“Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua1:9). As God-lovers we have been given courage, because we believe our Mighty God will not fail or forsake us. This God given courage will guide us toward fulfillment of the plans and purposes God has for our lives. Courage gives us the ability to face danger, difficulty, uncertainty, or pain without being overcome by fear. Fear is detrimental to our emotional and spiritual growth, because it will either paralyze us, or it will push us in a direction that might not be the soundest way to go.
In the hidden place of our hearts, we all have prayers we are waiting, hoping, and expecting the Lord to answer and work out. Sometimes we hold on with perseverance and determination to stay on our chosen course of action while trusting, waiting and holding on to God’s promises! At other times, when testings’ involving unfamiliar situations, adversity, uncertainty, or various obstacles show up, the temptation to be fearful and lose courage may feel overwhelming. But we must not lose courage and turn back in the day of spiritual battle- we must press on!
Nonetheless, God understands our human struggles. While we wait- He pushes out the old and unregenerated, and He works positive fruit into our souls. Any ability to “hope for” the Lord’s active participation in our circumstances requires that He give us the courage to persist in stepping forward by faith. As our attention focuses on God’s Word and power to fulfill our deep desires and needs, we will be able to say with courage of heart: “Be brave and of good courage, and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.”
Lord give us courage as we expect you, the living Lord, to help us in our journey of faith, and fulfill the hopes and dreams You have put in our hearts for tomorrow and throughout eternity.
“Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord” (Psalm27:14).
