Take Courage

Three different times I begged the Lord to take [the affliction] away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ~ 2 Corinthians 12: 8–10

I have often begged for God to take away my insecurities. I have always hoped to wake up one day alive and bold, with a feeling that nothing can stop me. With this new revelation, I would do everything that I always dreamed and have the new-found energy to carry me through. I always thought that one day God would take away all my insecurities and fear.

Well, that hasn’t happened yet and I think I know why. God doesn’t want to wave a magic wand over me and—poof—make me courageous and free. He wants me to lean on His power and His grace to get me through each day. If I had no insecurities or fears, I might be bold but I wouldn’t necessarily be doing what God wants me to do. I would be doing what I want to do. But if I’m leaning on Him to help me each and every day, I am near Him and I am listening to Him. I can hear His voice telling me to take courage even in the midst of my fear. Then, I am more likely to follow His voice instead of my own. When I feel weak, I am more likely to rely on God’s strength and therefore I am made stronger.