Happy Wednesday Everyone!
To those visiting I say welcome. I post every Wednesday and my purpose is to bless you in your day as you go along your way.
Have you ever found yourself going about your day when suddenly you realize that your joy and peace have been replaced by a nauseating sense of self doubt?
I used to be plagued with self-doubt but God has done such a deep and refining work in me that I rarely trip up in that area anymore. I did say, rarely, which means I sometimes still do.
In fact, just yesterday I walked away from a conversation that left me looking down and not up.
It only took me a few minutes (or was it hours) to reaffirm to myself the fact that I have followed as Jesus has led me. My walk might look a little different than yours, and your walk no doubt looks different than your neighbors, but it's the path that counts. As long as we press on, press in, and keep moving toward the Promised Land, we don't have to split hairs over pigeon toes, duck feet, knocked knees, or short steps.
We're all different - and that was God's design - but we have this in common - we were made to bring Him glory.
So what does that little anecdote have to do with "giving courage"?
Everything. Just this morning I spoke with two of my golden girls (mentors) who gave me courage by encouraging me. They knew nothing about my inner struggle yesterday but they walk in step with the Holy Spirit and He informed them that I needed an arm around my shoulder.
One of my golden girls went to bat for my seventeen year old son who is dealing with a herniated disc. She asked God to intervene on His behalf. She waited in His presence and she listened to His voice through His Word. Then she called me to remind me once again that God is very much engaged in this process with Jordan and that many people are praying for him. My heart was strengthened by that call.
Shortly thereafter, I received another call from another golden girl (every one should have a mentor!) who blessed me beyond words. She went to prayer this morning and boldly asked this question, "Lord, Susie is on my heart today. What can you tell me that I can share with her?" She waited, and listened, and read the Word of God.
The things she shared with me were specific answers to questions I'd been asking God last night and this morning. Her call filled me with courage along with the reminder that we serve a loving, living, intimately involved God. How sweet it is to be loved by Him!
No matter how you're feeling today - give some courage away. Go to the Lord on behalf of someone. Or go with no agenda at all and just ask God who needs a fresh dose of courage. Spend some time waiting, listening, and reading the Word. Trust that God loves to answer prayers such as this.
And remember, what we sow is what we grow.
When you give some courage, you'll also receive it at just the right time.
Be blessed today - and be a blessing today.
Until next week...