Courageous

Early in the morning before I left for Togo, my son messaged and asked how I was feeling. I laughed and said that I was wondering the same. 

 The word that came to me was “courageous”.  

 I wondered what does “courage” really mean. I looked it up in the Websters 1828 dictionary and courage was defined as…….

         Bravery, that quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and                     difficulties with firmness, or without fear or depressions of spirits; valor; boldness; resolution. 

Courage, which arises from a sense of duty, acts in a uniform manner. 

 

That “stirring”, that “sense of duty” started the day I was first saved 21years ago. I knew early on in my journey as a follower of Christ, that there is a call to set “self” aside and “go” to where help is needed. 

 The courage comes from the “call”. 

The “call” stems from the fact that this world is broken; what God originally created is broken and we need help!!! 

So, we “go” where help is needed the most. 

 In the midst, we hold tight to the Hope that the Lord promises us. 

We, as followers of Christ, are promised a God who will never leave us or forsake us. We are promised a Light for the journey, we are promised wisdom, we are promised protection and counsel, and most importantly, we are promised that one day the world will be restored to perfection!!

 Until the time comes when Jesus returns, destroys all evil and sets up a new Kingdom, we “go” and help those who need “help”. 

We share the LOVE of Jesus and the Hope of what His birth, life, death, burial and resurrection means to those who put their trust in Him!!

That Friday morning, after traveling 2 days from Ohio to Togo, I sat listening to the waves at the Hotel that I stayed over night at. 

I was praising the Lord for getting me there safely and providing a good, safe night of rest. 

I prayed for safe travels for the 9-hour drive up North in chaotic, no rules for the road, traffic. It is ALWAYS a miracle to arrive to your destination safely on this journey!!

 I was praising the Lord for uniquely wiring me by His Word. His Word and the life that is set before me have been slowly transforming my thoughts into God’s thoughts!

 I pulled up the following verses to read during the trip and lifted up friends, family and our Driver up in Prayer. 

I also reread Psalm 34 that Marilyn reminded me of and Isaiah 55 that Beth shared with me.  J

 And off we went!!!!!!!!

Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV) 

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

 Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

 1 Chronicles 19:13 (KJV)

Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do [that which is] good in his sight.

 Ezra 10:4 (KJV)

Arise; for [this] matter [belongeth] unto thee: we also [will be] with thee: be of good courage, and do [it].

 Isaiah 41:6 (KJV)

They helped every one his neighbor; and [every one] said to his brother, Be of good courage.

 Exodus 35:21 (KJV)

And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, [and] they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

 Exodus 36:2 (KJV)

And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, [even] every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it…

Praise the LORD!!! We arrived safely 9 hours later!!! 

I admit that I cringed many, many times as the driver played "chicken" with semi's, motorcycles and pedestrians ALL along the way. In addition, there is no speed limit, and pot holes are everywhere!!!! As my grand-daughter would say "WHEW", we did it!!!!