus. Leaving the shore is definitely a brave move, and our bravery comes from Jesus Christ. He makes the brave and risky choices everyday. We like to hold back and see what everyone else is doing first and then decide if we're going to join. Sometimes we miss out on being a part of God's plan because we are scared. God doesn't always call us to safe and easy. Sometimes He calls us to scary and risky. The only way we can say yes to that is to call on Jesus. Tap into His bravery because He lives in us. Then He can make us brave enough to say "Yes Lord! Wherever, whenever, however, whatever You say!" That's where the freedom is found. It's not in the safety of familiar, but in the unknown of letting go and trusting in the One who actually knows what's going to happen.

22 years ago today, I said "Yes!" to Jesus for the first time. It was quite a tearful affair because, even at 6 years old, I understood that I was a sinner and I needed Jesus to be my Savior. There is no redemption outside of Him. That was the greatest decision I have ever and will ever make, and I'm so thankful that I've had 22 years with Jesus--my dearest friend. I don't always make the brave choices because I listen more to myself or to the world than to what my Best Friend is saying. He is the only one who knows how it will turn out and yet I put my trust in myself more than anything else. Just like I couldn't save myself, there's nothing else I can do for the Kingdom of God on my own. I need Jesus today as much as I did 22 years ago. I'm so glad He is constant when I am untrustworthy. He loves me when I act ugly. He is selfless when I am selfish. He holds me when I'm lonely. He welcomes me back with open arms regardless of how long I've been away. He forgives and forgets my sins even when I remember and try to remind Him of what I've done. In those moments, He reminds me of what He did on the cross and how that covers anything I ever have done or will do. He can make me brave even when I'm afraid...and that's a lot.

"You Make Me Brave" (Bethel Music)

I stand before You now
The greatness of Your renown
I have heard of the majesty and wonder of You
King of Heaven in humility I bow

As Your love, in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us, You are not against us
Champion of Heaven
You made a way for all to enter in

I have heard You calling my name
I have heard the song of love that You sing
So I will let you draw me out beyond the shore
Into Your grace

As Your love, in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us, You are not against us
Champion of Heaven
You made a way for all to enter in

You make me brave, You make me brave
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves
You make me brave, You make me brave
No fear can hinder now the Love that made a way

You make me brave, You make me brave
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves
You make me brave, You make me brave
No fear can hinder now the promises You’ve made

As Your love, in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us, You are not against us
Champion of Heaven
You made a way for all to enter in
To Your love in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us, You are not against us
Champion of Heaven
You made a way for all to enter in