Carving Out Courage: Moving Forward in Rhythm with God
There are seasons in life when God gently—but unmistakably—calls us to pause, reflect, and release. These pauses are not wasted time; they are sacred invitations to slow our pace, recalibrate our hearts, and listen for His direction.
I’ve recently experienced a moment of separation that brought me closer to God! I’m finally seeing my way forward more brightly than I EVER have. But more importantly, the fear of tomorrow or success, or I’m not good enough, or ready enough has been removed with a peace that my future is truly in the steady palm of a greater and stronger Hand.
I now have the courage to move forward.
As we entered the days of preparation for Yom Kippur this year—the biblical day of atonement—I felt the weight of that invitation. In stillness, I sensed the Spirit whisper:
“Give it to Me. Seek forgiveness for all your mess ups and resistance to this point.”
Those words settled into my heart like a quiet command.
Stillness became the doorway to surrender. It was the space where I could admit what I had been carrying—my fears, regrets, disappointments, even misplaced efforts—and finally let them go.
In our busy world, we often mistake motion for progress. But the truth is that we can be moving fast yet going nowhere. Stillness is where we exchange striving for surrender. Stillness practices for leaders are essential. It’s where we slow down enough to hear the next step and align our pace with God’s rhythm.
The Call of the Vav: A Season of New Connections
In prayer, I was drawn to the image of the Hebrew letter Vav. Vav represents a connector—a joining together of what was separate. I sensed God highlighting that symbol as a prophetic word for the season ahead:
New connections. New ideas. New opportunities. Creative movement.
Action, designing, identity coming forth.
Strength for how to move forward.
Those words were more than encouragement; they were a directive. This is not a season for clinging to the past or replaying what was lost. It’s not the time to hold on to roles that once defined us but now feel too small.
Instead, this is a season for linking with the right people, the right doors, and the right assignments—those that align with God’s vision for the future. The Vav invites us to trust that God is weaving together divine relationships and opportunities that will accelerate our purpose.
When God calls us to connect with something new, it often means releasing something familiar. That release can feel uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for growth.
Courage to Carve Out True Identity
In the quiet of stillness, I realized that courage is often less about bold public action and more about the internal decision to own who you truly are.
My husband and I recently met a woman of faith at a conference and she asked us what we do. We replied with the jobs we presently hold. She said, that’s what you do, but it’s not who you are. Then she proceeded to tell us what God has equipped us to do for Him, which is tied to our true identity.
“Knowing my identity and what I’m equipped to do—and doing it.”
Those words became a mirror for me. How often do we hide behind old roles, jobs, cultural expectations, or other people’s opinions? Sometimes, the greatest act of courage is to carve out our true identity—to say, “This is who God has called me to be, and I will live it out.”
I see you aligning with your true identity.
Your gifts were never meant to be hoarded or hidden. They are meant to bless others and build something greater than yourself. Yet the journey to live authentically will almost always be met with resistance:
The voices of fear that whisper, “You’re not ready.”
The pull of manipulation from others who preferred you in the role that served their comfort.
The temptation to cling to old titles or positions because they feel safe and familiar.
But God’s Word offers us a different mindset:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
—2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Courage is not the absence of fear—it is the choice to move forward in the face of it, trusting the Spirit who strengthens, loves, and steadies our minds.
The Shift: Rest, Not Striving
One of the most freeing revelations I received during this season was simple yet profound:
“We will not be able—or should we—strive or try to control.
Stay flexible and move only by God’s Spirit, which IS moving.”
We live in a culture that glorifies hustle and celebrates control. But heaven’s economy works differently. Breakthrough isn’t born of anxious effort; it’s born of alignment.
I now believe that my value is anchored in God’s choosing, not my performance. I will no longer tie my worth to my success.
We don’t have to push our way into doors God hasn’t opened or cling to doors He’s closed. We move when the Spirit moves. We stay when the Spirit stays. That rhythm is not passive; it’s purposeful and anchored in trust.
Rest in this sense isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about ceasing from the anxious need to force outcomes. When we live in rhythm with the Spirit, we become ready to express breakthrough everywhere, because we’re no longer wasting energy fighting battles we weren’t meant to fight.
I see a breakthrough in your business and life. You are receiving faith-driven leadership strategies, inner courage, and professional growth.
Reflective Questions for the Journey
Stillness opens space for us to hear God’s questions—those gentle prompts that reveal the state of our hearts. I invite you to take these questions into your own quiet time this week:
What does abundance look like to me—not just financially, but in relationships, health, and peace?
What would it feel like to experience showers of blessing—to receive double portions of empowerment, love, and soundness of mind?
How will I joyfully occupy what God has already placed in my hands to create overflow instead of lack?
The answers may surprise you. Often, we already possess the seeds of the breakthrough we’ve been praying for. The question is whether we’re ready to steward them with joy.
A Word for the Season: Expect the Rain
At the end of one of my prayer times, I sensed this declaration:
“On the earth, today’s forecast is RAIN!” 🌧️
Rain symbolizes more than weather; it represents refreshing, provision, and growth. It softens hard ground so that new seeds can sprout.
I believe this is a season where heaven is pouring out resources, ideas, and relationships that will nourish what God is growing in you. Our posture must be one of expectancy and readiness to receive.
A Practical Rhythm for Moving Forward
Here are three practical steps to help you stay aligned in this season of courage and connection:
Morning Surrender – Begin each day with thirty minutes of quiet prayer, simply offering God your agenda, your fears, and your hopes.
Courage Practice – Choose one small but meaningful action each day that reflects your true identity (make the call, share the idea, or set a new boundary).
Evening Gratitude – End your day by recording at least one way you noticed God’s presence or favor—no matter how small.
These small practices train your heart to live in rhythm with God’s Spirit.
Closing Prayer
Lord, in the stillness we surrender our old ways, our striving, and every false identity. We welcome Your Spirit to move us into new connections and new opportunities. Teach us to walk in courage, in rhythm with You, and to see abundance through Your eyes. Let this be the season we move not by force but by Your leading, and may we have the boldness to step through every open door You set before us. Amen.