Saturday, January 7, 2012

January 7, 2012

Last night, I spent some time with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law.  Frank has been out of work for over 4 months.  During all that time, I didn't even think to pray for him. Crazy I know, but nevertheless, I didn't.  In the month of December, Terri and I took out my mother-in-law and Frank's mom. In the car, Frank's mom shared with me how she had been praying for Frank and it hit me; I wasn't praying for him!

What was I doing? I try to pray for anyone that needs prayer. I meditated and wondered; why on earth had I not said one prayer?  It came to me in a flash, Frank always showed courage in the face of his adversity.  Because of the strength and perseverance I witnessed, I didn't even think he needed me to pray, but he did!

I began to pray with others and then yesterday, six days after his unemployment ran out, Frank got a job.  Praise the Lord!  As I watched him last night, I realized, God knew exactly what Frank needed.  Looking back, he was in turmoil, but his courage was there too.  This made me think about all the people who are facing great challenges in life.   Is it possible for us to portray courage in the face of adversity even though we are scared, lonely and insecure? Yes we can.  So if that's the case, what does it mean to have courage?

According to Dictionary.com, courage means the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, ect., without fear; bravery. 


Is courage part of the Holy Spirit?  When we look at someone, what displays courage? Is it the ability to face danger, like hunting a bear at 10 feet or jumping off the highest building?  I don't think so.  Courage is saying, "I know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  I believe He died on a cross and rose again."  In order to have true courage, we can't just confess this to other Christians.  We must be bold, step out on faith, and tell it to the masses.  That is my definition of courage.


Looking from the outside, I believe only a few have the courage to stand tall.  For many, we struggle with what people think more than what Christ thinks. What are we afraid of anyway?  Do we fear rejection more than we fear God?  I am speaking from experience and asking the questions I so often have asked myself.  Why?  Because in all honesty, I do fear rejection more.  Not a pretty confession but nonetheless, true.


As I have challenged myself this year, I am asking all of us to quit fearing rejection and stand up!  God is calling us, as women, to pray for our nations, our families and our future generations.  It is time we unite and call out to Christ for his saving grace upon us.  The fear holds us.  We are in chains and those chains cause us to be silent.  So let's take some time and ask God to release us from our bondage.  


I desire to share my faith without the bondage of wondering what people think of me.  Why?  Because, I have experienced great fear when confessing my faith to those that don't believe.  To this day, I have close family members and friends that don't know Christ.  It breaks my heart thinking about the opportunities I have wasted because of that fear.  If not for the death of  my father, I would still be in bondage.  It took waiting by my father's death bed and praying, God please reveal Yourself to him!  I need You to be present in his dreams so that he can reside on the streets of Gold!  Do you know how scared I was?  What if my father didn't truly believe as he took his last breath?  The responsibility I felt in those last days is more than I can share through this venue, however, I want you to know the burden was great.  By the time I had enough courage to really share, it was too late.  He was incoherent and had few days to live.  God would have to do all the work because I was too scared. 


It was during that time, Christ did something truly amazing; He awakened in me a new heart.  A heart that must be bold!  I must fulfill the purpose God has given me; to walk with Christ and to share His mercy to the lost.  We all know that Christ has the ability to save but if we aren't talking, then we aren't walking.  It takes all of us to stand up and rely on Him for protection and courage. That's as bold as it gets!  We need to stop being afraid.  We need to ask for boldness and have courage that our Lord knows what He's doing.  The bottom line is, it's time to walk in faith!  


Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV:


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.


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."


Isaiah 41:6 NIV:


each helps the other and says to his brother,"Be strong!"


My hope is that you get it.  Please realize it's time to be courageous!  Believe me, this challenge is not just for you.  I know how hard it is to stand on faith; I am praying for me too.  I don't want to waste one more minute. Isn't it time we leave our legacy?


My prayer today:


LORD, it is much easier to write the words, "be courageous" and yet, it is so hard to fulfill.  Please give us the wisdom and understanding to be courageous today.  Lift us up in prayer and guide our feet as You call us to spread the Word.  Help us to know that You are near and give us strength to be there for others.  Guide us like sheep and penetrate our hearts.  Lord, we desire to walk closer to You today. Please make us bold and bring women into our lives that need You.  I just thank you for the times in my life where I had courage to do the impossible.  I also thank you for forgiving me when I failed you miserably.  If I could ask just one thing, give us the courage You had as You were led to the cross.  Help us to be bold and to never forget what You have done for us.  Protect the women that read this blog and help them become mighty in your presence.  Finally, I ask that your hand is on me as I write this blog.  Thank you for giving me courage today and every day!


Until tomorrow......




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