"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)
Have you ever thought of what the word “courage” means? The Oxford Dictionary describes courage as the “ability to do something that frightens one.” It is also defined as “the ability to undertake an overwhelming difficulty or pain despite the eminent and unavoidable presence of fear.”
Women in our Christian Women at Work Bible Study group defined it in the following ways:
feeling the fear but doing it anyway
working in spite of the fear
stepping up to the challenge, and
leaning on God when afraid and then being able to do what we are afraid of.
In the workplace, as in life, we are regularly confronted with fearful or uncomfortable situations. We need the courage to deal with them. Opportunities can also make us nervous or uncomfortable as we consider the decision we need to make and what the outcome might look like. Perhaps you are afraid to do something, but you know you should. You may be scared to speak up about something, but you know you should.
Courage is the step needed to move from inactivity to activity in a fearful situation.
Take a moment to ask yourself, "What do you feel you should be doing but need the courage to do?"
Below are 14 bible verses about courage. This week, read the verses of each day and record what God wants you to know. Certain things will “stand out” to your heart, soul, and mind as you read them and meditate on them. At the end of the week, review what God has revealed to you and record what your next step will be.
Monday:
1. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
2. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
3. The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.” (Deuteronomy 31:23)
4. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. (Joshua 1:7)
Write down what God wants you to know today.
Tuesday:
5. 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)
6. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. (1 Chronicles 22:13)
7. David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. (1 Chronicles 28:20)
8. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. (1 Chronicles 32:7)
Be sure to make note of what God wants you to know today.
Wednesday:
9. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)
10. Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)
11. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)
12. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm 94:18-19)
Record what God wants you to know today.
Thursday:
13. Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. (Proverbs 23:12)
14. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
Jot down what God wants you to know today.
Friday:
Courage application: What is your next step in your journey with God? Be specific as you decide and write it down for future reference. Give it to God in prayer, then trust God for the courage to take this step.
Taking This to God in Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word which gives us everything we need to know about every situation. Help us to always turn to Your Word first for wisdom, guidance, and encouragement. Please help us to understand what it means to be courageous. You have told us to be courageous; therefore, we know we can be because of You. Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
May God richly bless you as you turn to Him for courage.
Have a wonderful week!
Bonny, Christian Women at Work