DAY 14 – DEEPEN MY COURAGE
By: Kinsey Minter
[/nectar_highlighted_text][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-book” color=”Accent-Color”]SCRIPTURE:
JOSHUA 1:9 ESV
“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.”[/text-with-icon][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-user” color=”Accent-Color”]DEVOTIONAL:
Do you have the courage to try something when you might fail? When we are faced with an opportunity that has a high risk of failure, awkwardness, discomfort, or difficulty, what is our first thought? Here are some thoughts that I have had, “That’s not my gift, I am not the right person for that, I am not talented or experienced enough, or I don’t want to change what I am used to right now.” If we think that we will get in on our first try, without awkwardness or attack, we do it without much hesitancy or fear. But when the road doesn’t look paved with ease, we hesitate. Now there is nothing wrong with pondering and praying; that’s what we are supposed to do! But do we have the courage it takes to say yes to something God is calling us to? Motivational speaker Les Brown once said, “The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.”
Do you have the courage to succeed? What happens when you put your ‘yes’ on the table and step into that calling God has placed on your life? Well, like former NFL player Vernon Fox once stated, “More requires more.” Do you fear the “more” that is required of you? A lack of courage can keep us from reaching dreams we might not even know we have until God reveals it. When you surrender to God and allow Him to work through you, His power alone can do anything and everything.
In 2019, I loved my job as an administrator at the University of Nevada Reno. I had amazing coworkers and supervisors that were invested in my success and growth track. I lived in Reno for eight years and loved it, and it was fun and comfortable! One day the Lord led me to pray about leaving my job and moving to Las Vegas (the rival city) to pursue Fellowship of Christian Athletes full time. After I surrendered to him and said yes, I felt so much peace! People around me thought I was reckless because they didn’t understand why I would leave something I loved! I trusted that God would provide a house, roommates, a church, new friends, new mentors, and a new dream and passion for a city I had not known yet. He has done much more than that, and my vision continues to grow here as I welcome His plan for my life.
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→ Listen to the song “Take Courage” by Bethel Music and Kristene DiMarco.
→ Ask yourself if there is something in your life that you have not had the courage to walk by faith in. Pray and seek wise counsel on what has been laid on your heart.[/text-with-icon][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”fa fa-hand-paper-o” color=”Accent-Color”]PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we come to you in Jesus name by the power of Your Holy Spirit. God there is no moment in time that You are not Lord over, there is no journey or pathway You would send us on without Your presence. You are merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Help me to go deeper in my courage this year. When You call, give me the courage to answer and walk by faith. Reveal any areas of life that fear has kept neglected. In Jesus Name, Amen.[/text-with-icon]
