Zondervan - Beyond Brave: 60 Days of Journaling Devotions for Young Women

ZONDERVAN

Beyond Brave

Copyright 2020 by Zondervan

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Print ISBN 978-0-310-76956-9

Ebook ISBN 978-0-310-76957-6

Epub Edition November 2019 9780310769576

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Written by: Estee Zandee

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Contents

T his world can be a scary and unpredictable place, and, sadly, we rarely get to hear the empowering truth God placed in our souls, or use the courage and strength hes placed in our hearts to thrive no matter what comes our way. But those gifts and promises are definitely there. As well discover in the following pages, from the very beginning we were created with a unique calling to be courageous defenders and strong rescuers. Gods powerful love emboldens us to become who we were made to beconfident women who protect others, fight for good, speak up for the forgotten, and live lives that are generous and bravebeyond brave. And we have the examples of other women to show us what living in Gods love looks like.

Beyond Brave will lead you on an empowering journey through biblical and modern-day stories of heroic women of faithwomen who faced the same challenges we face today, and more. Well learn from their experiences and talk about what it means to grow in our identity as daughters of God, and to overcome fears, face doubt, build strong relationships, help each other, and speak up for ourselves and others. Each day offers a heartening verse to signal the days theme, an encouraging message, a thoughtful prompt to guide your thoughts, and space to write out your reflections.

This hope-filled, soul-strengthening devotional will inspire you to remember that in this changing world, you have a warrior God who protects and guides you. Through the rich legacy of the women who have gone before us, be inspired to stand strong in who you were made you to be, and ultimately discover the confident strength found in the fierce love of God.

The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.

EXODUS 15:3

W hen we think about God, our thoughts usually turn to church, to youth group, or to family prayer time at dinner. We may think of God as our friend or a teacher, or maybe we dont know what to think at all. But we dont usually think of God as a mighty warrior. And we dont often think of how God made women strong warriors too.

This is kind of surprising when you consider how many Bible stories tell of the warriorlike things God has done. At the very beginning, God sparked the universe into existence and continues to uphold it all. In Genesis, God split the Red Sea for the Israelites so they could escape slavery. He routed vast armies and defended the oppressed. Even today, God stands up to bullies and oppressors and protects the vulnerable. But this divine strength and power is perhaps best seen in Jesus. Jesus boldly shared the truth of Gods love, fought against those who hurt others, healed the sick and dying, and then painfully gave up his life to save each and every one of us.

Genesis 1 tells us that we are made in Gods holy image, reflecting the same strength and bravery. And that means you were made to be a warrior just like our warrior God.

Perhaps warrior isnt the first word you would use to describe yourself. Maybe you would choose other words first, like quiet, funny, nervous, athletic, bored, friendly, tired, kind, anxious, or overwhelmed. But when God looks at you, he sees a beloved daughter. God sees your strong mind, your dont-give-up attitude, and your body, which can learn and do amazing things. God hears your clear voice, sees your excitement and energy, and knows your brave and passionate heart.

Even when you dont feel like a strong and courageous warrior, God wants you to remember how capable you are. You are braver than you realize, and are growing into the powerful woman you were made to be with each day you trust in him. God tells us, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

How amazing is it that you were made to be strong and bold, and that our warrior God will never leave you? No matter what happens or how you feel, God is always with you to help you stand strong.

Journaling Prompt

When was the last time you felt strong, brave, or confident? Maybe it was something you said, something you did, or something you felt. Write that memory down and then ask yourself what the experience revealed about how God made you.

[Your Notes]

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

JEREMIAH 31:3

I t takes courage to believe that you are unconditionally loved. That might sound strange at first, but every one of us struggles sometimes with trusting that we are deeply and truly loved by God and those closest to us. The book of Hosea tells the story of a woman who knew this struggle especially well.

Gomer lived in ancient northern Israel. She was known to sleep around, and she jumped from one relationship to the next, always searching for love and validation. We can guess that Gomer had a rough childhood and likely hadnt experienced the kind of faithful love all daughters are made to have. She must have thought love was something she had to work for, something she only got if she gave her body away.

Then a man fell in love with her, and not in the way she was used to. This was real, genuine, love-you-on-your-worst-day kind of love. As you might have guessed, this man was Hosea. And if the sweetness of this romance story wasnt clear enough, his name literally means salvation. Gomer and Hosea lived happily together for a few years. Gomer had three childrentwo boys and a baby girl. But even though she finally had the life shed longed for, Gomer struggled to trust she was really loved. The old lie that she had to work for love came back. So Gomer left Hosea, looking to earn love with someone else.