Unhappy people hurt people. If you find yourself belittled, diminished, or humiliated, take courage. It’s not about you!
-Brian Houston
Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 MSG
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27 ESV
I was reminded in the movie Cinderella that we are to take courage, to be courageous no matter what is occurring about us.
Courage is doing it afraid, regardless of your fear or what it is you are facing.
The Bible is full of men and women that God needed to remind to be courageous:
Moses
Joshua
Mary
the disciples
And many more who asked God for courage in hard situations:
Samson
David
Rack, Shack & Benny 🙂
even Jesus!
If the God who came down to rescue us at such great cost to Himself needed to ask His Father to help Him as He faced the cross, why do we feel we don’t need to?
Why do we let the situation be the one to dictate our response?
I recently decided I need to rebalance my work schedule, and have been phasing in to where it will hopefully land over the next few weeks, as I have three part time jobs.
God has led me to cut equally from all three, to make room for what He is calling me to, and for which I need more time with Him to prepare.
I have had a problem saying no to people over the years, but God has been equipping and empowering me to speak up when I need to say no, and not worry about what will happen if I am following His lead.
I am not responsible for other people’s expectations, behaviors or decisions (other than my children, who are almost fully grown). Each of us need to own our own choices, and take courage when others don’t like ours.
God continuously reminds me that He is with me, and He is more than enough to help me face whatever may come my way in His strength, confident in He who equips me.
I can have courage no matter what I am facing because of Him.
Feel like you too are facing the lions den when you need to say no? Take courage: The same God who shut down the lions’ appetites will keep you safe.
Feel like you are in the frying pan?
Take courage: The same God who showed up in the fiery furnace will be with you.
Feel like your needs outweigh your abilities?
Take courage: The same God who fed the 5000 men & their families from a few fish & loaves, the same God who clothes the wildflowers with magnificence will meet your needs.
God never changes.
We can have courage because we know the character of the One we follow.
This God who gave His all is a courageous love display for all earth & heaven to see? He has unlimited courage!
And He loves to answer our heart’s cry, like the loving Father and adoring Bridegroom He is!
Like our God, we were meant to be courageous.
Its time to stand up, and walk with courage into the day God has made and onto the path He has planned for us!
If you can’t be courageous any other way, than grab His hand and don’t afraid!
If you need a ‘theme’ song to help remind you God is able to give you all the courage you need, I recommend this one:
Courageous by Casting Crowns
KARLA LEES 