Strange Encouragement
Today, I randomly received a verse of Scripture through an e-mail from an organization that our church is currently working with. The verse is quite encouraging to me. Yet, I’m not sure how to apply it at this moment. Here’s the verse:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Many of my readers and friends are most likely aware that I’ve been a bit discouraged lately. The timing of receiving this verse is spot on. The call to be strong, courageous, unafraid, and not discouraged give me this inner sense of hope and peace. Be reminded that God is with us, wherever we go seems like Vacation Bible School knowledge. But, I too easily forget this in the midst of frustrations.
I’ve had several thoughts on what God is leading me to do at this point in my journey. I believe this verse is encouraging me to be strong and courageous…calling me to not worry so much…to not be afraid or discouraged…but instead to look for what God is doing and where He’s leading.
Over the last couple of days, I’ve had to take some bold risks in communicating my frustrations. And, I believe this verse is encouraging me that I’ve done the right thing and that I need to not stop short. To not step out in strength and courage, to buckle under the weight of fear and frustration could potentially hinder what God is trying to accomplish in and through me at this moment.
The reason I call this “strange encouragement” is because I normally delete all junk messages from Christian organizations…but this one I read. Strange, eh?