Last year I read a 100-day devotion on bravery. When this devotional book was first recommended to me, I was hesitant. I’m not a generally fearful person. However, as I dove into this study, God revealed to me where I had let fear hold me back. I had allowed the fear of failure to bring undue stress into my life and prevent me from following the leading of the Holy Spirit. I allowed a fear of rejection stop me from being vulnerable in developing acquaintances into friendships. I allowed a fear of others thinking less of me to develop a work first, family second mentality.

Courage is needed in the everyday if we are to live healthy full lives. It takes courage to follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting and bravery to say no to the world. When we neglect the importance of courage, our impact in the world is lessened, our stresses are increased, and our trust in the Lord becomes weakened as we attempt to keep everything in our own control. To live fully in surrender to Christ requires courage. Praise the Lord we do not have to be courageous alone. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Let us not allow fear to temper our faith in the day to day. Rather, let’s live a surrendered life boldly and courageously and in so doing, discover something more of holiness.

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Holiness in the Mess

Ask the Spirit to reveal places where you have allowed fear to hinder your spiritual growth.

Pray for opportunities to live courageously.

Has God been stirring something within your heart? Have the courage to pursue where this new calling or passion might lead.

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.”

Billy Graham

Steps to Salvation

The Bible states that God loves you and cares for you as a person (John 3:16). Humankind has been separated from God by sin (Romans 3:23). God sent His Son as a provision for our salvation through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the dead (Romans 5:8). Doing good deeds is not enough (Ephesians 2:8-9), but receiving the free gift of salvation is (John 1:12).

You can invite Jesus Christ into your life right now by praying something like the following:

Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I need Your forgiveness and grace. I believe that Christ paid the penalty for my sin, and He died in my place, and He rose from the dead. I invite Jesus Christ to come into my life as Savior. Thank You for saving me from my sin and making me Your child. Help me to grow and learn how to serve You. Amen.