Often in life, we find ourselves at a place that requires a lot of courage. Maybe you or a loved one are facing an illness. Perhaps you have moved to a new town, started a new job or don’t know how you are going make it after the death of a loved one; all of these can require that you have courage.
The place of courage requires us to trust God even when we do not see His hand or have all of the details. It can be a place where there are a lot of unknowns which may cause a lot of fear and anxiety.
Recently, I had a conversation with my Mom. We talked about walking through difficult times. She reminded me of Psalms 23 where God promises to lead us in “the paths of righteousness.” She then highlighted Psalms 23:4 and pointed out that in that verse, God tells us that they are just SHADOWS of death (which means they are not even real)! Shadows!
When we find ourselves at the place of courage, we have to remember that God is always with us! We have to be honest with God about all of the emotions that we are dealing with. Finally, we have to ask Him to give us the courage needed to walk through this place. He will grab us by the hand and lead us.
Scripture Reading:
Esther 4: 12-16 (NIV)
When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Psalms 23 (KJV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Joshua 10:25 (NIV)
Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”
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