Hi Everyone!
Reflecting this week on my experiences and my current life struggles, I want to encourage you to be courageous.
The Websters dictionary defines courageous as “:having or characterized by courage: BRAVE”
The Oxford dictionary defines courageous as “not deterred by danger or pain; brave.” Some Synonyms from the Oxford are brave, fearless, valiant, lionhearted, bold, daring, audacious, undaunted, unshrinking, determined, resolute…to name a few.
It is very brave for anyone who has suffered abuse to get out of their circumstances, to push through the fallout, and to find healing. It is not an easy road to recovery and it is full of the unknown. It is a battle of the mind, the soul, and a fight for a better life. I like the words “not deterred by danger” because it is hard and it’s a tough battle to fight. It is a fight filled with separation/divorce, court orders, mind games, lawyers, appointments, and counselling. If children are involved, it is a fight to help them survive it; getting them counselling and trying to create a healthy “new” home. Yet, all the while not feeling healthy yourself, or even ready for all the changes.
Today, I want to encourage you that whatever you are walking into, whatever battle you face, that you are never going to be ready for it. However, I believe you can be courageous. You can walk through it not deterred by the danger. I am reminded of the words Moses spoke to Joshua when he was passing his leadership onto him, “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
He said this to Joshua three times in Deuteronomy 31. Joshua was about to lead Israel into the battles that would take them to the promised land. Again in verse 8, Moses said, “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.” And in verse 23, “The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: ‘Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.’”
I believe God knew that he needed to hear it three times, so that it would sink in. I hope you find encouragement today by reading it three times. I believe God can help you to be strong, to be courageous, to give Him your fears so that you can walk unafraid for He is walking with you. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. He is fighting your battle with you.