C is for Courageous

C is for Courageous
by Wendy Elizabeth Middleton

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you: he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Sometimes it is the little negative voice in the back of our minds that we must fight. “Who do you think you are?” “It can’t be done, better to not even try.” “Do you honestly think that God could use you, you are worthless, a failure – Loser!”

The more we head in God’s direction, the louder the devil shouts in our ears, throwing up imaginary road blocks that we must have the courage to walk through. It’s a smoke screen, one of Satan’s most powerful weapons, but it is nothing more substantial than smoke. The fog looks solid, and we can’t see what is on the other side – but God can see and if you follow Him then the fog swirls around you with no power to stop you – none at all.

If the smoke screen doesn’t work then Satan turns up the peer pressure. “Who do you think you are?” “Why do you suddenly think you’re better than the rest of us?” “You ain’t fooling anybody. You are the same crappy person you have always been with the same crappy life that you have always had.”

This one is harder. These are your friends and they just don’t get why salvation is such a big deal. But it is a big deal, and sometimes you have to hold onto that truth with both hands.

Salvation makes all the difference in the world. You should be different because of it. But because you are different you must act, and react differently. It is natural to want your friends to share in this wonderful salvation, but honestly sometimes you have to just walk away. You can’t change their hearts, you can only show them the way, and the way is in a whole new direction. You can’t go where they go and do what they do anymore.

Jesus said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Matthew 10:34; 36

If your path leads to the mission field then you may face stones, rather than ridicule. But even here God is with you. When facing the Assyrian army Hezekiah, the King of Judah told the people to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.” 2 Chronicles 32:7

That greater power is God. It is not with our strength that we fight the battles of life, it is with the strength of God that will see us through the fog, the pressure and the fight.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Simple – Ain’t – Easy
But it sure is worth it
Wendy