Courage
A Woman of Courage
I love the song, “Courageous” by Casting Crowns. Even though its message is geared toward men, encouraging them to be leaders and stand up for God and His principles, its lyrics speak to my soul. I find that recently, praying for courage is something that is daily on my heart. I long to be the woman God created me to be. I have the desire to stand up and face the challenges in my life with strength and dignity, but so often I think I fail miserably. It seems I would rather run and hide than be the warrior I know I should be. I do take heart knowing that I have a Friend beside me on the road that I walk, but sometimes I still give into my fear. I am afraid of not being strong enough to handle the work that is set before me. But, David reminds us in 1 Chronicles 28:20 to: "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.”
I know that means that God will never leave me. He will not only stay with me during this trial, but will be by my side no matter what else comes my way. I can have confidence in Him – the choice is mine. Do I choose to cower, alone and afraid as I look to the difficulties in my life? Or, do I choose to stand up, holding onto the promises of God’s Word and be a woman of courage today?
Casting Crowns’ song reminds us that, “the only way we’ll ever stand, is on our knees with lifted hands.” So, each day I choose to fall on my knees and bow down before my Lord. I am placing my faith in Him and not in myself. I know that God will enable me to face any battle that comes my way. He will allow His strength and His courage to flow through me. The choice is mine…and I choose to be courageous! It starts today - right now, this very moment. With God by my side, I am woman of courage!
Living for Him,
25 Comments
Ooh, what a wonderful challenge and encouragement. Oh, courage - to find it on my knees. What a beautiful image. Thank you!
ReplyDeletehttp://heavenlyglimpses.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-compromise-in-marriage-really-means.html
I often wonder why I fear too Joan, because I know that carrying my daily struggles by myself shows that I have not fully trusted God with my life.
ReplyDeleteThat's when I realize that I have just spent valuable time worrying and letting
obstacles get in my way rather than letting God take charge! I know I can have courage through His amazing grace and love! :)
Blessings and a joyful weekend,
Denise
It is such a comfort knowing that God is with us. No matter where we go, we are never alone! Blessings, Joan
ReplyDeleteit is "normal" to fear, but I've found that when I really do give it all to the Lord, my courage returns! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI love - “the only way we’ll ever stand, is on our knees with lifted hands.”so true!
ReplyDeleteBlessings in His name,
May we always remember to praise His name!
ReplyDelete"placing my faith in Him and not in myself. I know that God will enable me to face any battle that comes my way. He will allow His strength and His courage to flow through me." That's it! That's key! And then we can be the weakest of wimps (like yours truly) and still stand courageous and do deeds way beyond ourselves---with Him working through us!
ReplyDeleteYes! That is the only way to truly have strength...by submitting to God and allowing Him to work through us! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI just love that line about the only way we'll be able to stand is on our knees with lifted hands. That sure is a true statement. Thanks for the encouragement Joan.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I posted this, I looked down and read Anita's words. we seem to be on the same wavelength today :)
ReplyDeleteIt's much easier to be courageous when we know the creator of the universe is on our side. Thank you for sharing this encouraging post.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Charlotte
You are so right! It is such a comfort to know that He is by our side and is guiding us along the way!
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike! =)
ReplyDeleteHe gives us the strength to handle everything that comes our way!
ReplyDeleteBless you!! I so needed this reminder to trust God.
ReplyDeleteAMEN! On my knees with lifted hands.
ReplyDeletePraise God!
ReplyDeleteBless you!! I so needed this reminder to trust God.
ReplyDeleteGod's ways are so far above ours...I am placing my trust in Him! Blessings, Joan
ReplyDeleteHis faithfulness, lovingkindness and omnipresence is neverending comfort.
ReplyDeleteAmen Sister! What and incredible song with an incredible message. We woman have been called to be courageous as well and your post inspires me. I pray your courage will grow and expand and be contagious to those around you.
ReplyDeleteBlessings from AL
I love this song, too. What a beautiful call to living a courageous life--courage that is gifted in knowing God is with us every moment.
ReplyDeleteSo true! I am so thankful for Him!
ReplyDeleteThank you.."contagious courage"! I pray that as well! May each of our witnesses encourage others to live for Christ! Blessings, Joan
ReplyDelete...and even on the days when for some reason we feel alone, when we remember that He is with us and will never leave us, we have the strength to keep going. What a blessing!
ReplyDeleteJoin the conversation! (Be sure to add your first name so I know who I'm talking to!)