Oh Lord I give thanks for the courage and strength you have given me to rise to the occasion during my trials throughout life.  I am ever grateful.  However today, this day, this moment, I pray - please give me an extra boost of courage.  More is needed now than ever before, and I pray for greater power for reasons I never imagined.

Have you felt like this?  Last week?  Yesterday?  This morning? 

"Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious 

might so that you may have great endurance and patience." 

- Colossians 1:11

Whatever life is dishing out, courage is right there planted deep within your soul.  God created you with this quality of strength for times like these.  He knows exactly when you need it the most and He is with you.  Listen!  He is gently whispering to you saying... be strong, be courageous and do not be afraid.  I am with you!  

You may also hear Him saying... all is pleasing and good, My timing will be perfect. 

Answer the call to greatness - listen to what God has created you to be.  Renew your mind, surrender your fears to the Lord and be courageous!

What is Courage?  It's the ability to face fear, pain and uncertainty, then looking straight into whatever you are facing and moving through it anyway.  Completely surrendering behavioral patterns and attitudes that may keep you from being greater than you already are.  Being willing to be bigger or stronger in any situation.  Now this can be pretty daunting and uncomfortable when you don't know what's on the other side.  I have been here many times before - haven't we all?

"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 

Imagine how much courage it must take for a skydiver to jump out of an airplane, yet I'll bet there are some situations that take as much courage for some of us on the ground in our every day lives. Living through grief, pain, illness, decisions, or 'uncertainty' can cause fear and wreak havoc on our courage.  It takes a great deal of courage to fall in love, forgive an enemy, and for some it may be difficult to pull up the courage just to say hello to a stranger. 

Take a moment and open your 'minds-eye' to committing your whole heart and soul to whatever you are facing at this time. Stand powerfully in your situation, decide the outcome you want, and imagine yourself plowing forward.  Don't look back.  Just walk forward and you may even imagine taking Jesus' right hand.  You in this image with the Lord and your 'strength of mind' to take up courage, will allow you to move through adversity, overcome obstacles along the way, and embrace your God-given power!   

  

"But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 

You were born with the gift of courage, along with other innate gifts that are uniquely your own.  Accept all that God created you to be, trusting in the Lord to guide you. Stand for what you are and see the sacredness in being courageous!  

 Daily Scripture & Reflection 

How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts! 

Psalm 92:5

A Time to Think

  Prayer is the foundation of which we build our lives. Take time to pray for your own needs and the needs of others. Spend time with God and feel the embrace of his loving care for you. God is peace, and through prayer He listens.

"Prayer can freshen you up every evening and send you out renewed each morning." 

 - Norman Vincent Peale

My son fell and broke his back and shoulder nearly six years ago; he was in a wheel chair for six months. He was able to walk again. He experienced kidney failure and was on dialysis for over five years at the same time. We prayed for him, our church, friends, family and Guideposts prayed as well. On November 10, 2013, he received a kidney transplant. His life is transformed...thanks to prayers. We pray for the family of his kidney donor; they had the courage to think of someone else on the darkest day of their lives. Thanks be to God for answered prayers. - By Margie

I have asked for prayer recently regarding my brother's addiction to alcohol. My prayers were answered when he was arrested and put in jail. It led to his admitting there was a problem, and from that point, he agreed to go to rehab. It's been over 1 month now. He is at a Christian rehab center. I have not seen him, nor spoken with him, but I am trusting God to touch his heart and love him enough to take away the addiction and cravings. Thank you for praying for him. The day I asked Guideposts volunteers to pray is the day he called the rehab center. - Anonymous

I have long suffered pain due to nerve damage in my spine. A recent fall took the mobility I had, and increased my pain ten fold. I turned to the Holy Spirit, praying a 3 day - to Him, and my prayers have been answered. I am returning to health on the recently injured side, and it has been swift - He is with me in all my instincts, and I never want to be separated from him. The Holy Spirit's - is so powerful for the aid of the faithful. Thank you for listening. - By Kat 

CLICK HERE for more answered prayers!

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