Have you ever asked the Father for something big, something miraculous, and been so afraid that He might choose to say no that you avoid His presence altogether?
I have.
So you hide away, like the original sinners amongst the leaves in the garden, and when He calls, you cower because what if you don’t like what He has to say? What if you don’t have the courage to face what’s coming?
Yeah, that’s me lately.
You feel this yearning to give in and stumble to His arms, yet your stubborn heart resists with questions like why? and right now?
My sisters in Christ, have you ever felt like David before Goliath, wondering what happened to your army, praying for the courage to “fight the good fight” even if it means you’re doing it alone?
Yeah, that’s me, too.
And perhaps, like me, you feel more than a little lonely standing there with your simple slingshot in hand. Maybe you long for a superhero sidekick or two…or three.
As you stand there, wind in your face, jeers wafting through the air from the Enemy’s camp, you hear a still small voice speak, “Courage!”
“Take Courage, my daughter.”
That’s the message I’ve been receiving from the Father all year long.
He’s been sending it to me a million different ways. Through a Beth Moore simulcast. Through Bible Study. Through a talk He had me prepare for a MOPS group. Through prayer and quiet time. Through facebook posts and pintrest pins… you name the method – He’s used it.
At times I’ve soared gloriously on that message, that promise. Other times I find myself a doubting Thomas, looking for evidence, asking for proof.
And I keep looking for rescue to come in human form, but He tells me, “Courage.”
Galations 1:1-0
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
At first, I thought He meant the message for me in one specific area – that of pursuing writing and speaking. But after a while I began to see that Courage applies to so many other areas of my life – marriage, parenting, trusting God, finances, and lately… well, this potentially life-changing Giant.
Here’s the thing I’m learning about Courage, sisters:
it’s not supposed to come from me or you or any human source.
Surprised? I was.
When you search for the word Courage in the Old Testament, you often find it used in connection with the phrase “be strong,” especially in the early years of Joshua’s leadership.
Keep in mind that Joshua was new in his leadership role, and he had some big shoes to fill. I mean, who wants to follow Moses, the man with the burning bush experience and the credit of leading the Israelites out of slavery?!
In addition, Joshua faced the enormous task of leading the people of Israel to conquer the Promised Land – hooray, right?! Well, sure that sounds good after wandering in the desert an extra forty years, but something I didn’t realize until this year is that the Promised Land wasn’t empty.
No.
The Promised Land was filled with “giants” and well-fortified cities. Joshua faced this very land. No more Moses to look up to and learn from. He was flying on his own set of wings now with a seemingly impossible task lying before him.
I’m sure Joshua was afraid. I’m sure he wasn’t completely certain that he was up to the task.
I’m positive because the Lord reassured him again and again in the first chapters of Joshua that He would be with Joshua. He commanded Joshua four times to “be strong and courageous” in the first chapter alone!
And I’ve realized something about myself this year: I’ve taken the world’s view on Courage – you know, chin up, man up, just do it, what’s the worst that can happen, and all of the other sentiments we use to get past fear.
Maybe you have taken that view, too, without even realizing it.
But that’s just not God’s view, my sisters; that’s not what He’s telling Joshua. It’s not what He’s telling me or you, either. Because when you look up the Hebrew for “strong and courageous,” you find both words or phrases (be strong, take courage) linked back to the Hebrew root “chazaq” (pronounced khaw-zak’).
Last year I wrote about that root, but I was more focused on waiting patiently.
This year He’s telling me, “Take Courage!”
We must take it, you see, because “chazaq” doesn’t come from any human source. No, chazaq comes from a supernatural act:
as in David’s triumph over Goliath,
as in Samson pushing down the pillars,
as in angel armies going before Joshua as he led the Israelites in battle for the Promised Land.
Don’t you see? The courage comes from Him, sisters! He doesn’t expect us to muster courage up within ourselves. He offers it from His very nature, for our taking!
It’s true. We’re destined to succeed in whatever He sets before us when “chazaq” comes into play.
So, I’m asking for some BIG things right now, Father. And I’m a little afraid, so I’ve been hiding out, avoiding your Presence. Hiding has only served to leave me feeling lonely and a little bit miserable. But like my friend Arabah Joy wrote, I’m asking for “rain” and I’m taking my umbrella with me. I know I’m lacking in the courage department right now and the fear seems to be winning a little bit. But I hear you say, “Courage, daughter,” and I know that means that You’ve got this. Chazaq – it’s Your Courage, not mine.
It’s Your battle, not mine.
Suddenly that giant doesn’t seem so big.
And I’m crying, but I’m grinning, too, ‘cause I’ve missed you, Father.
I’ve missed you.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lordyour God is with you wherever you go.
I hear Him whisper Courage to me, and to you, too, sister.
Do you hear it?
Jen 🙂
Sharing with: #TheLoft, Cornerstone Confessions, Rich Faith Rising, Missional Women, Jennifer Dukes Lee/Tell His Story, Work in progress Wednesdays, Grace and Truth
Amanda Middleton says
Beautiful! Love this! Thank you for sharing!
stultsmamaof4 says
Thank you, Amanda. You encourage my spirit!
Jen 🙂
Leah Adams says
This entire year has given me a multitude of opportunities to take courage from the Lord…and it doesn’t look like things will get easier, at least in the near future. I’m so glad that there is plenty of courage that He is willing to give us…and along with that, peace. Lovely post, Jen.
stultsmamaof4 says
Yes, peace! We need some of that, too. Thank you, Leah.
Jen 🙂
Arabah Joy says
Yes, I hear it! This post is, simply put, stellar. I am so encouraged by your testimony and by the effort and time before the Lord you spent this year. I am encouraged to take courage and remember the root of courage is the supernatural goodness of God. Thank you so much, friend, for being part of my life and speaking truth I so need to hear.
stultsmamaof4 says
AJ, you bless me with your words. I’m thankful for you and the other LOFT bloggers. I came very close to giving up on blogging this year just because it felt like added pressure. So, I’m thankful for the weekly incentive to write!
Jen 🙂
Rebeca Jones says
Beautiful, Jen! Words I needed today. Grace and peace to you.
stultsmamaof4 says
Thank you, Rebecca. I’m grateful you found these words helpful!
Jen 🙂
jenniferclarkewriter says
Powerful truth, Jen! I love your point that Joshua was likely feeling afraid and not quite up to the task, based on God’s repeated admonitions to “be strong and courageous.” I can tend to ascribe superhero qualities to biblical characters, assuming that they don’t struggle the way I do. Thanks for sharing this perspective!
stultsmamaof4 says
Hi, Jennifer! Yes, I have that same tendency. I think we probably all do. It’s easy to remember their strong moments and forget their struggles!
Jen 🙂
Karen Del Tatto says
This was so enlighting! Deep down I knew my courage came from God and I would pray for courage, but not until I had worried and fretted and tried to figure things out on my own. I don’t know why this is a lesson I never can seem to learn. After reading, I feel convicted that in reality, I was trying to be courageous on my own, not solely relying on God for that courage.
Thank you for the reminder that we take our courage from God which He freely gives!
Thanks for sharing!
jstults says
Oh, sweet Karen, you are certainly not alone! I often try to muster up courage on my own, as well. 🙂 It’s just another one of those work-in-progress areas of my life. I’m so glad you stopped by here.
Jen 🙂