Psalm31:24 "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."NIV
Matthew 14:27 "But Jesus immediately said to them: Take courage! It is I. Don't
be afraid." NIV
My Yorkshire Terrier Sienna, who weighs 5 pounds, 4 ounces, was the most fearful
little creature I'd ever met when she first came to live with us as a puppy. No
one could get near her and she shook and trembled in every new situation. There
were those who thought she was a hopeless case but I knew otherwise and began a
rigorous course of action.
I took Sienna with me everywhere: in the van, to work, to the gallery, into
social settings. Her shaking and trembling did not discourage me or let her off
the hook. This was for her own good, she didn't know that, but I did.
Today Sienna comfortably travels everywhere with me, including long distance
trips on the plane. She is calm and poised and able to enjoy life in a way she
never could have experienced if she had not learned to take courage.
God speaks frequently in the Scriptures about taking courage, about being strong
and taking heart. He does so because he knows how fearful we as human beings can
be. This life is full of scary situations, life threatening situations:
Situations which we are all called to face at one time or another. Amidst such
times however, we must choose to remember that we are never alone. Just as I
never left Sienna alone amidst all the various situations I exposed her to, God
never, ever, ever leaves us alone. He is right there beside us, as well as
within us and he is able. In fact he is able to do far more than we would ever
dare to ask or even dream of-infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires,
thoughts, or hopes through his mighty power which is at work within us...the
person of Jesus Christ through his Holy Spirit.
So today be active, be obedient, take courage, if you find yourself in a scary
situation. God is with you and he is able, and so are you because Christ dwells
within you and we can do all things through him who gives us strength.
Prayer: Father today we pledge within our hearts to boldly and obediently take
courage when and as we need it. We thank you that it is always available to us
through your mighty power which is at work within us. Help our trembling hearts
and spirits to believe in the truth that you are always with us and are always
able amidst whatever we may be called to face, now and forevermore. In Christ's
name we ask. Amen.
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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