How does Courage come?

Hi & Welcome to Incredible Courage!

It's taken more than a few months to finally actually type these first words. Sharing with you all has been impressed on my heart for a while but - you know the usual story, for one reason or the other I never actually started.

Encouraged by a dear sister I finally registered the title 2 months ago but only this morning decided to take the bull by the horns and write my first blog post. This decision again was inspired  by another dear brother who wrote on my wall this morning "A brave heart need only be commended and encouraged". I heard God say to me - Encourage others with the same comfort that you have been encouraged.

Dear Friend, a year ago today, I became a widow. At 1 pm precisely I heard 3 words that changed the course of my life - We lost Him. The story of the past year will be weaved into the thoughts I will be sharing on our journey of incredible courage. For today, I want to look at how courage comes.

A lot of people have said how courageous I am and have been this past year. This morning I wondered how this courage came to be? Is it because I am a naturally strong person? Is it because I am practical? a realist? a focused person? Able to detach myself and be dispassionate as needed? Yes, I am all these and possibly many more and they are probably part of the mix. However, they are not the full story.

The story can only be fully told when Jesus comes into the equation. I gave Him my life in 1984 and its been an incredible journey since. No sincere Christian will tell you they've had a pain free life but they will certainly say they've had a fulfilled one. God has been a father, friend, daily companion, confidant, husband, lover of my soul, provider, helper, keeper, protector, guide and leader. I could add many more words but you get the picture  - He's been all in all.

Friend, a real, close knowledge of Him makes all the difference. It's how I can wake up each morning, look at the circumstances around me and smile and say we will get through this! He uses all our personality traits in the mix to strengthen us and keep us going. In Him we live and move and have our being. In other words, with Jesus, anyone can be courageous.

In closing, I want to share one thought that's given me great courage all year. There is no temptation or trial we face that gets God by surprise. He knew about it before hand and made a plan, a way of escape to ensure that all things work together for our good. In the next post I will share my Lion's den experience and in the course of time share many testimonies that prove that God had worked it all out. Situations were working out for my good, left, right and center but in many cases i only realized that in hind sight.

Trust in God my friends, He is able, willing and Faithful. If you don't have a personal relationship with Him, its never too late to start. Pray a simple prayer. Invite him to come into your heart. Give over control of your life to Him. I guarantee you, it will be the best decision you ever made.

I hope this post has blessed you in some way. I trust God to help me to share on this platform as often as He needs me to. Till next time, Blessings on you and yours.