"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Where does your courage come from? As Christians, we know God gives us courage. However, how often do we think about that gift and its meaning in our everyday lives? Is there something in your life right now you believe you should do but do not feel you have the courage to take the next step? Perhaps it is starting a new project, looking for a new job, thinking about returning to school or talking to your boss about a new role.
Over the next few weeks, please take some reflection time to think about “Trusting God for Courage for Your Journey.” Essentially, take time for self-reflection. Sometimes, before we can improve in an area of our lives or take a needed “next step,” we need to understand it better from a personal perspective. Part 2 of “Trust God for Courage for Your Journey” will be about understanding courage better from God’s perspective.
Take time to answer the following five questions. Don’t rush through your answers, as an understanding of courage can be the next step you need to take in your faith journey. Find a quiet place and set aside adequate time (we know schedules can change, so plan the best you can!) to think about each question. Prayerfully ask God to give you the wisdom to understand courage and the importance of it in your walk with Him.
Taking This to God in Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word is rich with demonstrations of Your love and faithfulness. Forgive us if and when we take Your gifts of love and direction lightly and do not go deeply into our hearts and souls with an appreciation for them. Forgive us when we do not actively put them into place so we can take the next steps in our faith journey You have planned for us. Forgive us when we do not turn to You and Your Word for wisdom on how to deal with fearful situations. Every day, please give us an understanding of courage and teach us what we need to know. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Digging Deeper
Question #1: Courage is a word that we hear often. How would you define courage?
“Let us test and examine our ways and return to the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:40)
Question #2: On a scale of 1 to 10, how courageous would you say you are? Why did you give yourself that number?
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139: 23-24)
Question #3: What is something regarding work that interests you which you want to do but have yet to do?
“I considered my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies.” (Psalm 119:59)
Question #4: Regarding something you want to do you have not yet done, do you think it is a courage issue? If so, what specifically are you afraid of?
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:21)
Question #5: What do you think God wants you to know about this situation?
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)