by Kelly Dixon
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
When I first received the call from the Lord to His speaking and writing ministry, I couldn't see how it was possible. At the time, the obstacles of daily life saturated my thinking so much that I couldn't see God's bright rays of sunlight through the rain forest that I had come to know as my life. Excuses began to fall from my mouth as I would pray and with each excuse the Lord gave an answer that not only eliminated the excuse but called me to be strong and courageous in His strength. I would sit at times just staring out the window of my living room wondering how I was going to make it through the next day much less fulfill the call the Lord had given me. I remember at one point the Lord stirred His desire for my life so much that He would give me visions of speaking in front of crowds where He was telling me exactly what to say. It was then that I realized the Lord was directing me to take courage because I wouldn't be alone.Many portraits have been drawn to illustrate the account when Jesus walked on water. One I have seen lately shows the fear that was on the disciples faces as Jesus barely becomes visible to them in the fog. They were very afraid thinking they were seeing a ghost. However, Jesus tells them, “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.” Courage is something that we must take, not something that will just fall into our laps one day. When we start fulfilling God's purpose for our lives, the glimpses of our Savior can sometimes be fogged with fear as the battles of this life begin to overcome us. We think strongly about quitting our mission for the Lord and to quit would be easy. It takes no skill to give up. It takes courage, however, to fight. We must take courage to face the battles life brings our way and not back down. Victory only comes to those who are brave enough to stand and fight!
Are you taking courage or are you cowering in your home? As I sat those times looking out my window, the cowardly feelings were ever present; but the Lord continued to remind me of His victory. The key is knowing that our strength to fight comes from the Lord. It is our faith in Christ that gives us the ability to stand and fight the battles of this life that hinder us from being about our Father's business. Our faith in Christ must be exercised by taking courage to do the Lord's will even through life trials. I wonder how many of us today are cowering in our homes in the face of great battles that need to be fought while others, who are facing those exact same battles, are out there living in victory because they exercised their faith in Christ! We must take courage and have the faith in the Lord that He will help us fight and get victory over whatever battles life may throw our way. Through Jesus, victory is ours. We must take courage and claim it!!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus told us in this world we would have trials and tribulations. He also told us to “be of good cheer” because He has already overcome this world. Help me to put my hope and faith in Christ. He alone will give me the strength to stand and fight the battles of life and be victorious. Amen.
Deepening The Walk Mini Bible Study: This faith series is being accompanied with mini Bible studies for further in depth study. When Ladies for Jesus offers these type studies, we call them “Deepening The Walk.” It is our prayer that you use this extra material to assist you in deepening your walk with the Lord. Deepening The Walk Mini Bible Study page.
