The Year of Courage

Courage: ability to do something that frightens you; bravery; act on one’s belief despite danger or disapproval; (oxford dictionaries).

I want you to be courageous this year. I want you to grab hold of courage and never let it go, even at the threat of loss, loneliness, or abandonment; resolve that you will cling to it dearly. I know that you want to accomplish so much, that you have plans that you have set for yourself and purposed in your heart to accomplish. You are in such a unique position, where a lot has never been possible as much as it is right now. Your entire life can change just by acting on the faith that you already have. But it requires bravery.

Yes, it’s daunting. You are being called to traverse a road that some have shunned because of various disasters; or they succumbed to fear; or the particular path was remarkably peculiar. Certainly, when God calls you, it isn’t going to be a smooth transition from where you are to where He requires you. And the sacrifices that He requires of you may seem beyond your capacity to fulfill, especially if you have invested so much already. But that is where courage comes in. Your heart may constrict in fear and uncertainty, but dare to act outside of fear and doubt.

I know that you want something different. You are tired of being in the same place, doing the same things, chained to the same feelings of discontentment. For this reason, I’m imploring you to stop being afraid. It takes courage to say no to something, and to say yes, and to love, and to let go. It takes courage to live authentically. It takes courage to live uprightly when you are surrounded by lawlessness. It takes courage to live a life that is set apart, that requires daily cleansing and renewal, when everything within you fights to cling to what is familiar and easy. Don’t you see that you have courage within you?  Everyday various things cause you to stumble, but still you pick up your cross to try again.

Undoubtedly, there are going to be moments of insecurity and trepidation, some of which will come in like a flood and threaten to destroy your progress. And should that calamity succeed in knocking you off your feet, don’t feel sorry for yourself [for too long]. Pick yourself up and try again. You will find that some calamities reposition you to pursue a different path. What lies on that path requires you to put your fear to death, and try one more time.

The result of courage may not always be tangible. But courage changes you for the better, and that is sufficient.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand...For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you- Do not fear; I will help you" (Isaiah 41: 10,13).

David also said to his son Solomon: "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).