Courage

Courage is a virtue I have always longed for. When I watch a movie with a courageous hero, there is something in me that is riveted. I long to be courageous, to share in the battle, to find out there is more to my existence than just the mundane. I walk away with this need to take a stand, to go forward in a strong and courageous way.

Warriors don't look back. They don't complain because they know complaining divides the ranks. They trust their captains, their leaders. They stand for honor and know that collectively they are better than if left alone. They are brave souls with a mission that they believe in and would give their lives to protect and uphold. Their wills are subordinate only to those in authority over them. They never bow to the enemy. They are steadfast. The timid are removed from the ranks and those who seek comfort and security do not last. There is sacrifice. The rewards are generally few. Obedience is reward enough for the warrior. They are often quoted as saying, "I was only doing my job."

This is how I want to be remembered. I want my children to know me as a courageous woman, a heroine who fought the fight...who entered the ranks and was obedient to her Lord till the day she took her last breath. Obedient to love my enemies, to walk in faith not by sight, to prayer, to taking in the truth and living it out moment by moment. Obedient to Papa's transforming touch and embrace. Obedient to faithfully walk in the way my Lord did and specifically to what He calls me to do. Obedient to lay down my wants, wishes, hopes and dreams in order to gladly and joyfully take up His wants, wishes, hopes and dreams for me.

I am called. You are called. We are all called to join the ranks of the faithful, the courageous and the brave. When we feel completely inadequate to take up the cross, God in His infinite strength and mercy provides absolutely everything we need. We do not enter the battle alone or unprepared. We enter the battle fully equipped with all that we could ever need. All that God is, is ours when we say yes to Him. When you take time to dive into the infinite character of God, you find a well of living water that never runs dry. You can never come to the end of God's fullness and all He longs to give you.

Scripture to meditate on Joshua 1:6-9, I Corinthians 16;13-14, Ephesians 6:10-18.

Walk humbly before your Lord. Know that without Him you will not be a warrior at all. Live faithfully and courageously with your life firmly held in Papa's arms.