We live in troubling times. No wonder many wrestle with anxiety. Let’s be honest. There’s no shortage of things to worry about. So how do we build courage to help us face the things we fear? One way I’ve learned to calm my anxious heart is by watching for signs of God at work all …
Category Archives: Devotion
22420.9 Courage Takes the Next Step
“Make a wish. Wish upon a star. I grant you three wishes.” All are lines from my favorite fairy tales. A wish is exciting. Magical. But often out of our reach. Webster defines a wish as “a strong desire to have or do something—usually unattainable.” In John 5, we read about a crippled man with …
22420.8 Behind Closed Doors
There is strength in getting alone with God. Time with the Lord increases our courage. Jesus knew this full well. The Bible tells us He “withdrew often” to be alone with the Father. How much more should we? There’s no more important task on earth than seeking God. When trouble hits, I’ve learned to go …
22420.7 Courage When You Feel “Less Than”
God loves us when we are weak, but He delights in making us strong. The Bible is filled with stories of how God empowers broken men and women to conquer their enemies, pull down strongholds, move mountains, and accomplish His work on earth. Gideon sure felt less than courageous. He referred to himself as the …
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22420.6 Doing Hard Things
We’ve been exploring practical ways to increase our courage in the Lord. We see in 1 Samuel 30:1-7 how King David strengthened himself after a devastating attack by the Amalekites. David first got alone and “strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Sam 30:6 ESV). He sought God’s wisdom. Then he courageously obeyed God’s …
22420.5 Woman of Valor
Who can find a woman of valor? (Proverbs 31:10 Orthodox Jewish Bible). The dictionary defines valor as “courage and bravery in the face of danger.” But the Hebrew word for valor, chayil, is much more vibrant, depicting a “warrior, army, strength, honor, even wealth.” Chayil, is actually a military term. So I was surprised to …
22420.4 Becoming Like a Child Takes Courage
Sometimes God provides a deep spiritual lesson we least expect it. While reading through Matthew’s Gospel one day, I was struck by Jesus’s words to His disciples: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3 NIV). The word used in this verse for change means …
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22420.3 Laughing at Our Fears
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come (Proverbs 31:25). One of the things I love most about my husband David is the way he would always encourage our children to laugh at the very things they were afraid of. He referred to their fears as “fret flies.” …
22420.2 Mighty Man of Valor
Courage comes in all kinds of packages. Perhaps you’re in the military. Or you’re a first responder. Or a caregiver holding the hands of the dying. Or you’re faithfully caring for your children—pouring life into the next generation. People show courage in many different ways. But do you ever feel like you’re not strong enough …
22420.1 Love Makes Us Brave
I agree with Indiana Jones: “I hate snakes!” Maybe some of you share my distaste these slithery reptiles. A while back when cleaning our garage, our son found a small copperhead hiding behind a box. My first response was “Yikes! Go hide!” My next thought was, “Go get ‘em!” I grabbed the nearest gardening tool, …