Courage is a bold habit that can face difficulties and danger in a broken world. The unseen strength to push back from what we can’t see that is resisting us to meeting our destinations. Like how we need the courage to face the attacks that we can’t see. Courage when we feel all those feelings that remind us of the scars of life that cause us to second guess ourselves in fear.
I love the lion from the Wizard of Oz. He was supposed to be the one with the most courage. When he first appears, he is strong and fierce but only for a moment. Once challenged, his courage turns to fear. We learn quickly that the courageous lion is not so courageous. His strength quickly turns into his weakness as he weeps with the fear of his own tail. He feels guilty that he does not have courage. It is amazing how three strangers became his strength. With a little wisdom and someone to lift him up and help him see that there was really nothing to be afraid of he regains his ability and embarks on a new journey to find more courage from the one who gives it.
As I think of courage and fear and how they walk the same road I am encouraged that I know where to go to get courage. I am comforted that when fear creeps in, I can stop and ask of the one who gives me my courage for peace and comfort. Let's take time today to seek out those things that given us the spirit of fear, as God does not give us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (1 Timothy 1:7) We must not give way to our fears lest we are consumed and paralyzed in all things God has for us. God does not want us to be stuck in life as the lion was stuck without his courage. He wants us to come to him and receive that which we are lacking.
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. - Psalm 56:3-4
Dear Lord, Give us the courage like a lion to follow you to all places you would have us go. Help us not fear and to keep our eyes on you. Give us the peace and comfort to take every step in obedience and trust in your perfect will for our lives.
