GOD HONORS US MOST WHEN HE PUTS US WHERE WE WILL TRUST HIM MOST
The closer we get to the fire, the more purified we will become. God wants to draw us close to Himself. We tend to fight and resist the very thing God uses with divine purpose to purify us…the inconvenience, turmoil, fears, trouble, discomfort, distress and trials of many kinds. The goal is “so that the tested genuineness of our faith- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to resort in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” I Pet. 1: 7
”Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver;
I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.” Isa. 48: 10
It really matters what seeds we are planting. Courageous people find value and gratefulness in each struggle and they grow up! There is certainty found in God; not in their self-reliance. His courage is manifested in us, as we make Him king and master in our life and not just a subtitle.
There are 9 Points that mark people who are courageous:
1. Pray constantly -in harmony with God; others-focused, not self
2. Embrace the greatness of God – practicing His presence
3. Rely on daily bread (Him), not their own ability
4. Invite accountability for the blind spots and wise counsel
5. Live expectantly with their hope in God alone and when He says “go” or “do”; there is no delay; instant obedience
6. Understands the divine purpose in the spiritual stretching Jas. 1: 2
7. Are radically generous (with their time, giving, service…)
8. Impart courage by staying in the fight – no excuse or rationalization, just example
9. Fight fear with continual practice of gratitude
Courage is fear under God’s protection – walk through that door of fear and it dissipates!
En-courage is helping someone else control their fear and doubt
Dis-courage is fear controlling me
Despair is fear has conquered me. Psa. 42: 5-11
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not,
nor be afraid; for the lord, your god,
he it is that goes before you, he will not fail or forsake you!”
Dueteronomy 31: 6
Whether life grinds you down or polishes you depends on your courage. Cynicism is the last resort of the coward. Disparagement or doubt in His faithfulness undermines the character of the courageous soul who confidently puts total trust in God. Some give Him a place; some give Him prominence; but what Christ wants is pre-eminence…
Courage is defined as grace under pressure!
Whatever you are facing today, choose Courage!
~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America. Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California. My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.
