Courage That Encourages
You ever heard of the phrase "the gift that keeps on giving?" Courage is like that, too. See, when you take a step of courage, often there are others watching; others you had no idea were even watching you. For example, at my youth group one night, we had a worship night, and they were encouraging us to pour ourselves out all the way. The lights were dim, the music was playing and a few students were starting to kneel. I’d been wanting to kneel for so long...not just that night, but before that, too. I just hadn’t “felt” it before. But this night - oh, I wanted to kneel so bad, but I was scared. Kinda dumb, I told myself, because worship isn’t even about me...I started going through all the reasons I was feeding myself from the devil and contradicted every one. Most of them were silly, like the fear of what others would think. But then I chided myself that this would be celebrated, not looked down upon. More people fell to their knees. Still, I fought within myself. If those people in front of me kneel…
The boy in front of me fell to his knees; a middle schooler who was pouring out himself to the Lord. Seeing him, at his age, humbly sink to the floor, I lost it. I fell onto my knees and oh how good it felt to surrender. This boy’s courage to obey and honor God had encouraged me. And he has no idea.
That was the first time I ever kneeled in front of other people. Now, I have this hidden pocket of respect for this boy, and I will always remember how he encouraged me, without even knowing.
You can do this, too. Maybe you already have. But just remember - there are people watching you; people you don’t even realize. They are watching your actions, some even scared and looking for a leader to follow. Just like me. Little ol’ me needed that leader, and he came in the form of a young 8th grade boy who probably doesn’t even know my name.
Courage isn’t always doing something in the spotlight. Sometimes, it’s doing it behind the scenes or in the quiet. Courage is taking a step of faith or doing something despite the fears. I don’t know what went through the boy’s head but I do know what went through mine and I certainly had my share of fears.
Doing it scared is hard. But if God calls, you should definitely obey! A few weeks ago, I stood up in front of my whole church to answer the altar call of leading a dGroup (discipleship group). I knew that if I didn’t stand up and listen to the Holy Spirit’s push, I would regret it so much, so I just let go and obeyed God. I was so scared yet so relieved. I knew there would be accountability, yet I had the comfort that this was indeed God’s calling and purpose for me. God equips those He calls. He doesn’t call the equipped, or else no one would be called. But when the Lord calls you, He will be right by your side. Do it scared. Because ultimately, you are not alone or a wimp or whatever the devil is trying to lie to your brain. You are courageous. And somewhere, someone is being encouraged by your example to also obey the Lord and step out by faith.
You don’t have to be a preacher or a singer on the radio or an Instagram influencer to encourage others. Start by listening for the Holy Spirit’s still, small voice, and obeying Him. You’d be surprised how far that can take you, because He’s not gonna always let you play hopscotch; He’s gonna push you to hike up a mountain sometimes. As you are stretched in obeying despite hard circumstances, remember that it is ok to take a break sometimes. Remember how far you’ve come! Sometimes it’s good to encourage ourselves and remind yourself how God has transformed and matured you.
Have you ever noticed that the word encouragement contains the word courage inside it? It’s because one’s words or actions can spark courage. Be a courage sparker, not a courage drainer. You, my friend, have the power to empower by encouraging others to have courage. 😉 It only takes a spark to light a fire. So you might as well do it for the glory of God. 🔥
Have you ever noticed that the word encouragement contains the word courage inside it? It’s because one’s words or actions can spark courage. Be a courage sparker, not a courage drainer. You, my friend, have the power to empower by encouraging others to have courage. 😉 It only takes a spark to light a fire. So you might as well do it for the glory of God. 🔥
Love the part about being a courage sparker, not a courage drainer! Thanks for the post!
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