Psalm31:24 "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."NIV
Matthew 14:27 "But Jesus immediately said to them: Take courage! It
is I. Don't be afraid." NIV
My Yorkshire Terrier Sienna, who
weighs 5 pounds, 4 ounces, was the most fearful little creature I'd ever
met when she first came to live with us as a puppy. No one could get
near her and she shook and trembled in every new situation. There were
those who thought she was a hopeless case but I knew otherwise and began
a rigorous course of action.
I took Sienna with me everywhere: in
the van, to work, to the gallery, into social settings. Her shaking and
trembling did not discourage me or let her off the hook. This was for
her own good, she didn't know that, but I did.
Today Sienna
comfortably travels everywhere with me, including long distance trips on
the plane. She is calm and poised and able to enjoy life in a way she
never could have experienced if she had not learned to take courage.
God speaks frequently in the Scriptures about taking courage, about
being strong and taking heart. He does so because he knows how fearful
we as human beings can be. This life is full of scary situations, life
threatening situations: Situations which we are all called to face at
one time or another. Amidst such times however, we must choose to
remember that we are never alone. Just as I never left Sienna alone
amidst all the various situations I exposed her to, God never, ever,
ever leaves us alone. He is right there beside us, as well as within us
and he is able. In fact he is able to do far more than we would ever
dare to ask or even dream of-infinitely beyond our highest prayers,
desires, thoughts, or hopes through his mighty power which is at work
within us...the person of Jesus Christ through his Holy Spirit.
So today be active, be obedient, take courage, if you find yourself in a
scary situation. God is with you and he is able, and so are you because
Christ dwells within you and we can do all things through him who gives
us strength.
Prayer: Father today we pledge within our hearts to
boldly and obediently take courage when and as we need it. We thank you
that it is always available to us through your mighty power which is at
work within us. Help our trembling hearts and spirits to believe in the
truth that you are always with us and are always able amidst whatever we
may be called to face, now and forevermore. In Christ's name we ask.
Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Atlin, B.C.
