December 14 • Finding Courage

It is easy to give up hope in the face of adversity, especially when you feel loneliness settle into your bones. But loneliness is a lie. God is with you. 

It takes courage to live in hope, because hope seeks what it cannot yet see. Hope believes despite the challenge. “Because you said so, Lord, I will.” [Luke 5] It takes strength to face the challenges without ultimate certainty. But ultimate certainty is not hope. And knowledge is not strength. Faith is strength. You step out in faith precisely when you step beyond your ability and knowledge.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! [Psalm 27:14] The biggest weakness is relying on your own strength. It’s not about what you can do, because you don’t need to stand in your own power. You don’t need to wait to be ready. You don’t need to fight your battle alone. 

If God is for you, who can be against you? Don’t become your own worst enemy by seeking your own power or control. Stand in the strength that comes from God alone. “I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous.” [Joshua 1:5-6]