He was hanging on for dear life. I could see the pounding of his heart. His chest heaved with rapid breaths, the adrenaline rushing through his body. There was fear in his eyes.
I daresay he was the bravest lizard I’ve ever met. That is, if a person can “meet” a lizard that happens to be hanging onto their car window. I believe he knew that at about 50 miles per hour, the G-forces would cause him to meet his demise. He was on the roller coaster ride of his life. He was brave!
Mr. Lizard hung on when the going got tough and his success was doubtful. He held on even when his little hands (feet?) became weak. He was brave in the face of uncertainty and chaos.
Braver still is when he realized he couldn’t keep going. He was tired, he was weak. He couldn’t save himself. That’s when he tumbled and flew off the car window. I’m not sure where he landed or what condition he was in.
Sometimes true bravery is in admitting our weakness, and in letting go. It may feel like we are free falling, out of control, onto the hard concrete of our circumstances. But we are not, because we have this hope in us: Christ Jesus. We can free fall right into His powerful arms. His grace is all we need. His power shines through our weakness.
When the diagnosis comes…
When your problem seems too big…
When you think you’re alone…
When you’re tired and weak…
Call on Jesus. Rest in His grace and power. Know that He is stronger than all our mess.
Ultimately, to be brave is to face trials with our weaknesses exposed for all to see. Because when we are weak, then His power is evident in us.
But the Lord said, “My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.” So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me. Yes, I am glad to have weaknesses if they are for Christ. I am glad to be insulted and have hard times. I am glad when I am persecuted and have problems, because it is when I am weak that I am really strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11(ERV)
It takes a brave woman to be weak…to continue sloughing through the muck and mire called life on earth…to run this earthly race with endurance. It takes a brave woman to allow her weakness to show. But…when we are weak, then we are strong in Him!
Joining these lovely writers. Be sure to visit their pages, you’ll be encouraged!
Suzie Eller, Live Free Thursday
Susan at Dance with Jesus
Barbie at The Weekend Brew
Kelly at Purposeful Faith
Holly at Testimony Tuesday
Sue at Life Giving Linkup
Holley at Coffee for Your Heart
Jennifer at Tell His Story
Meredith at Woman 2 Woman Wednesday
Bonnie at Faith Barista
Ellen, so blessed to be next to you at Live Free. I think my mercy gift kicked in as I read your post…I was so hoping you pulled over and let him off! I can only hope as he fell backwards the eyes of God were on him too and rescued him out the predicament he was in…just like He does with us ever so faithfully. I do love to picture closing my eyes and falling backward into the arms of Jesus knowing I can trust Him completely. Your words here are wise and full of truth. Blessings.
Oh, Jeannie, I tried! I went really slow, and he just jump from one area of my car to another! Hopefully he found shelter until I stopped. Thanks so much for stopping by, your words encourage me!
Hi Ellen! Oh my gosh, how many times have I felt like that little lizard…hanging on for dear life and not knowing if I should stay or jump! You’re so right, it’s in those times that I really have to rely on Jesus, that he will catch me. I’ll be okay.
St. Paul says that in his weakness, he was strong. So the same must be for us. May God bless us in our hard times, and fill our weakness with joy!
Blessings,
Ceil
Hello Ceil, my friend! So glad you stopped by today. I was thinking of a particular friend when I wrote this. She has so much “stuff” going on, and I know that she is really strong in her weakness. And so strong in her reliance upon Christ, who give her strength. Thanks so much for stopping in today!
Ellen, that is one of my favorite verses and one I go to often. It truly is when I realize I can’t do enough or be enough on my own that his grace comes and his power works through me. And I love how you tied this in to a lizard who took a “rest” on your car. LOL. <3 (hugs)
Isn’t God good, Abby? I saw that lizard on my car while I was thinking about the prompt “brave.” When I saw his, I though “He sure is brave!” So glad you stopped by! You are such an encouragement to me!
“It takes a brave woman to allow her weakness to show. But…when we are weak, then we are strong in Him!” Oh, Ellen, this is so true. It’s really hard sometimes to let our weaknesses show, but if only we would remember that this is when God’s strength shines through our weakness. And what a testimony to the world when they see His strength working in our lives! I’m glad I stopped by. Very encouraging post. 🙂
Thank you Gayl, you always encourage me!
Thank you so much! I needed to hear Mr Lizard’s story today! Be brave and Let Go!
Hi Tonya, thanks for stopping by! So glad you were encouraged! Have a blessed day!
Hi Ellen! I love this —> “Ultimately, to be brave is to face trials with our weaknesses exposed for all to see. Because when we are weak, then His power is evident in us.” So true!
P.S. Thanks for stopping by my place today! 🙂
Hi Shelly! Thanks so much for stopping by! I just saw your name on the She Speaks 2015 page! Looking forward to meeting you!
“It takes a brave woman to be weak” – thanks always for encouraging us to #livefree sweet friend!
Kim, you are a brave, strong woman of God! Thank you for your obedience to His call to write!
Brave little guy! Now that’s determination:) Sometimes we just have to trust and let go, but it’s so hard when you are a ‘control’ person like me. I think that’s why my one word this year is trust. Thank you for letting God use you and your writings to speak to me. I always learn something new from your posts. Blessings friend:)
Thank YOU, Kristine! I appreciate you so much!
Great post! You had me going with your lizard story! I love word pictures like that! Thank you for a great reminder! Coming to you from “Espressos of Faith” via #DancewithJesus. Blessings!
So glad you stopped by Bonnie! Thank you for your encouraging words!
We don’t have lizards around here. But, so thankful for the rest we have in Him. He takes us through the fire, water and whatever faces us.
Debbie – no lizards? My goodness, they take over down here in the spring! So glad you stopped by for a visit! And yes, so very thankful for the rest we have in Christ Jesus!