Courage Over FearSample

Courage to Know

Oprah Winfrey has a monthly magazine that contains excellent information. It talks about recipes, travel suggestions, clothing, and, of course, Oprah's favorite things for Christmas at the right time of year. The article I like reading the most is "What I Know for Sure." In this article, each month, she discusses one thing that she knows for sure—the thing that can't be changed, the thing that she has learned or experienced and that will stick with her forever.

I believe we should all have some things that we know for sure—something that we have experienced personally, and no one can tell us anything different. I would call it “knowledge of the heart.” It's not necessarily what you were taught growing up, but it’s an undeniable experience. A “heartfelt truth” is another good name for it.

Psalm 48:10 states, "Be still and know that I am God." This is an excellent passage of scripture on which we can all meditate daily. I believe that this scripture will come alive in the most challenging times of our lives. You need to know when to move and when to allow God to be God and move on your behalf. And can I say it is hard to be still when unsure of what God is planning behind the scenes for you?

When I was growing up, during the summertime, the neighborhood children would often play in the streets after dark due to the extreme heat during the day. Sometimes, while playing, a stray dog would come out of nowhere and chase us. Once, while a dog chased me, my brother told me to stand still and not run. ‘Are you crazy?’ I thought and jumped on top of my mom's yellow Toyota. I had heard that you should not run from dogs, but I didn't know if that would work for me. And let me be honest, I would not trust it and risk being bitten by the dog. My flesh was at stake.

There have been times—many times when, instead of being still and allowing God to be God, I put my hands in it. I spoke when I should have kept quiet. I went versus staying at home. I sent the email when I should have just continued to watch my Hallmark movie. I know that I am not alone in this awful habit.

But then I started not just reading about God but also experiencing God. A trusting relationship with my Savior began in my heart and mind. I started not only reading his Word but also living out his Word. And that made the difference. My trust in God grew. The confidence that I have developed with God allows me to be still and know, without a doubt, that God loves me and I don't always have to make a move. This trust allows me to be still and watch God work on my behalf. I mean, I can be still and watch him orchestrate a victory on my behalf that I could never have imagined.

I can be still with complete confidence that God is working on my behalf because I rest in the knowledge that he has gone before me and prepared a way for me. Because I am in a relationship with God, he has shown that he cares for me and wants me to succeed and prosper in every aspect of my life.

Do you trust God enough to be still and know? What about God do you know for sure?

Dear Jesus,

Your love for me is constant and never-ending. This is one thing that I know for sure. I love that I never have to wonder about your love. There are areas in my life where I can still be and know that you are coming to my rescue. However, there are also areas where being still is scary for me. I try to be still, and when I don't see you working, I get antsy and start making moves independently. Lord, teach me how to wait on you. Let me trust your love for me.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

True courage is found in an intimate relationship with God. To learn more about overcoming fear and finding the courage to live, you may want to check out my book "The Courage to Fish"31-Day Prayer Journal. Find out more at www.makefearhomeless.com.