Stepping into God's Plan with Courage

 

Stepping into God’s Plan with Courage
Friday, August 1, 2025 by C. Joy Pierce

I’ve always loved music; notes carry me as I go throughout each day. So when God asked me to step into music, the answer was an easy yes, right? No. Not as simple as anyone can imagine. Some people may say it’s our calling to do this or that, but my music instructor Will B. Smith II put it more simply: “Our calling is to make Jesus known and bring glory to His name.” God has blessed us with gifts to make His kingdom greater. Living in a way where our calling is to make Jesus known is a less complicated way of thinking. Making mistakes? We’ve all messed up, many times. Feeling unworthy? I feel that way too. God’s word says, “The LORD your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17

It’s easy to be silenced by the noise all around us. We may hear from ourselves or others that we’ll never be good enough. Or we may want to stay in the tempting comfort zone. The hard part is that we are often criticized by those who matter to us the most. The ones who are supposed to support us through thick and thin sometimes let us down.

I’ve been blessed to have many great influences in my life, which has taught me a lot. I’ve had my times of being pushed out of the nest so I could learn how to fly, and eventually soar. Think of the eagles, designed by God to rise above the storms, to be safe from dangers and obstacles. I like to think of fledging out of the nest, learning to fly.

We can see the small bits and pieces as God reveals. We can hear His voice when we are still. When the storm comes, our Heavenly Father will help us rise above it all. We will experience the storm but come out better because of our ability to hear and see God. “Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen.” - Ephesians 3:20-21

Mustering the courage to lead worship at church is not through me or about me in any way. I once heard it said like this, “I’m not confident in myself, I am confident in God.” So the path we take to gain courage is by believing in the God of possible. I can’t do anything on my own strength, but trust in the One who can. Psalm 57:7 says, “My heart is confident God, my heart is confident. I will sing; I will sing praises.”

The journey to becoming a member of the worship team has been long. This dream has bubbled inside of me for many years. Learning to accept correction, learning to fall, learning to get back up again, and learning to be strong are all parts of the process.

The lesson that has captivated me the most is, “Worship leaders are ushers, they lead you to your place (praising in spirit, in truth), and step out of the picture.”- Will B Smith II.

Acknowledging my participation on the worship team is not shining a spotlight on me and that I’m just a guide is what beckons me forward. The Bible tells us that people of worship were put in the front (Psalm 68:25, 2 Chronicles 20:21). When I think about the power of worship and praise, 2 Chronicles 20 comes to mind. King Jehoshaphat faced a huge obstacle. Three different armies had banded together to try and take his kingdom down. The first thing Jehoshaphat did was pray. Then God told him to march into battle as victors because He was going to win this battle. God is present in our times of trouble, and in our weaknesses. He’s fighting and winning our battles. They’re His.

If the hard part about God’s plan is that it seems impossible, most likely it's bigger than you. There are many examples in the Bible of unlikely leaders. Take Gideon for example, he was literally in hiding. He did not want to show his face at all. But an angel appeared to him and called him a mighty warrior of God! He ended up leading an army of 300 men and through God won the victory. There are many, many other examples of other people just like this in the Bible. I have heard it said that “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.”

We shouldn’t miss out on the amazing opportunities that God has for us. There is freedom in obedience. Would Moses have gotten to use his staff in the parting of the Red Sea? Would Noah have gotten to build an ark that took over 100 years to build and witness animal kinds walk onto the boat two-by-two? Would Mary have gotten to give birth to and raise the Son of God? If they hadn’t stepped out in obedience, they probably would’ve missed out on the miraculous that took place in their lives. “Now if you will carefully listen to me and keep my covenant, you will be my own possession out of all the peoples, although the whole earth is mine.” - Exodus 19:5

If you are interested in stepping out into God’s plan, pray this prayer with me:

Heavenly Father, I want to be on fire for You. I don’t want to lean on my understanding; I am choosing to trust You. May I make You the center of my life and stand on Your word. You are my firm foundation. I long to be Your hands and feet. Guide my steps and lead, I will follow. When I pass through deep waters, the fire, the storms, I know You will be with me. Sometimes we will walk on water, sometimes we will make it to the top of the mountain, and when I sink, You are right there to lift me up. Lord, make my ways straight, keep my eyes on You. When I seek You, let me find You. Use me to bring glory to Your name. Help me to plant seeds in the lives of other people and make Your kingdom greater. Humble me when my pride gets in the way. I want to make You famous. May everything I do not be about myself, but about You.

In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Step out into this beautiful journey. Jesus is calling you, where endless possibilities await.

Turning Points: Using Life's Big Changes to Break Bad habits

https://braveknightwriters.com/blog/1073-Turning-Points-Using-Lifes-Big-Changes-to-Break-Bad-Habits

Turning Points: Using Life’s Big Changes to Break Bad Habits
Thursday, July 3, 2025 by Zoe Houston

Photo by Pexels

Every season of transition holds a story waiting to be rewritten. Whether it's a new job, a move across the country, marriage, divorce, a health scare, or the bittersweet experience of watching children leave home, these moments can unearth buried patterns and open a path to reformation. For followers of Christ, these windows in time are more than just challenges—they're sacred invitations to renew your spirit and reshape your routines. When God shifts your surroundings, He often intends to shift your inner world too.

Start with the Wilderness, Not the Map

You don't need a five-step plan the day your world turns sideways. Life transitions feel messy because they uproot comfort, and in that discomfort is a rare chance to see yourself with clarity. Think of Jesus in the wilderness—before ministry, before miracles, there were forty days of solitude. Likewise, when you're between where you were and where you're going, let that be a pause. Don't rush to control it. Let yourself dwell there and ask what the Spirit is surfacing.

Consider Your Career Path Options

Before stress starts seeping into every corner of your life, it’s worth considering whether your job is still serving your growth or simply draining you. For those drawn to healthcare, advancing through an online degree can be a powerful step toward purpose and stability. Exploring the importance of MSN degrees might open doors to roles in nurse education, informatics, administration, or advanced practice that align better with your gifts and long-term goals. If your current role no longer stretches your capabilities or you've felt the nudge toward a more fulfilling path, a career switch could offer welcome relief—not just professionally, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Name the Habit, Then Dissect the Lie

Old habits cling like shadows, especially when you're vulnerable. During a life change, you may find yourself reaching for the same escape hatches—procrastination, overeating, endless scrolling—not because you enjoy them, but because they numb the unknown. But the truth is, every bad habit is rooted in a lie. Maybe it's “I’m not worthy,” or “I have no control.” Naming the behavior isn’t enough. You need to interrogate the false belief underneath it, and replace that lie with the truth of God’s Word.

Create Liturgies for the New Normal

Once a transition begins, everything from your commute to your sleep schedule may shift. This is your chance to form new rituals before the old ruts harden again. You don’t need to build a monastery. Start with a liturgy of small things—a morning prayer while brushing your teeth, a five-minute gratitude journal after dinner, or scripture on your lock screen. These tiny anchors add up. They’re not about performance; they’re about presence. And presence is where healing starts.

Pray for Resilience, Not Just Relief

It’s tempting to ask God to make the transition easy, but spiritual growth rarely blooms in comfort. Instead of praying away the pain, pray for eyes to see what God is doing in it. Ask for resilience, not just relief. Building resilience starts by shifting how you respond to pressure rather than trying to avoid it altogether. You grow sturdier when you let setbacks teach rather than define you, and that often begins with slowing down enough to reflect before reacting. Cultivating habits like prayer, journaling, or simply asking for help can strengthen your emotional core and remind you that resilience isn’t about going it alone.

Let Repentance Be the Rhythm, Not the Exception

Many Christians treat repentance like a fire alarm—only pulled in emergencies. But what if you made it a daily rhythm instead? Life transitions stir up all kinds of things in your soul. Some you expected. Some you’d rather not see. Instead of hiding from that, let it become your altar. Repent early and often, not with shame, but with expectation. God isn’t surprised by your habits. He’s interested in your willingness to surrender them.

Build Forward with Hope, Not Fear

It's easy to let fear shape your future after a disruptive change. You worry you’ll fall back into old ways or that you’ll fail again. But God didn’t give you a spirit of fear. He gave you a sound mind and a living hope. Replace the inner critic with a chorus of truth. Every time you step into a new behavior—choosing a walk over wine, prayer over panic, service over self—you’re not just building a better life. You’re bearing witness to resurrection power in your own body.

You don’t have to wait until the dust settles to start over. Every major life shift is an altar waiting to be built. Not the kind made of stone, but the kind made of sacrifice, trust, and renewed obedience. Don’t waste the in-between. Let God use it to tear down what never belonged and to build something holy where the old habits once stood. You were never meant to come through unchanged. You were meant to come through reborn.

Discover stories of courage and grace with Brave Knight Writers, where spiritual warfare meets inspiring narratives. Visit now to explore their latest releases and receive a free e-book by joining their community! 

Please visit zoe.houston@starterhometour.com for more inspiration. 

Thank you Zoe for contributing to Brave Knight Writers.

Love is a gift

 

Love Does
Sunday, June 1, 2025 by Brave Knight Writers

“Go Tennessee” was the highlight and flavor of May—a mission to aid in  hurricane relief efforts in the town of Hampton. Hurricane Helene hit eastern Tennessee on September 27, 2024 as a tropical storm, causing flooding and mudslides. By October 7, 2024, the national death toll stood at 200. Fifteen were from Tennessee. National weather service records show:

Elizabethton, Carter County: 7.56 inches
Knoxville, Knox County: 4.97 inches
Gatlinburg, Sevier County, 8.84 inches
Greeneville, Greene County, 5.77 inches
Bristol, Sullivan County, 6.54 inches

What this doesn’t indicate is the massive torrents of water gushing from the surrounding hills for hours on end.

Our mission centered on a town near Elizabethton where logs washing down from the mountains caught on bridges, forming dams. The dams caused shifts in the normal course of the river, which then washed through Hampton. Houses were lost and damaged by the flood. Spring Street’s asphalt broke apart and boulders filled the yards.

One resident I spoke to said he climbed onto the roof of his house and watched debris flow by for five and half hours. Another piled up mattresses to the ceiling and stood on those for several hours. During this time, they had no access to any basic necessities of life.  How long does it take to heal from a disaster like this? Who helps the survivors? How soon do those not affected forget? Can you imagine trying to restart your life after such an event?

When the hurricane hit, I immediately wanted to respond but knew better than to go without local contacts. My cousin owns a place over the mountain in North Carolina. She told me to grab my chainsaw and go, but at 74, I didn’t think it wise. Going into a devastated area without contacts isn’t advised at any age. In 1985 my brother’s home and the general area suffered the destruction of a tornado. I remember going to help him rebuild, and how authorities had taken control of access.

So, instead, I contacted pastors at our church asking if they were associated with any churches in the area. It took time, but eventually we contacted an Alliance church in Elizabethton and our mission took form. Eight months after the storm, there was still significant recovery needed.

Our team of volunteers took shape, consisting of 17 male basketball players, 6 female basketball players, two coaches, and a chef, all from Grove City College. We even had a videographer along for part of the trip. In addition to me, one of our pastors and two other church members agreed to go. Our granddaughter just graduated from Theil College, and with a week off before starting her next academic adventure, she volunteered to also go. Having my granddaughter along made it special for me. The final blessing came the night before departure when someone canceled last-minute, and my better half arranged to come with us. Sadly, she had been freed of dog-sitting since our ancient beagle had passed on recently.

We had no idea what we were walking into or what work we be asked to do, but mission work is like that. The unknown is part of the fun, and overcoming adversity brings joy. To my surprise, an additional mission to the same area is scheduled several months from now. These recoveries run long after the disasters are forgotten by the unaffected public.

Accommodations for our team were arranged at the Fairhaven Ministries campus on Roan Mountain, which consists of small family-type chalets, a dining hall, and a lodge. It’s typically used as a retreat for pastors, their families, missionaries, and Christian workers. The complex sits high up the mountain above the flood damage. Hiking Trails and the beauty of God’s creation surround it.

The dining hall became the center of our morning devotions, briefings, and evening reflections. It sported a piano, and to everyone’s delight, one of the female basketball players and a coach turned out to be very talented pianists. Even better, the college folk joined in to sing and dance to old time music. Note: the facilities provided no cell phone, TV, or internet service. One would think it was 1959 and even though these students played on the same teams, we watched as new awareness of each other’s strengths and weaknesses blossomed into genuine caring.

Hampton sits in the Doe River valley, several miles from the campus. Several churches have committed to aid in the town’s recovery. Hampton high school remains closed at this time; it will require extensive remodeling. Three homes are being built by volunteers with a fund of $300,000 raised by the churches. One of the churches donated significant funds to the project only to have their church and several homes destroyed by a later storm. Even so, the church voted not to fund construction of a new church but to raise additional money for those hurt by the second storm.

Step in, Nail Benders for Jesus, who volunteered to build a new church for the generous folks supporting others in need. The stories of love and courage would require a blog post of many pages, but we promise not to do such things.

A local coordinator met us each morning on Spring Street with direction, supplies, and inspiration. We collected rocks, and debris, and worked at landscaping. We also supported construction of the new houses. Some of us painted new drywall, cleaned up construction materials, cleaned out debris from garages and homes, and did carpentry work.

Most importantly, we interacted with the community, professional volunteer construction workers, and other volunteers from local churches. A good example of the local folks was an 86-year-old woman who insisted we use her garden hose and soap to wash. It made us feel good to share in the efforts. Our granddaughter visited an elderly stroke victim in his home, eventually coaxing him to his front porch so he could watch the progress. My wife worked with the chef, organized the lunches and pitched in wherever possible with other recovery activities.

Two basketball players and I were assigned to build a small porch on one of the new houses. Concrete base supports had already been set, and the vinyl siding at the base of the door was notched. To square up the posts I calculated dimensions using the 3-4-5 method and we attached the base brackets. We didn’t set the posts as we had other things to do.

At two o’clock in the morning I woke from a deep sleep, with the realization I had used the wrong measurement. I grabbed my calculator to confirm my mistake. Now, I accepted the need to confess my mistake to my young trainees, which I did at breakfast.

We corrected the mistake and while we stood talking, the battery drill in my hand burst into smoke and flames. When our work on the porch was finished, my crew and I were sent to Roan Mountain to build a shed from a kit, but the base was missing.

Not only that, but the kit had been sitting on the site for months and carpenter ants had infested it. The elderly couple looked devastated when we confided the shed couldn’t be constructed.

There is a materials supplier in Hampton called God’s Warehouse who supplies free materials to flood victims . Unfortunately it was closed, and we were unable to get materials for the base. At our evening reflection the pastor asked volunteers to sum up their day. One of my helpers simply said, “we faced adversity”.

We all thrived during the week knowing God is with us in the adversities we face. We felt that sometimes we get to be the hands and feet (and sore backs) of God. There was an incredible outpouring and accepting of love in that place and time. More teams from other locales and churches will contribute their time, efforts, and money over the coming weeks. Is there ever a time God doesn’t need us to fulfill His Great Commission by living the Gospel, allowing ourselves to love as Jesus loved?

It wasn’t all work, a local church hosted a picnic, and the local coffee house hosted a pig roast. The picnic was held at Watauga Lake, where several people took a dip in the icy waters. I highly recommend visiting the lake if you are in the area. It’s one of the cleanest in the nation, a beautiful spot.

Appalachian Coffee Cupboard held the pig roast in their backyard, with180 people in attendance. A local guy took to the basketball players and organized a tournament of bean toss. It was a big hit. In addition, we hiked to a gorgeous waterfall one day after work.

So, what can you do with this? We came home with more love than we started out with, we came home with our hearts warmed and spirits high. A sacrifice of time, energy, and money, overshadowed by blessings. God always uses a bigger shovel.braveknightwriters.com