I am brave enough to claim for my just reward.
I am brave enough to face a tall challenge.
I am brave enough to let go of the past and follow my calling.
I am brave enough to follow my inner guidance and do one thing that scares me, every day.
Responsive Reading for Sunday, November 12
Having worked for Laban (his “boss” and father-in-law) for 14 years, finally Jacob was brave enough to ask for a raise: “’You know what work I did for you and how well your livestock fared under my care; the little you had before I came has grown into very much …. Therefore I should now do something for my own household as well.’ [Jacob had a clever plan to which Laban agreed, and both he and Jacob] . . . . grew increasingly prosperous” (Gen.30:29-43).
I am brave enough to claim for my just reward.
“Then David spoke to [King] Saul:’”Let your majesty not lose courage. I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine [Goliath] . . . . David continued: ‘The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.’ Saul answered David, ‘Go! the LORD will be with you’” (I. Samuel 17:32-3).
I am brave enough to face a tall challenge.
Having been an important man in his community and a harsh critic of Jesus’ followers, a man named Saul changed his name to “Paul,” and was brave enough to change his mind: “Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:8-14).
I am brave enough to let go of the past and follow my calling.
“Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage” (Psalm 23:4).
I am brave enough to trust God’s guidance and do one thing that scares me, every day.