“There is no way I can do this. It’s too hard. I just can’t.” 

I don’t know how many times I told God this as I was in the process of writing the story of Lexi. Revisiting memories brought back hard emotions. The writing process itself is so hard for me and I struggled to get the words just right. And…I didn’t really know if I had it in me to put my heart out there for the world to see.

I continue to often find myself saying these words as I face things in life that are hard. 

But when in the Bible did God call anyone to do anything easy? From Moses to Daniel to the prophets to Paul, God’s followers were tasked with impossibly hard things, things they didn’t necessarily want to do, things that brought pain and heartache and frustration and opposition.

What does God have to say to His people regarding this? There is an overwhelming theme. 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear…” (Deut. 31:6)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.”  Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭

“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak.” (2 Chron. 15:7)

“Be of good courage…”  (2 Samuel 10:12)

“Be strong and let your heart take courage.”  (Psalm 27:14)

“Take courage, it is I. Do not be afraid.”  (Matthew 14:27)

In The Free Dictionary, courage is defined as “the quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or difficulty with confidence and resolution.”

And I really like Charlie Kirk’s definition:  “Courage is doing the right thing when you don’t know how it is going to work out.”

As Christians, we are called to take on life’s challenges with determination, knowing that God is right there with us, lifting us up.

And isn’t it amazing how courage is contagious? One brave soul can light a fire in so many others. 

What are you facing right now? Take heart, be brave, have courage! You have a powerful God who will be faithful to give you the strength to do the things He has called you to do.