Photo by Jordan Whitt on Unsplash
This weekend, we heard about someone we actually know who has been diagnosed with COVID 19. She is not mildly sick. She is very ill and on a respirator. She is not local, but from another chapter in our lives. When we had a family member tested for the virus, it was pretty real, but she wasn’t super ill. As it turned out, she was negative for COVID-19. But this is scarier. This is someone we know. I also feel very bad for her. No one is allowed to visit her to give her comfort even though she is sedated. She is all alone except for the comfort of Jesus.
I guess that is no small thing. When we think about it, we are embraced by GOD in hard times like this. Even in times of extreme darkness, He promises to be with us. What does he say?
GOD is with us in the middle of our weakness to comfort & give us the courage we lack. https://marthagrimmbrady.com/2020/03/30/need-courage-comfort-god-with-you/ #frominvisibletoembraced, #marthagrimmbrady, #courageagainstcorona Share on XFear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.Isaiah 41:10 ESV
God is with us in the middle of our weakness to comfort and give us the courage we lack.
Another passage reminds us that there is an aspect of our volition involved. If we are able to make choices and decisions. We don’t just passively sit there while bravery and courage take over. It is something we ask for and take steps toward it. It is comforting to know that when we can’t make decisions because of illness, unconsciousness or imminent death, GOD is still with us…comforting us in ways people don’t always remember to talk about when they survive.
Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Joshua 1:9 ESV
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
We have to learn to trust GOD in new ways and new areas for courage that we aren’t used to.
In Joshua’s case, as he led the people of GOD, they had to trust GOD for victory over enemies around them. It was a victory that GOD had promised. Each time He told them how to fight the battle, when they obeyed, trusting Him, they won. It is interesting to read the book of Joshua.
At one point, they were to cross the Jordan River to get into the Promised Land. But GOD didn’t do it the same way He did it for Moses. In this case, the Levites were to carry the Ark of the Covenant and actually step into the water of the River. Only as they stepped into the water did GOD separate the water for the people to walk across. That may be the illustration we need for us.
Moving in the direction of obedience and faith helps us grow. GOD makes up the difference as the courage we lack is made up by Him.
We need to move in the direction of obedience. We may not be able to do everything, but GOD will make up the difference. In certain situations, we won’t have courage normally. But if we know He has promised to be with us and to give us strength and courage, we need to trust Him to provide it when we need it and act as if it will be there. Will there be scary aspects to that kind of life? YES! It’s like that feeling when you jump from the high dive and are afraid you will drown. Only you don’t! You come up and you don’t drown. GOD has given you the courage you needed when you needed it.
