The Courageous Ones

Practice Silence: Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.

“Since it is so likely that (children) will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.”

                  
                                                               - CS Lewis

Courage requires risk. Courage requires vulnerability. Courage requires examples.

To watch others live courageously often gives us courage. This courage is based on great trust. This is not to be confused with fearlessness for often courage and fear go hand in hand. Yet for those that choose courage, their faith and trust trump fear.

Who are the courageous ones in your life? Those persons that live with great bravery, risk and vulnerability? How will you live courageously?

Practice Silence: Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.

Share Your Stories

**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**

“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for my soul.” Psalm 66:16

    Many of us have stories of healing, redemption, transformation. We carry stories of God’s miraculous work in our lives. He has done great things for our souls and we hesitate to share the stories.

    When you share the stories, you offer others a little bit of faith. So many are pummeled by doubt of Who God is and His power. As you tell others the stories of what God has done for your soul you remind them of Who God is and you offer courage.

    Stories of transformation are contagious and offer courage. How will you encourage another today by telling them what God has done for you?

**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**

Courage, Fear and Faith

**Sit quietly, eyes closed in and silence for one minute before reading.**
 
    Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is walking forward despite fear … with faith.

    When God calls us into the unknown (it happens often, my friends!) we often a mixture of emotions. We walk courageously forward in faith. Often our faith is general, holding onto the simple yet deepest truths of God. He loves us, He is good and He is sovereign. We sometimes do not get any others details! (I know, it kills the type – A’s).

    How is God calling you to step forward in faith? What fears do you have? Talk to God, tell Him your fears and ask for the faith that helps you walk forward in courage!
 
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**

The Gift of Courage

**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**

    What a gift to give someone courage! So many people live in fear. Fear of failing in a performance, fear of rejection, fear of loss, fear of pain, fear of travel, fear of (fill in the blank). We all are fearful and we all know how paralyzing fear can be.

    We have all also received courage from another. He or she gives us courage to stand up in front of others, to love, to get on an airplane. He or she gives us courage to believe stepping forward in faith is worth it, no matter what that step brings forth.

    Courage is a gift we offer others. We tell them it is worth the risk, it is worth trying, it is worth living.

    As we offer courage as we know One who is with us and walks alongside us. No matter what happens, whether we perform and succeed or fail, whether we love and remain in love/get hurt, no matter what, God is with us.

    How can you offer someone courage today? How can you encourage someone to step out in faith, knowing that God is with them all the way?

**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**

While You Wait

**Sit quietly, eyes closed in silence for one minute before reading.**

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:13-14

    These verses in Psalm 27 are some of my favorite in all of Scripture. I love them because they speak of hope, of God’s goodness on earth, of the reality that it is difficult to wait and that we need to choose to take courage and stand strong. They are a summation of life as we wait for redemption, for healing and ultimately for the LORD.
    The reason we do not despair is because we believe and trust in God’s goodness. The challenge to be strong, take courage and wait (mentioned twice!) shows that it is difficult to do just those things. To wait for redemption and healing from God has its ups and downs, its moments of despair and moments of great hope. Mostly it is waiting, waiting and trusting.
    May these verses encourage you today as you wait on the Lord.

**Sit again in quiet for as long as is available to you.**

Be Strong and Courageous

**Sit quietly, eyes closed in silence for one minute before reading.**

“Have I not commanded you? 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

    What fears linger in your mind? How has your heart been discouraged lately?
Much of my fear happens in isolation, particularly in the isolation of my mind, in my thoughts. No one knows I am afraid or discouraged unless I tell them. A close friend or husband might be able to tell through my actions or my tone, but to most people, they cannot see.
    If others cannot see my fear and discouragement that means I cannot see theirs either. I do not know what lingers in their minds and weighs down their heart.
    The command that God gives Joshua is a command for us as well. Be strong, be courageous for God is with you. God is WITH you, next to you, all the time, anytime. You are not alone and He knows your fears and your discouragement.
    May the presence of God empower and embolden you to live courageously, without fear and lifted up out of discouragement.

**Sit in quiet again for as long as is available to you.**