This year is my year for courage. There is a big difference between fearlessness and courage.
You can become fearless, but live without courage every day.
Fearlessness is standing in the midst of the swirling madness and trusting that God has led you there and will sustain your paper thin faith. Courage is staring down the future and stepping forward into it throwing caution and fear to the wind. Courage is what a soldier does when he knows that what he is headed for is legitimate to fear, but he believes it is worthy of his life. Courage is active. A moving forward into fear and believing fully that God will not abandon you.
This year of courage means that I am no longer content to live my life on the sidelines of the dreams in my head. Motherhood, writing, ministering out of the overflow of God's grace- these are the missions of courage if I choose to accept.
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
What one word would you use to describe what you believe God is doing in your heart as we move into this new year? (share in the comment section if you like!)
Last year it was fearlessness and gratitude for me. God showed me how a grateful heart can dismantle fear. He continues to do that as I count grace upon grace. Gratitude has severed fear in my heart and I am hoping the pruning back of fear in 2011 will grow courage in 2012.
#2174-#2176
a restful, peaceful grace, a string of days together, this achingly difficult wait to meet this baby girl
P.S. For all of you wondering if this mama has popped yet...nope. We're over a week overdue. Pray for this little one to make her appearance soon.
Wonderful, wise words of faith! Can I quote you in my blog?
ReplyDeleteEager to hear news of your little one. :)
Hugs,
Linda
Of course you can quote me! Pray that this little one makes her debut soon! Much love in the new year!
ReplyDeleteThe word I have in the coming new year is "endure". Adjusting here has not been easy but I know God is calling me to endure.
ReplyDeleteMy word is TRUST. I have to trust in him at all times, then I have the courage to step out in faith.. Thanks for the thoughts this morning. I love that you said courage is active - A moving forward in to fear and believing fully that God will not abandon you. I'm right there, right now and am grateful for the reminder. I'm praying for you and really hope all goes well for the birth. You will meet that baby girl soon! x
ReplyDeletePraying for you as you "endure" this year ahead with joy and faith!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and sharing your word! Trust and courage are so intertwined! Praying for you as you kick off this year of radical (and a lot of times mundane) trust!
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