By Natalie Venegas
God's Brave Women - Natalie's Story
It wasn’t very long ago that work was filled with the humdrum of monotony and each day blended into the next. In fact, only weeks ago life was simpler and comforting in its predictability.
Now all of that has changed. Our world has been flipped upside-down and fear has shaken society down to its core. This crucial time has given me a new job title, and it is one I didn’t expect... essential. I am an essential employee.
With this title comes a responsibility to show up, be present and provide when the rest of the world is being told to stay indoors and practice social distancing. As essentials, we are being told we are needed. This means I have to go to the trenches and be the frontline of defense so I can help others. In order to do that, it is imperative I fight the urge to live in fear. I am called to be brave.
"As essentials, we are being told we are needed. This means I have to go to the trenches and be the frontline of defense so I can help others. In order to do that, it is imperative I fight the urge to live in fear. I am called to be brave."
You might find yourself in a similar situation. After all, I’m in good company. You might be feeling like you are overcome with fear, and anxiety is wearing you thin. But God has helped me fight the urge to fear and trust Him during this unprecedented time.
Fear Can Take Over If We Allow It To
I’d be lying if I said fear doesn’t creep in and keep me awake at night. If I allowed it to, I think fear could completely overtake me.
Fear of the unknown.
Fear of the future.
And yes, even my fear about finances.
You see, my husband was laid off from work. I am now the sole provider for my household, which means that even if I wanted to take time off from work, I can’t. Not unless I get sick (which I pray I don’t). Reality causes my mind to go THERE. To a place no mind should go. A place of worry and doubt.
What if?
What if I get sick because I am so exposed? How will I manage if both my husband and I are out of work? Should I even be working since I’m more at risk because of an underlying condition?
These are all valid questions, but each one of them contributes to my anxiety, and ultimately the decision really isn’t up to me. These are each things that are in God’s hands.
"No amount of worrying, fretting, or crying will change the course the Lord knows I must take."
No amount of worrying, fretting, or crying will change the course the Lord knows I must take. If I allow fear to take over, then I’m already succumbing to the battle. Each day the Lord is showing me how He is providing, and I feel grateful to have my income to fall back on. Each day I work is a blessing.
We Are Called to Be Brave
Unless God tells me I need to stay home, I am to be resolute and show up bravely to do my job.
I can already see how the Lord is using this for His glory. People are open to hearing the gospel. Co-workers are willing to pray and have conversations about Jesus. There is comfort in knowing we aren’t alone, but instead, we have a very strong God who is showing up every day in our midst. More and more people want to hear about Jesus and are realizing there is nowhere to look but up.
"There is comfort in knowing we aren’t alone, but instead, we have a very strong God who is showing up every day in our midst. More and more people want to hear about Jesus and are realizing there is nowhere to look but up."
This is where I come in as a good friend, co-worker, and neighbor. I can be the hands and feet of Jesus during this time and help those in need. By refusing to allow fear to control me, I am allowing Jesus to use me.
To Be Brave Like David
Lately, I have been thinking about David and how he stood up to Goliath. David didn’t fear him. In fact, David declared victory. Goliath was a big problem that loomed over him. Fighting a giant probably looked like an insurmountable feat and yet, David shouted in the face of fear.
“David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies--the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!” (1 Samuel 17:45-46 NLT)
What faith he had! We all know how this story ended. David defeated Goliath with a smooth stone because the Lord did His fighting for him.
I think about today and how this virus is like our present-day Goliath. It towers over us and attempts to doom our future. People run away in fright just as the Israelite army initially did. But we as Christians are warriors like David, essential worker or not. We are a people after God’s own heart. We can be brave because God does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
"It doesn’t mean we don’t take the necessary precautions and follow the law, but instead, we cast fear aside, say brave prayers and step out as armored-up essential workers. This is our task and so we trust."
It doesn’t mean we don’t take the necessary precautions and follow the law, but instead, we cast fear aside, say brave prayers and step out as armored-up essential workers. This is our task and so we trust. We trust that our Lord will fight for us and just like David, we can shout our battle-cry…
“And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47 NLT)
We have the victory!
Brave Woman Manifesto
Make sure to check back next week as another courageous Sister shares her story!
And by the way...
You are Brave! No matter what you are facing, God has made you in His image, which means you are full of His strength and power. I would love to connect with you more and give you a FREE gift - the BRAVE WOMAN MANIFESTO: Five Things to Tell Yourself When Life Gets Hard. Click HERE to sign up for my monthly newsletter and you’ll receive the FREE Manifesto, as well as recent blog posts, updated resources and personal details delivered only to my lovely email tribe.
AS A BONUS… Subscribers will also be the first to receive news regarding the BRAVE WOMEN BIBLE STUDY coming out later this year and a sample chapter! *insert happy dance here* SIGN UP for more info on the study’s release and availability!
About Natalie
Natalie Venegas is a Christian creative and California native that now resides in Las Vegas, NV. Her passion is community and her heart is for the Lord. When she isn’t writing for Milk & Honey Faith she can be found spending quality time with her husband Anthony and her two children. Natalie also serves alongside her husband in ministry in the hopes of reaching many with the Gospel of Jesus and furthering His Kingdom. You can connect with Natalie on Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram.