Being Courageous

It always amazes me how God speaks to people!  He can speak audible or through other people or circumstances.

Last night I enjoyed watching the Hallmark Channel.  Christmas movies have already started. This movie was about this young lady who worked for a marketing company.  She assisted everybody and came up with some great marketing proposals, but she never got credit for anything.  Since this was a Christmas movie, Santa was in it and he asked her what one thing she wished for.  Her wish was to have courage and confidence and to speak up.  Her wish was granted and for 48 hours she had the courage she needed to speak up.  She learned that she always had the courage, but she needed to believe in herself.

This morning in church, the pastor spoke about how God gave Joshua his commission to "be strong and very courageous".  So often we allow fear to stop us from having courage.  What do we fear in life?  Fear of the unknown; having financial difficulties; losing our jobs;someone is going to tell us "no"; the economy; etc.  So how can we have courage during these times?

The pastor spoke about living a life of faith.  That God is powerful; God is personal and God is always with us.

God does have a plan for our lives, even when we don't think He does.  Jeremiah 29:11 says "for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Romans 8:28 says "and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

These two verses are verses that give me hope and courage to handle the circumstances that stop me from not being courageous.  I want to live wholeheartedly; to "step-out and to shine through".

This week, think about being courageous and think about what things you fear.  Be brave!  God will give you the confidence and courage that you need.  You just need to ask Him!