Strength! Courage!

I'm going to open up a bit... and maybe you could already tell that this was going on with me. 

This past year, I feel like I have taken a step back as a leader.  My confidence has shrunk, and because of that, my motivation has been inconsistent.  I have been feeling compressed lately.  To quote a Relient K song, "and lately the weather has been so bi-polar and consequently so have I." Maybe the Portland skies are finally getting to me... and/or maybe its other circumstances.

Its funny to think back to how fearless I was as a high school student.  I would do whatever and not care a bit about what people thought of me. I wouldn't be afraid of the outcome.  I would speak my mind. I would take risks with jokes and see what kind of reaction I could get out of people.  And because of that, I had the opportunity to be a leader for some pretty sweet teams and groups. 

I'm not totally sure what changed.  A big part of it has to do with getting hurt by people, I think. 

But today is a new day.

I'm holding to Joshua 1:9 today.  "Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." (The Message version).

I have had this verse memorized since I was in elementary school. But I don't know that I've ever stopped to think that this is straight-up a COMMAND from God. He doesn't just want me to be this way. He commands me to be this way.  And if God is my Lord, then I have to be confident out of obedience... regardless of how I feel.  If God is my Lord, then I get over my fear, my insecurity, myself.  What do I have to lose anyways? Myself.  Myself to lose... God's plan to gain.

So how am I going have more strength and courage today?

• I will speak up when I need to, and even when I don't. (with love).
• I will be bold with the vision God has given me.
• I will make the decisions that I have been dragging my feet on. 
• I will prepare better. (yep - I think I put off things out of fear).
• I will pray more boldly and ask God to be big. And I will expect it to happen. 

How are you going to live with more strength and courage today?

Luke 18:27 "'No chance at all,' Jesus said, 'if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.'"

Song of the day: "God is Able." - Hillsong