Opportunity to be Courageous

Last year was a year in which I had many chances to be courageous. At every turn there was some sort of procedure in which it was very necessary for me to be strong and courageous. In the waiting room of Texas Oncology -while waiting for yet another round of chemo - I learned of courage.

This year; thankfully, I haven't faced anywhere near as many opportunities which called for courage. I am realizing that this sleep study will require courage because I am nervous about it already. But I will claim Deut. 33:25b - "As are your days so shall be your strength."

As I was doing my quiet time this morning, I realized that this year I have actually struggled with discouragement- maybe because last year I experienced so many opportunities to feel courageous and not as many this year. I know what I am about to say is going to say is going to be a duh statement- but please pay attention- I think it is very important:

Discouragement is the opposite of courage.

 

When you face struggles and disappointments that cause discouragement

- you are really facing opportunities for courage!

 

 

Courage is not just facing scary medical testing or chemo sessions or even facing our biggest fears. Sometimes courage is holding onto our trust in God even when our prayers go unanswered, or holding on to faith when a surgery we had, failed to correct the problem, or maybe when life's problems get us down and we choose to find joy instead.

 

We need to learn that we don't need to be discouraged- it is only an opportunity to be courageous!

 

Cast your burden on the LORD,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 55:22

 

When you are tempted to be discouraged just "Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:14

 

God knows that we will face discouragement, but we are promised that if we wait on the LORD - He shall strengthen our hearts and give us courage.

 

SO the next time you are tempted to be discouraged - realize that it is an opportunity for you to be courageous. Put your trust in God and He shall strengthen your heart.