Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 30, 2014
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
My courage melts away when I feel far away from God. A sense of aloneness feeds my discouragement and fuels my fears. Recently I took on a new project I had never done beforeand my first question was, “What if I fail?” When I look in the mirror I see frailty, but when I get on my knees in prayer I see my faithful heavenly Father. Also, I have to remind myself that I am not alone. Not only is the Lord with me, but He has given me His gifted servants to shore up the areas of my life and work where I am weak. Courage comes back when I go back to trust Christ.
Joshua was God’s successor for Moses. Though Moses made his share of mistakes, it had to feel somewhat intimidating to follow such a legend for the Lord. Joshua had unique experiences as a military leader and as a follower of Almighty God. His style of leadership was different than his predecessor’s, so he could be himself and not feel like he had to fill someone else’s shoes. We go far when we are who we are, but we stumble when we try to be who we are not. Joshua was comfortable being himself, so he experienced success. Courage follows being who God made us.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Furthermore, we can draw on the strength of the Lord knowing we are in His will. Energy and confidence accompany the belief we are in God’s will. Because of Christ’s deep abiding peace within our mind and soul, we persevere, especially during difficulties. The world scratches its head while we move ahead, sure the Holy Spirit has our best interests in mind. Courage doesn’t wait for all the probabilities and possibilities to be neatly defined. Instead, it trusts the Lord for the next step.
Perhaps your long held convictions are being tested and you need a larger dose of courage to stay true to what you know is true. If you need to avoid debt, say no to the convenience of credit, trusting the resourcefulness of your heavenly Father to provide in His timing. You may be afraid of bruising a relationship, but rest in the courageous approach of speaking the truth in love. Ask Christ for His courage to erupt from your soul and melt fear like hot lava flows from an active volcano. He upholds us with His right hand and helps us courageously do what’s right!
“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you” (1 Chronicles 28:20).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage to live the convictions You have put in my heart.
Related Readings: Genesis 15:1; 2 Samuel 7:27; Ezra 7:28; Mark 6:50; Acts 4:13, 27:25
Post/Tweet today: Energy and confidence accompany the belief that I am in God’s will. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: Podcast-God’s Care, Dr. Johnny Hunt- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ive-fallen-i-cant-get-up-audio/id418596094?i=319790449&mt=2
Order our new book, The Way of Wisdom: A Journey Towards Spiritual Growth, just out October 1st! Boyd’s one minute book video- http://bit.ly/1nhZ2bt
