Throughout our lives, we get to see or hear about things that would want to push us into a chasm of dismay or despair. And while sometimes we feel this way as a result of how great the problems facing us seem to be, other times we feel this way when the future God has shown us looks too huge and far off from our present state.
Beloved, God our Father knows how we feel deep down when we think about such things. He notices how our breaths catch and how our hearts somersault deep within our chests. He sees the issues we face daily, and the hundreds of things we've referred to as obstacles between us and our dreams. In spite of all these, here is what he wants us to do: take courage!
Here's what God told Joshua when he called him to lead his people:
"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”[Joshua 1:9, New Living Translation]
Our Father knows that when we start to feel discouraged, fear usually sets in. And there is nothing that kills a dream quicker than fear. This was why he kept repeating those words to Joshua. I am sure there were times Joshua looked at the enemies all around him and felt like crawling into a hole to hide. And I'm sure for all of us, there have been periods of our lives when we felt our courage desert us and every ounce of bravery within us take flight. When we get to those points, and sometimes, long before we even get there, God always comes with his words to remind us. His words for us: "Take courage child. I'm with you everywhere!"
God wants us to always remember that He who lives in us is far greater than anything that lies ahead. He expects us to rest in this knowledge and allow it not only keep but strengthen our hearts.
The Bible speaks of a man called David, and an instance where the people under him were about to turn against him because they had lost their loved ones. I believe at that point, David must have felt so much despair. He must have understood the pain those men felt, but felt a sharp stab of pain as he pondered on his men's behaviour and abrupt change in their thought processes: men who had claimed to love him now wanted to kill him. At that sad point in his life, he must have felt so afraid. But he did something worthy of notice. The Bible puts it this way: David encouraged himself in the Lord! Here was a man at the edge of the cliff of courage, and about to jump into the turbulent sea of despair. Suddenly, his heart screams at him: "Take courage David! God is with you in this.".
Imagine him ponder on these words and on God's faithfulness.Strength returns to his heart and with it numerous ideas start to swirl within his head. Several new ideas are beginning to open up, and suddenly he's walking away from the edge of the cliff to stable ground: a ground of hope, strength and new strategies!
Beloved, in spite of what you're going through currently, Father wants you to be courageous. Remind yourself that because God is with you, everything is possible, and let this strengthen your heart. Take courage and stand strong. It will end in praise!
GO ACHIEVE
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