Brave

Getting Unstuck

~ Michelle Viscuse ~ 1 Comment

Journey Pink

I’ve been stuck. 

I haven’t posted much this year and I feel like I am so behind. I don’t even know where to start. I haven’t shared much here because I wanted to focus on writing my story. 

I came to a defining moment in my story and I struggled to write it.  

There were all of these emotions and personalities, and I was trying to write without saying too much. I always feel like I have said too much, as if I’ve already said it all.

But, when I look back at my blog posts I see they are all written in code.  If you can relate, “code” language means I haven’t really said much.  I say just enough to safely pull back if needed.

I am fluent in the language of code. It was my survival.  

When I reached this defining moment in my story, I found myself writing in code again.  I was trying to say just enough but not too much.  

And, I couldn’t do it.  

I closed my laptop on that chapter, and didn’t want to pick it up again.  I didn’t pick it up again.  

In the stewing, I came to realize that I can’t tell that moment in code.  It has to be real, even if it is messy.  

I couldn’t understand why I would write so many words, and then suddenly feel this overwhelming burden to be real.  Really real.  

God, really? 

Really. 

So, I am writing it with this new perspective and it is challenging. 

Writing (or speaking) in code shields my own heart from delving into the emotional sea of betrayal and pain. If I can keep it as flowery as possible, then I can smile as I type as if I am dissociating from the words on the screen. 

But, when I deep dive I usually end up in tears and I struggle to pick it up again.  Why go there, when you can watch Netflix and eat ice cream? 

It’s a vicious cycle.  

So today, on my walk I was listening to a sermon and when the verse in Hebrews 12:2 was mentioned, I thought … “Fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith.”   Jesus, the author.  

Let Him be the author. I want to be in control, but what if I let Him write it and be obedient to what He is asking me to do? God, be my author. Help me to write it. Write through me and help me to keep my eyes fixed on you and not on fretting.

As I snapped some pictures along the way, these images spoke to my heart and my struggle.   

Journey Pink

I was in bondage. Hidden. Afraid. Tangled in lies, fear, shame, and secrets. It was so dark. Remember what it was like? 

Journey Pink

I dared to believe that there was hope. I realized I was not alone. There were others like me. I wanted to get to the other side. I wanted to be free. 

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He rescued me. He brought me out of the darkness and into His light. I Am Loved.   

Journey Pink

He set me free, and I am clinging to Him.  I am no longer hidden, but out in the open air of freedom.  

Journey Pink

Obedience makes a difference. Am I willing to obey? Imagine the impact of obedience. What does that look like?  

The other voice in my head smirked, “Who do you think you are? No one cares and it’s already been said. There’s too much risk.  Are you crazy?” It’s loud, but just as I round the corner there’s more beauty.

Journey Pink

The harvest is plenty… but the workers are few. Don’t believe the lies. Do the work.

Are you feeling stuck? We all get stuck at times, but we don’t have to stay there. The first thing I tend to do when I am stuck is isolate myself, but that is not helpful at all. What helps me the most is to admit that I am stuck. This last time, I went to small group and it was just the leader and I. She started asking questions that led me to share what I was going through with her. She prayed for me and continues to encourage me. She also continues to check in with me and it has helped me tremendously. We were never meant to run the race alone.  

What about you?  What helps you to get unstuck?

 Scripture: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 New International Version (NIV)

Prayer: Lord, thank you for delivering me from the pit. You are the author of my story. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you and to give you my all. My heart is encouraged when I imagine running across the finish line and jumping into your arms. Your love amazes me.  

Worship: This song has been my jam, especially the remix.  God Only Knows [Timbaland Remix] by for King & Country…

Praying (and Waiting) for a Miracle

~ Michelle Viscuse ~ 2 Comments

I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.  John 13:19 NIV

I wrote down my ‘miracle’ prayer requests on the orange index card and took a quick picture with my phone. I brought it to the altar and put it in the basket filled with prayers for miracles. That was in September of 2015. Part of my prayer request was answered just a few weeks later. I was ecstatic and praising God. It filled me with hope and I believed that He was going to answer the rest of my prayer on that card.

He hasn’t answered the other part of my prayer, yet.

I have been weary of even praying for it at times so I simply stop thinking about it. Why bother when it is so tender, painful and heartbreaking?  I’ve also found myself full of doubt thinking, “It is impossible. It will never happen.”

Other times, I have stood in the shower praying as the water washed away my tears. With every word, I was believing with everything in me that HE WILL DO IT. It is going to happen. I just know it!

And then, He still doesn’t answer that prayer.

I know it lines up with His Word.
I know it is the desire of His heart.
I know He put that desire in me to pray for it.
He has proven time and time again that He is faithful and He will do it.
Nothing is too big for Him.

Oh me of little faith and even less patience.

Not too long ago, I decided that maybe God could use my help. I decided I was just going to push a few buttons to get the ball rolling and take matters into my own hands.

Luckily, just before I pushed the first button, I stopped.

I sensed in my spirit to let go (again) and trust. He didn’t ask me to even move much less push any buttons. My flesh wanted “now”.

The One who put the stars in the sky doesn’t need me to set anything in motion.

He needs me to trust Him, and to obey.
He needs me to believe Him, and to pray.
He needs me to give it to Him, and let Him work it out.
He needs me to wait, and watch Him once again move mountains.
He has shown me before that He will do it, and He was faithful.

Miracle after miracle, I have seen Him work. I know He is I Am.

I believe.

And yet, my flesh makes me forget that His miracles are way bigger than me. In fact, they are not about me at all. He is working on more that I can ever comprehend or imagine. Other hearts are involved besides mine. Hearts matter to Him.

My heart will wait.
My heart will trust.
My heart will believe.
My heart will have faith.

He is a heart changing, miracle-working, mountain mover.

Psalm 27:14  The Passion Translation (TPT)

Here’s what I’ve learned through it all:
Don’t give up; don’t be impatient;
be entwined as one with the Lord.
Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope.
Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!

Are you praying for a miracle?

Maybe you have been praying for it for a while now. Maybe it is a prodigal child, or your marriage. Maybe it is your job, your health or even your finances. Maybe it is for healing, salvation, or forgiveness.  Perhaps you have grown weary and tired in the waiting. Everything about your circumstances screams it will never happen! It is impossible.

But with God, all things are possible.

He will do it, in His way, in His timing, and for His glory.

Write it down, and date it.

As you are waiting, if you find yourself full of doubt, fill yourself with His Word. Recall His faithfulness and cling to His promises. Thank him in advance for His answer to your prayer. Praise Him. Rejoice with every glimmer of hope as you wait for your miracle.

He is faithful.

Psalm 40:5 The Passion Translation (TPT)

O Lord, our God, no one can compare with you.
Such wonderful works and miracles are all found with you!
And you think of us all the time
with your countless expressions of love—
far exceeding our expectations!

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Do One Brave Thing

~ Michelle Viscuse ~ 4 Comments

Prayer:  Lord, sometimes, I delay.

I hesitate.

I worry.

I fear.

I wonder what others will think.

I think:  it doesn’t matter, someone else already said it, and no one cares.

Then I waste time instead of doing anything you’ve called me to do.

When I step into my calling, I get overwhelmed, filled with fear, and I panic.

I feel like I need to be in control – and when I am stepping with you – I know I am not in control, and that is a scary place for me.

But stepping with you is the best place to me, the best place for me, and the best place ever.

So, I am letting go of that fear one day a time.

I am going to step where you ask me to step, say what you ask me to say, share what you ask me to share, write what you ask me to write and read what you ask me to read.

I am going to be intentional to sit at your feet and listen.  Help me to pursue my calling without fear, worry or anxiety. Help me to follow you.

I am going to do #OneBraveThing every day with you Lord, and I am going to trust you with it.

I am taking your hand.

Lord, lead me.

Amen.

What about you?  

What is Lord is calling you to do?  How are you using your gifts and talents to bring glory to Him? 

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-12 NIV

What do you do when you get into a rut or feel overwhelmed?  

Pray for His spirit to lead:  Teach me how to do Your will, for You are my God. Allow Your good Spirit to guide me on level ground, to guide me along Your path. Psalm 143:10 VOICE

Listen and Do #OneBraveThing:  This is about asking the Lord what He would have you do – today.  Just one brave thing.  This is about listening to Him, and walking in step with Him. When we are so busy checking off our lists and making our plans, many times we miss the opportunity He has for us!

This isn’t a to-do list – this is a Lord show me “what you would have me to do” list.   

Maybe is it sending a note to someone, or picking up the phone and having a conversation or meeting in person.

Maybe it is stopping to chat with the cashier in the grocery store.

Perhaps it’s inviting someone to church and offering to pick them up.

For bloggers, maybe it is updating your blog or sharing old posts. How can we use them to reach others who may need encouragement?

Start your day by asking God to show you the #onebravething that he would have you do today!  If you end up doing more than #onebravething, great!

We were created for a purpose and we are called to bring glory to Him.  

What is the #onebravething you will do today to shine His light? Share in the comments below or share on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #onebravething! Let’s inspire and encourage each other along the way. I’d love to have you join me on the journey to do #onebravething. 

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 MSG

Shine Bright! 

Into the deep

~ Michelle Viscuse ~ 18 Comments

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. Isaiah 43:2

I don’t really like water, unless it is clear, contained and shallow.  I would much rather sit with my toes squishing into the sand and only take an occasional dip in the pool to cool off. I don’t really like bathing suits either, but that’s a post for another time.

I prefer not to step in oceans or lakes, where the murky water hides what’s beneath. I like to be able to see where I am stepping, and to know that my feet will remain on solid ground.

I like comfort and safety. Who doesn’t? But, God is calling me out of my comfort zone and into deep waters with Him, where it’s new and risky and far from comfortable.

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