Take Courage—Together

By Bill & Pam Farrel

Just admit it, the times we live in are well, a bit nerve racking! You will, at times, be fearful, frieghtened and scared to death. God knew you would. Three times in the new Testament, Jesus uses the phrase “Take Courage!” (Matthew 14:27, Mark 6:51, Acts 23:11) I love that picture. It is like courage is something you can pick up at the local Walmart! So go--take it! God wants you to have it. To help you take courage, in my newest book, Woman of Courage: Step Into God’s Adventure for Your Life, I have strung together a few verses on courage. One of the most powerful things you can do for your marriage is to pray, out loud, for one another—especially when you are feeling tenative, vulnerable, or anxious. Just fill in your spouse’s name in the blanks the next time he or she needs a little courage, then pray over your mate. It is a gift that doesn’t cost a thing—but is priceless!

Have I not commanded you, ________? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you, _________, wherever you go. The Lord himself goes before you, ___________ and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you, _________. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Rise up; ___________this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Turn your ear to me, ___________ come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. O Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe . . . for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you. Finally, ______________be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. . . . . In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Joshua 1:9; Deuteronomy 31:8; Ezra 10:4; Joshua 1:7; Psalm 31:2; 61:3; 140:7; Proverbs 18:10; 23:11; Ephesians 6:10-11; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 John 2:14; Romans 8:37)

Now, take courage, then step into the canoe of God’s adequacy and hold on for the ride of your life, let his love carry you down river to your adventure! Together, you, God and your mate make a winning team!

Bill & Pam Farrel are best selling authors who write from El Cajon, California. www.farrelcommunications.com