Friends, I’ll be the first to admit when a moment in time is incredibly tough.

And right now, tough it is. After the Lord allowed me to give my first sermon, “To Suffer Patiently,” the aftermath has been just that—to endure (mentally).

As I lean into the grief of the season, the transition, and the disappointment, I have no choice but to lay down my “strong woman” cape. I am not sure when I became the spokeswoman for this mantle, but I don’t want it under the terms and agreements of the world's standards.

True strength is found inside our ability to admit we don’t have anything in us to give as we lean into and unto God. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.

I am learning God never asked me to be “strong” He asked me to be decided.

I am deciding to bring people into this space.

Proverbs 11:14

Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

I am deciding to choose joy.

Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

I am deciding to trust God.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

I am deciding to keep going.

Hebrews 10:39

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

I am deciding not to worry.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

I am deciding to stand on scripture.

What God has for us is for us. And moments of struggle, pain, and frustration aid in the character development process. I have learned when God removes a thing, He knows the beginning from the end. He knows why it can not be even when we have tasted and seen the idea of what it could be.

The goal is sanctification and transformation. God will do whatever is needed for us to become. Be encouraged.

Strong is a way of depending on the one who created us.

Your weaknesses are welcome here.

Be decided.

If you are a part of my It Only Took A Year challenge, thank you for your patience. God has been rearranging pieces of my life behind the scenes. Next week we’re back to writing this new book as He intended for me to do.

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Naked and Exposed ® Journal by Janae Carlee

When being strong is not an option