“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” – Mark 6:50
How do you rate yourself in the courage department? I’m not someone who excels in the heat of the moment or confrontation.
As you who know me know, I am an introvert. Well, you might be surprised because I don’t often act that way – maybe I even overcompensate. But, inside, I can feel fear welling up, begging me to run.
I remember when I spoke at the CMF gathering several years ago. The largest group they’ve had, nearly 2,000 men in attendance. I wrote a good speech (my opinion). But, when it came time to present, I was terrified. All week and the day of, I barely slept, so filled with fear. I went to Confession twice in 24 hours confessing my fear. When the time came, I gave the speech and was applauded and congratulated but I honestly, to this day, have no recollection of what I actually said during the speech.
How did I overcome the fear and step ion that stage following a great speaker and presentation? I knew God wanted me to do this for some reason yet unknown. So, I asked God for courage from Joshua 1:9 and remembered Exodus 14:14, the.aid the outcome on God. I said give me courage (don’t let me throw up or faint), the rest is up to You Lord.
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.” – Exodus 14:14
““Do not be afraid, stand firm” – Exodus 14:13
This was one of my first really big tests of trust in God’s Providence. Would I let the devil speak his fear into my heart? Would I let that fear grow into terror and just run away? Or, would I say yes to God – knowing I can’t do this without Him? Then trust that He will give what’s needed to accomplish the task?
Like I said, I don’t remember how I did, I think it went poorly honestly. The CMF excluded my talk from their CD of the day. But, yes there is a but, as I came down the stairs from the stage, a man came up to me, shook my hand and thanked me. Another spoke to me of how to start a CMG group. So, not all was failure.
From that, God has changed me dramatically. Now, I feel I can talk (or write) about God in many different ways and topics. I can relate my story at a drop of a hat. I still feel the fearfulness of the introvert but it’s much quieter now.
Again I ask, why? Because I have come to know Jesus, to know that the fight is God’s, he has already done the work and won, I just need to do what He asks, well or poorly. It doesn’t matter if I think I was successful or even if I think I can’t.
Find courage in God. Listen to His voice then say yes and do it when He calls.
Remember, He always gives what you need and more. Always!
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” – Luke 6:38