Courage Comes...

Your prayers have reached me, from across the mighty Pacific Ocean and Australia, across the vast expanse of Canada's prairies in Manitoba and Ontario, from sunny California, from Ohio, from Utah and from right next door on beautiful Vancouver Island. You have all touched me with your thoughts and prayers as sure as if you were standing before me. I felt your arms of comfort, I heard your words of encouragement, I experienced your love and care. And today, I felt the strength and courage begin to seep slowly back into my spirit. My bending head lifted, my back straightened from its despondent bend, my eyes dried, my thoughts cleared and I felt, no, I knew that I was going to make it. It still hurts. I'm still tired; but the fear is diminishing. The dread has passed and in its place I feel resolve and confidence. Courage is still a bit elusive but if you continue to remember me I know it will come.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Isn't that a powerful verse..."Have I not commanded you?" Who am I to ignore a direct command from God Almighty! And then His promise..."The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." I have claimed this verse as the torch I will carry before me in the coming days and so I don't forget it, I will write it on my bathroom mirror with my neon green 'glass marker'. How awesome is our God. How very relevant and present and accessible He is.

His grace is great enough to meet the great things--

The crashing waves that overwhelm the soul,

The roaring winds that leave us stunned and breathless,

The sudden storms beyond our life's control.

~Annie Johnson Flint