for when we need courage {life-giver series :: step four}

I know me. I know how God has gifted me — how He uniquely knit me together. I know how He has blessed me. But I also know that when left to my natural tendencies I’m selfish and short-sighted. I naturally think about numero uno and how things will affect my agenda. It’s the plight of humankind.

That’s why I need constant reminding of who I am in Jesus. That’s why I run to the laundry room and shut the door and preach to myself. That’s why I turn up some Shai Linne to get my praise-dance on when things start turning south in la casa. Not sure where the Spanish is coming from today. That’s why words like these are life to my soul when I’m feeling craptacular in my homeschooling disabilities:

 

A recent text conversation with a friend.
(And as a disclaimer, I really am doing pretty well with homeschooling. I desperately love my children and don’t typically call them “spastic cats”. But this was a low moment — me being completely real and raw at the expense of my ego.)

 

We all need courage at times to stand back up and keep moving forward by faith. So when I feel like dropping my sword and licking my wounds, I’m not going to call the person who will grovel in the pit with me. When I’m low I want someone who will help pick me up. Someone who will infuse life into my soul. Someone who will stir up the Spirit of God in me.

True encouragement — or the impartation of courage — doesn’t come from building up someone’s human ego. Because remember. We’re weak and prone to wander. We can’t see past the last minute and definitely can’t control the outcome. So true encouragement doesn’t come from self-elevation.

 

 

True encouragement arises when His Spirit fills us full. When we lift our head because we remember Whose we are and what He promises. I don’t want someone to tell me how great I am. Well, that’s a lie. I love it when someone tells me I’m great. But if I’m honest with myself, I see my discrepancies. I need reminding of how great my God is. I need reminding of what He promises. I need His vision and His power stirred up within me.

True encouragement.

 

(They returned…) strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Acts 14:21-22

 

When someone is walking into a war-zone they need to know they aren’t alone. Knowing that someone goes before and behind infuses hope and peace. And that “someone” is The Lord God Almighty!

Whatever you or I face, if we are His child, we never go at it alone. He never leaves or forsakes us. He always goes before us. He always pursues us in love. He always fights for us and for the throne of our heart. He is right. there. Right here.

If we’re going to pour life into our relationships, we first have to know our God and know who we are in Him. Then we can empower others. We can stir up courage by reminding them of true things.

 

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.
Psalm 43:5

 

We all need courage to walk the roads God has for our today — some days more than others. And true courage arises when we remember what’s true. Yes, there’s a time to weep with those who weep. That same friend from the conversation above has wept bitter tears with me in my darkest days.

But then there’s a time to remind. To stir up. To impart courage to take that next step by faith, eyes set on the One who sits enthroned outside the realm of time.

Life-givers encourage the downcast with words of truth spoken boldly in faith. It’s what we do. It’s what we can do today. In fact I dare you. Triple-dog dare you. Ask God to let you see those who need courage. Then ask Him to use you to be the lifter of soul with words and prayers of truth. Then ask for His vision to see another. And another. I’ll race ya.

 
Fill me, Lord…

What truths do you need reminding of when you’re low?
How have you experienced the gift of encouragement?
 

 
If you’ve missed any other posts in the life-giver series, you can click the links below to catch up.

Introduction
Step One: Let God Define Me
Step Two: Intercede
Step Three: Forgive

I’ll be back on Friday with a conclusion and free printable. Fun times.