Courage vs Fear

Sometimes I am what I consider a brave girl.

I do things that I think are beyond my capabilities. I press on when I want to quit. I speak up when I want to hide. I am up for adventure... usually. I will try new things... sometimes. I am not often ruled by phobias or irrational fears. I can refrain from what I know to be sinful activity, even when all around me are joining in. I rarely think that fear is a good enough reason not to do something-once.

And other times, I am what I consider a big fat chicken baby.

I sit silently when I see that I will be judged. I watch endlessly for 'more proof' instead of putting a stop to injustice or sin. I hide behind the veil of 'wanting to be sure' instead of standing up and declaring that something is wrong. I try to be all things to all people sometimes to a fault.

Now, this is the point when I have a choice. I can sit here and pat myself on the back for the times I spoke up when nobody around me had the guts. I could also choose to beat myself up. I could bang my head on the table for all the times I should have braved up but instead stood shaking in a corner.

OR

I can use these truths to make a change.

God allowed each of these situations-opportunities if you will- for me to learn. Now, satan would love for me to get all wrapped up in the failures, or puffed up by the victories... for me to be paralyzed by fear or to be rendered useless by pride. But because I am studying the Word of God... because I am abiding in Him, I know I have a third choice....

I can do better.  I can resolve to keep my eyes open for opportunities to be brave. I can prepare my heart for those times that are bound to come. I can pray fervently for more chances to stand up for Him...

and then?

then it's time to stop using the word "I"

and start leaning on the God who never fails, who tells us that if we abide in him, He will fight FOR us, who says He will never leave us or forsake us....

*Right now I'm imagining a pretend scenario where George Foreman (the boxer, not the grill) and his tiny young son (I think there are several named George) are on the playground.  George (the son) is telling a really big bully to STOP TEASING MY SISTER! We could say that little George is really brave can't we? Sure, until we realize that his big ol' father George (the boxer) is standing right behind him.  Yes, little George would certainly have to have a good deal of courage... but the source of his courage lies in his confidence in the power of his father.

ahem.

um.

*cough*

yeah.

I'll be thinking on that one all.day.long.

oh, this safari is good for me.

Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels. You must give them my messages whether they listen or not.

Ez 2:5-7