The question that really matters isn’t whether we are farther along than someone else, but how far have we ourselves progressed since yesterday. Be sure that you have made no small progress in the spiritual life when you can control your imagination, so as to fix it on the duty and occupation actually existing now, to the exclusion of the crowd of thoughts which perpetually sweep across the mind!
You, Lord God, promised to go before me; that You will be with me and not leave me or forsake me. Therefore I will not be afraid or discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8). You said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36). Help me not to be discouraged but to continue to pray, and to believe and trust in You with all my heart.
I will be of good courage because You, O Lord of Hosts, strengthen my heart (Psalm 146:8), for all my hope is in You, Lord God (Psalm 31:24). God my Father is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26).
Courage is an outgrowth of who we are. Exterior supports may temporarily sustain us, but only inward character creates courage.
Because God is with me, I will be strong and very courageous. I will be careful to obey all the law God gave me, and I will not turn from it to the right or to the left, that I may be successful wherever I go… He has commanded me: Be strong and courageous. I will not be terrified, nor will I be discouraged, for the Lord my God will be with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:7, 9). He has promised.
Father God, I will be strong and courageous. I will not be afraid or terrified because of anyone or anything else; for You, O Lord my God, go with me. You promised You will never leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6). You have thoughts and plans for my welfare and peace (Jeremiah 29:11). As long as my mind is stayed on You (Isaiah 26:3), then I can stop allowing myself to be agitated and disturbed and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled (John 14:27 Amplified).
O Father God, how glad I am that You are so good at reaching down and making something beautiful out of even the worst situations! How encouraged I am when I think how You did this for Joseph (Genesis 37)… how his brothers hated and abused and betrayed him, and how You worked these things out for blessings, both for Joseph and his family, and for countless others as well (Genesis 50:19-20).
May my Lord, Jesus Christ Himself, and God, my Father — who loves us and by His grace gives eternal encouragement and good hope — encourage my heart and strengthen me in every good deed and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
When I realize my worthlessness before the Lord, He lifts me up and encourages and helps me (James 4:10 Phillips).
Next time you are tempted to bypass an opportunity, remember: God will not lead you where He will not help you.
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