Courage in Our Daily Walks of Surrender

By Rachel Lee

God's Brave Women - Rachel's Story

Growing up, I had fond memories of hot, summer days spent at the local lake, learning to swim at the instruction of my father. My dad loved to swim, and he was a great teacher too! He offered patient assistance, affirmation and the occasional correction, when I was in need of further guidance. He gave me the knowledge I needed and the kind of confidence that comes only with practice.

I was not afraid to go out into the deep end of the lake, in over my head, so long as he was the one beckoning me. I knew that if I began to sink, his arms would reach out and catch me. I grew stronger and more confident with each brave plunge I took.

Who Do You Trust?

Looking back, I can see that my acts of bravery were far less about me, and much more about whom I trusted to catch me. I KNEW that my daddy would never let me fall. And because of that knowing, I was courageous enough to jump.

"Looking back, I can see that my acts of bravery were far less about me, and much more about whom I trusted to catch me."

My early years of walking with the Lord were much like those summer days with my dad, learning to swim. I have always known that God loves me, and I believed that His plans for me were good. Because of my confidence in God’s love and care, whenever He’d call me to jump out into the deep waters of faith, (as He often did), it was easy for me to brush my fears aside, and take the leap, without much thought.

I was given ample opportunity to test my “faith muscles” in those early years. The Lord frequently coaxed me out of my comfort zone - beyond the boundaries of “safe” - with the limits being pushed a little farther each time.