Have you ever noticed how certain words or phrases or thoughts are almost automatically connected to a corresponding word, thought, or action? For example, carousel. Say that word and our minds will go to merry-go-rounds or amusement parks. Say the word love and we might link it to joy and peace, especially at this time of the year. Or we might even think of a person. Say virgin birth and we will tie it to Jesus or Christmas or Mary.

Here’s one: courage. Did your mind go to fear? Did you happen to think of Aragorn’s speech to the enemies of Mordor or to William Wallace’s speech to his band of fighting brothers? It’s understandable but not necessarily where we should go. Here are one or two other possibilities: the cowardly lion in Wizard of Oz. He needed courage, not because of fear, but because he was a coward. We need courage when we face uncertain events or future. We need courage when we feel inadequate for a task we are about to face. That is not necessarily fear but hesitation of ability to do something.

Let me explain better: When Joshua was about to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land he had just taken over for Moses. What big shoes to fill! It was one thing to be the understudy; it was another to be the top dog. What a daunting task facing Joshua. But God told him, “I got this Joshua. You just trust Me. All your uncertainty and insecurity are taken care of. Have courage!” Check out Joshua 1:9.

God will not abandon us. Where and when God calls us, He also equips us.

“Father, I say You are in charge. Help me to know and live it. Give me courage for today and all it brings.”