It takes courage to follow your dreams. It takes courage to fulfill the potential of your life. It takes courage to make changes. It takes courage to say no. And it takes courage to say yes.
Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I believe he was talking about the emotion of fear that causes us anxiety and stress and robs us of courage.
Just imagine for a moment what you would dare to dream or be or do if you weren’t afraid of anything and were filled with over-flowing courage?
Fear can be overcome and courage can be learned. We can overcome our fears and build courage that will enable us to deal with the ups and downs of life in a positive, rather than negative way.
For instance, if you have the fear of failure, the repetitive words you probably hear in your mind are “I can’t, I can’t, I can’t.” This normally originates from unhealthy criticism. What does God say? He says, you can do all things through Jesus (see Philippians 4:13)!
If you have the fear of rejection, the repetitive words you most likely hear in your mind are “I have to, I have to, I have to.” This normally originates from an unhealthy desire to please others. What does God say? He says, you are accepted as His child through Jesus (see Ephesians 1:5)!
You can say no to your fears and yes to a life of courage! This is exactly what Mary and Joseph did. And the result? Jesus, the Savior of the world was born, lived, died, rose from the dead, and lives today to connect humans to God!
What courageous act do you need to take today?
Seeking to live courageously,
Jeff Powell
