2 Chronicles 17:1-13
We're starting another new series today on BttB called "Stepping Stones in Life's Streams." Our focus is on 2 Chronicles 17 and Jehoshaphat today. As I read this chapter I looked for verses that showed enthusiasm. My favorite was verse 6. "His [Jehoshaphat's] heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord." (Don't you love that?)
So what does that mean, to have a heart that is courageous for the Lord? What does making it a reality in our lives look like? Tami W.
P.S. The four key takeaways from BttB today are: seek, walk, delight and be ready. If you want more information, you'll have to check out the program. Have fun!
"Courage is not a lack of fear. It is acting in spite of it."
What I take from this passage is that Jehoshaphat's loved God. He wanted to do better than his father in the ways of the Lord. Therefore, for him, I think to be courageous for the Lord could quite possibly mean that he was pushing down any fears he might have had, maybe of his people rejecting him because he was instituting some changes, and did what God wanted anyway. I think Noah is a great example of someone having a heart that is courageous for the Lord as well. I think for us, today, it might have to do with witnessing to others. We have to suppress our fears of rejection, or of looking silly, or whatever, in order to do God's work. It is loving Him so much that we do what He asks in spite of our fears/shortcomings.
To me, having a heart that is "courageous for the Lord" means I will need to show courage and bravery in my decisions. I can't only do what appears manageable to me. I can't always choose the easier option.
What does this look like? Well, I think it means I need to be involved in some things that are beyond me and my own strength. There might be some risk involved, but having a courageous heart means I am trusting God to provide the way and the outcome He desires--regardless of whether or not I think I can do it myself.
I help with the middle school ministry at my church, and many times I feel like I'm unable to meet the students' many needs. But I know it's where I need to be and have chosen to trust God to use me in some small way to impact these students. Is it always easy? No. Is it always fun? No. Do I always feel equipped? No. But I have chosen to show courage, and in turn, God has given me MORE courage to serve, love and guide these kids. And the best thing is that I've seen another side of God as I have stepped out in faith.
I think that it means that you have to step out of your comfort zone and let God lead you. This isn't very easy sometimes. We always like to be or at least think that we are in control of our own lives, when if we would just have the courage to go where God is telling us to go and do what He is telling us to do our lives would be blessed to the fullest . When God tells us to witness , sometimes it is hard to find the courage to aproach someone or to know what to say if and when you do approach them , where again if we would just trust the Lord to guide us and give us the words to say there would be no reason to fear . I can identify with Meredith because I have the same exact problem , I help teach middle school kids at our church and it's not always easy.
A heart that is courageous for the Lord is willing to follow wherever He leads you and to do whatever tasks The Lord has assigned to you. Be it ministering to someone, coming against error or defending the faith. We are always equipped to do what is commanded of us, but sometimes we lack the confidence.
Making it a reality in our lives is praying to God. Giving Him our all. Doing whatever is required of us at any given moment. As we deal with everyday life, we must stay focused on Our Lord and Savior and stay in His word. In His word, we will find the confidence and strength to be courageous and follow Him in Spirit and in Truth.