You can be courageous! Week 5, Day 3)

Paul, my 12-year-old, seems naturally courageous. He is athletic, handsome, intelligent – and fearless. I am not. I was the kid who hid under her mom's skirt when anyone approached, stranger or not. I would miss out on a lot of things because I was too timid to speak up. It might surprise you, then, to learn that my son's popularity is very concerning to me. His success in whatever he does could cause him to miss out on what really matters. Being oblivious of his own weaknesses will keep him from recognizing what God has prepared for him. Even when it didn’t feel pleasant at the time, I am grateful to God for guiding me to places of struggle and allowing me to be broken over 

                                                                                                                 

my own sinfulness,
my human frailty,
my lack of wisdom,
my past losses and hurts,
my present hardships, and
my worries about the future.

Brokenness is one of God’s most powerful tools. He uses our struggles to teach us that we can do nothing without Him (John 15:5), but all things through Him (Phil 4:13). He provides strength for the weary (Isaiah 40:31) and comfort for those who mourn (2 Cor. 1:4). When we reach the end of ourselves, we can hear the Lord whisper in our ears: "Be strong and courageous" (Deut. 31:6). This is not just an empty command. The Father enables us to do what He has called us to (Phil 2:13). Knowing our brokenness and bringing our broken hearts to God opens the door to finding strength in Him. True courage originates where we realize that His grace is sufficient for us. "For His power is made perfect in our weakness. That is why I am content in weakness,… For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:9+10).

·       2 Corinthians 2:3 and Psalm 34:18 describe God's heart towards the hurting. Read these passages and describe His character.

                                                                                                       

                                                                                                       

                                                                                                       

·       Which of the points of struggle mentioned in today's devotion are areas of weakness for you right now?

                                                                                                          

                                                                                                          

·       God the Father wants to use these things to teach you to depend on Him. He wants to make you courageous. Use the space below to write a prayer to the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort to make His power perfect in your weakness.