Courage

My 7 year old daughter Sadie stood trembling, on the top landing of a 425 step trail that descended to the base of  a breathtaking waterfall.  We arrived after completing a rigorous 1.5 mile hike up the mountain. We decided to return to our starting point a different way. This included the 425 stairs next to the rushing waterfall. Frightened, Sadie clenched my hand tighter.  With her face buried in the side of my coat, she refused to budge. My own stomach lurched as I gazed through the metal slats of the massive stairway as it spiraled downward.  It was going to take a lot of encouragement to persuade Sadie to take the first step. (Not to mention me-- finding inner courage for myself!)  I was hoping we would make it to our car before sundown.  My husband stood behind us as we took our first step.  He reassured Sadie that he wasn't going to let her go.  He took her left hand, as her right hand already had a death grip on mine. We started our journey down the mountain.  Each step we took was accompanied with a word of encouragement and a whispered prayer. ("Lord please get us through this!")

"You can do this, Sadie!"

"We've come halfway."

"Just a little bit further."

As we approached the last step, she relaxed her grip. She made it! We made it!

On my way back to the car, God started speaking to my heart.  Sometimes we are in a spiritual mountain climb--going up or coming down.  Fearful, we view the crisis before us. Moments of despair leave us clinging to the rail of life, desperate for answers and rescue. We falter. Our stomachs churn with fear, doubt and hopelessness. It is at these moments Jesus wants to come beside us and take our hand. He wants to give us hope and courage.

I don't know what crisis you have faced or are facing today. Foreclosure papers served? Sickness surrounding you? Have loved ones passed away or left your side? Is depression or loneliness covering you like a dark cloud that won't go away? How do you brave the storm and have courage to live? It's easier to pull the covers over your head...and give up.  However, defeat is NOT God's plan for your life. He has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you. He wants you to have hope and courage. Remember--one step at a time. One day at a time. Let God hold your hand. Give this day to Him. Talk to Him. Let Him talk to you. He loves and cares for you. Have courage. With God's help YOU can make it! ---J.Jones

"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." Joshua 1:9 KJV

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV

"What time I am afraid , I will trust in thee." Psalm 56:3