In Other Words--Take Courage!

“Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened,
and do not be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 ESV

Earlier this month, Jewel was writing a school report on courage inspired by a book she was reading. I asked her, as part of her report to define what courage was. She was to use a quote from the book to help her come up with her definition. Eventually, this is what she wrote:

Courage is doing what has to be done even when you are afraid.

Fear is a healthy reaction. Fear often keeps us from venturing into things that would be too dangerous for us to handle. It is our bodies natural defense to ask us to be on guard. The problem occurs when we allow the natural instinct to make the final decision, instead of adding rational reason to the decision-making. When we allow the emotion of fear to cripple our decisions and our moving forward, then we need to address a problem.

Courage says, "I see a reason to be afraid, and I will heed the warning, but I will move forward." Courage is hearing the sirens of alarm and using them to arm ourselves with understanding and awareness, but still going forward to accomplish what we need to do.

I have claimed this verse for the past two years of uncertainty with ministry, work and housing. They have brought immense encouragement in times of crippling fear. These verses remind me that I am commanded to move with courage not stand with fear.  I am sure I will claim them again and again as God continues to lead us into unknown areas of ministry.  I pray that even when I am afraid, I will find the courage to do what needs to be done.

Patricia at Typing One-Handed is today's hostess. Please go and visit the ladies who will be writing on today's verse and be blessed at how God is conquering fear and giving courage to his people.