She Is Strong and Courageous 30-Day DevotionalSample

Take Action – Catherine Booth

Surrendering your life to God’s will is the first step in following God! Today, we learn about Catherine Booth and how you can start on the adventure of God’s purpose for your life. 

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10).

Pray: Lord, let me clearly observe truth in your Word and properly apply it to my life. 

Observe: Living life empowered with God-given courage is a choice—and so is stepping out in faith and following your God-given commission. Is God challenging you to embrace courage, step out in faith, and pursue a specific task? Do you dream of utilizing your gifts and talents, starting a new career, birthing a ministry, or going on a mission trip?

When we surrender our lives to Christ, we begin the process of surrendering our will to God’s purposes and plans. First and foremost, God’s plans for us are to grow closer to him, to learn his Word, obey his commands, and be a witness for his gospel. But in addition to the everyday ambitions God has for believers, he often calls us individually to embrace specific assignments. 

Out of a passionate desire to serve Christ and care for others, Catherine Booth and her husband, William, founded the Salvation Army in 1865. They are remembered for having inspired more than 250,000 men and women to surrender their lives to Christ. 

At a time when women only played a minimal role in church leadership and had few legal rights, Catherine became a preacher, evangelist, theologian, and co-founder of a ministry that helps to improve the lives of countless people in as many as 128 countries today. Her courageous commitment to lead others to Jesus, along with her legacy of love, sacrifice, and service to others, continues to influence the Salvation Army’s mission to this very day.

With God, life can be an adventure––if we just say yes and choose to embrace the courage to launch! 

Courageously take action by implementing the following steps:

1. Write out what you believe is your God-given purpose. 

2. Pray over what you’ve written and ask God to reveal his assignment to you. 

3. Write a commitment to God stating your willingness to say yes. 

4. Embrace your God-given courage and take action regarding the direction you believe God is leading you.

Interpret: We have been set free and made new through the covering of Christ in order that we might accomplish the purpose and plans God has for our lives. 

Apply: Take one step today to proactively pursue the plans you genuinely believe God is encouraging you to embrace. 

Pray: Father, you knew me before I was born; you’ve laid out each day of my life. I will trust you with all of my heart; help me pursue your will all of my days.