God is on our side

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 "If God is for us, who can be against us? " Romans 8:31

(image source: stephensizer.blogspot.com)

What a great promise to believe God for in 2012! The last year had its many successes and failures. But we are now on the threshold of a new year with new challenges, new opportunities and privileges. We must "... press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). And we need courage to do that.

Society uses courage to honor war-heroes, the bravery of those who save people from dangerous situation and other heroic acts that require extraordinary strength. But we also need courage in our day to day lives. We need courage and wisdom to live ordered lives; so we can give quality time to maintain good health, to praying and reading our Bibles. Our responsibilities to our families, church, employers, communities all need to be met and juggling the time to do these need good planning and we sometimes need the courage to say 'No'.


Two women I met recently greatly inspired me with their courage. They were both 80 years old. The first woman told me she had spent most of her life caring for her late mother who had an incurable disease. Instead of pursuing a career and marriage with children, she sacrificed these to take care of her mother. She is now actively involved with voluntary work in the community. At 80 years old, she looked well and healthy. The second woman is the full time caregiver for her invalid husband. At an age when other women of her age were enjoying retirement years, her days are spent caring for her husband. These women had the joy of the Lord shining through them. I felt humbled and privileged to be in their presence and to pray for them. 

It became clear to me that God used the meeting with those women to speak courage into my own life. Changes are coming and there will be challenges. God is our source of strength and courage. Praise Him! God prepares us through His Word. He told Joshua "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5). "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you give strength to the weak and upholds those who might fall,
Give us courage to do what is right, for those that trust in you have no need to fear.
Make us brave to face any danger which may threaten us.
Give us the help that you have promised to those who ask for it,
that we may overcome our fears and go bravely forward.
Fill us with courage, that nothing which is our duty to do, may be too hard for me.
Let us put our trust in your power and goodness.

In Jesus Name, AMEN!

(Prayer adapted from  Prayers For Courage )