I don’t see me as a ‘courageous’ person. I’m one who feels timid and afraid of ‘doing it wrong, falling flat on my face, creating irreversible consequences, upsetting the apple cart,’ and any other expression that denotes a level of fear. After I became a widow those feelings were even more intensified. I felt afraid of almost everything—sometimes of even getting up and getting going in the morning!
COURAGEOUS PEOPLE
When I think of courageous people, especially in the Bible, there is David facing Goliath, Daniel in the lion’s den, Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego being thrown into the fire, Mary being told she’s carrying a child and had never been with a man, Deborah in Judges who went into battle with Barak because he didn’t want to go alone, and even Jael, who at the end of the battle killed the commander, Sisera, who had fled after the Israelites took care of his army! These people displayed incredible courage.
Certainly we have people in our modern age who are also courageous. I think of the 9/11 attacks and all the men and women who responded, policeman who do their best to keep us safe from those doing ill will to the general public, and other first responders. Consider those who choose to be astronauts, climb mountains, or those who serve as a rescue team to find those lost in an avalanche and on and on! There are plenty of examples. And when I compare myself to them, I fall way short!
ORDINARY PEOPLE
But when I look at the names of the people God used, even those I listed, He called ordinary people to do extraordinary things. David was a shepherd and he became king! Mary was an ordinary girl getting ready to be married, and she carried the Son of God. Jael was a married woman who lived in a tent and ended the life of an evil man. Daniel was a servant who refused to bow to another idol, and the list goes on.
AM I QUALIFIED?
What makes you or me any different? Why can’t God call us to do things we hadn’t planned on, or feel qualified to do? God knew us before we were born and has had a ‘purpose’ for our lives since the beginning of time.
God’s calling doesn’t mean we are special, but it gives our lives meaning. It’s not about weakness, it’s about His strength. Herein we find our courage to place ourselves in God’s hand and then respond to His leading.
THE NEXT STEP
Courage isn’t necessarily the absence of fear. Sometimes courage is taking the next step while still afraid. Often it’s described as being able to let go of control and allowing God to forge us into the people He wants us to become for the kingdom. It’s about trusting God’s character as being good, faithful, wise and loving, even when we don’t understand. Trust becomes a willingness to take a step, even when our feelings haven’t caught up with where we are at this moment.
FEARFUL
It’s choosing to submit to God’s will, even when it’s hard and in a place we are afraid.
Having dealt with loss, we are often more ‘fearful’ than normal. We’ve dealt with pain we can’t describe, and a often feel like we live in a dark place and are searching for something positive to cling to.
GOD CAN STILL USE US
God can use us still! Again, I don’t feel courageous—in fact, I see me often as afraid—cautious— not at all sure which way to go or how to respond! I’m not special. I’m just a struggling writer who is now, also a widow. God continues to show me my life still has value and gives me meaningful ways to live it.
He can do the same for you….. Just ask Him what he wants of you. Surrender to His will. Be active and honest in your relationship with Him….And take a small step forward, even when you’re uncertain and are wrestling with fear. Discover what’s ahead in the will of God, as he leads you.
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