Courage…do you have it? I’m going to be bold and assume that most people could list at least some areas of their life in which they feel courageous. For me, I am a mom of four boys. Let me tell you that requires courage and a lot of it. You mommas know what I’m talking about. It also requires a lot of coffee and God time. I lead, speak and sing in front of large groups. I’m usually willing to try new things, like sushi or running a marathon. I embrace change, and I push for it when necessary. I am passionate about a lot of things and am not afraid to tell people about it, even if it’s going to rock the boat. I consider these “courageous acts” in my every day life, yet are they truly acts of courage? Have you ever wondered where courage comes from and how we can be courageous in some things and paralyzed in others? I wonder if true courage is when we are able to walk among the places that have paralyzed us for years?

I have lived my whole life with faith in Jesus Christ. However, if I’m completely honest, I have not lived my whole life with true courage. Midst all of my “courageous acts” mentioned above, I’ve had doubts, fears, insecurities and anxieties that have left me paralyzed from pursuing my dreams, leaving me stuck and headed in no particular direction. Can anyone relate? The worst part about it was that I couldn’t quite clearly define my dreams and see my path. I felt lost. I felt lonely. I thought…is this it? “There has to be more,” I declared in my heart!

But friends, our God has an amazing sense of humor. He is clever, bold and creative in His ways of reaching us that, I promise, will leave you completely speechless. Thanks be to a friend for insisting we train and run a marathon for the first time, a new sense of clarity began to surface in my heart. Through those months of training, a cousin’s words of wisdom, and a whole lot of God’s grace and presence, I slowly began to realize that my paralysis was shouting, “I don’t trust you, God.” Wait a second, I just mentioned that I have had faith in Jesus my whole life. What was happening? Well, my eyes were slowly being opened to the reality of “having faith” is not the same thing as “trusting God.” The daily, disciplined and intentional training I experienced with the marathon that resulted in me running across the finish line woke me up to the realization that the way to really trusting God and establishing true courage was through daily contact with Him.

So, I began to spend daily, intentional time with God. This was different than anything I had done before. I had been active in my faith my entire life, or so I thought, but not active in my intimate and personal relationship with God. At first, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But as we grew closer, God began to reveal a path for me. He signed me up for the race of my life that I was not expecting. I experienced peace, relief and excitement at realizing the dream God had placed in my heart and the purpose he had prepared for me. Yet I was terrified because I was still a victim to worshiping the idol of people’s opinions. I was still demonstrating my distrust in God.

It was the fear of what people would say or not say, the doubts about my abilities to write and speak, and the insecurities of people thinking this was self-promoting and self-serving that have held me back for so long. The enemy has a sneaky way of twisting truths into lies that lead to destroying the very thing God put us on the planet to do that would build His kingdom and spread His love.

So courage. What is it, exactly? Is it, according to dictionary.com, acting in accordance with one’s beliefs, especially in spite of criticism? Is it mental and moral strength that enables a person to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty, as defined in Webster’s dictionary? These definitions offer a taste of what courage is, but they don’t fully satisfy me. I believe there are essential elements of courage that the dictionaries neglect to define. Sorry Webster.

Or, is courage about the result of the Spirit’s presence, power and conviction on our hearts? Courage is alive in me because of the trust I have in Him who created me. Courage is alive because of the wisdom I have of knowing God is in control. Courage is alive because I do not doubt, but have faith. Courage is alive because Jesus overcame the world, and in Him I find peace and hope. Courage is alive because I throw off the chains that weigh me down and surrender to God’s will. Courage is alive because of the confidence I have through Christ, not because of some power of my own.

Does having this kind of courage and trust in God automatically equal an easy life? By no means. Having faith does not protect me from life’s suffering, hardships and challenges. But it does free us from the weight of this world and the enemy’s control. So, today, as I launch my website, ministry and consulting firm and say “yes” to God’s calling on my life, I stand tall and say with confidence, “I have courage.” And it’s not because of my own might or power, but by the Spirit’s (Zechariah 4:6). I will no longer let the enemy intimidate or frighten me because I have the Lord Almighty on my side. We always have, friends. He is for us—not against us. It’s time to act like we know it and believe it. When we surrender our fears, doubts, insecurities and anxieties at the foot of the cross, we have the freedom and confidence to be courageous, which demonstrates our genuine trust in God.

God’s message of being strong and courageous is written throughout the pages of Scripture. He says time and time again,

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged (by other people, failure, insecurities, doubts, temptations, difficult situations, etc.), for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

What dream has God placed on your heart? What’s holding you back? When you discover the purpose God has planned for you, throw off the chains and run, my friend—run your race that God has marked out for you. Life is too short not to.

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross.” (Hebrews 12:1&2)

If you don’t have a dream or know your purpose, start seeking God every day by reading His Word and pouring your heart out in prayer. He promises to listen, and He will give you direction and clarity.

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and bring you back from captivity.” (Jeremiah 29:12 & 13)

If you want some guidance in your race, I would love to come alongside you, encouraging and loving you. Check out our Soaring Sisters Community where, together, we encourage, grow, support, and love fellow sisters of the faith to find their race and SOAR in the joy and beauty of her divine purpose.

Breathe peace, friend!
Natalie