Applying Courage - Illustration

"Be still, and know that I am God." This powerful command from Psalm 46:10 is not just a gentle nudge; it’s a divine invitation to cultivate courage in the face of life’s storms. Imagine a time in your life when chaos seemed to swirl around you—personal struggles, relationships frayed, or the weight of expectations heavy on your shoulders. In those moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to lose sight of our faith, and forget about forgiveness toward ourselves and others.

Let’s consider a story from our community. A mother, facing the heartbreaking reality of her son in prison, found herself grappling with anger and disappointment. Yet, she felt a tug on her heart to forgive—not just her son but even herself for feeling she had failed him as a parent. It was in a quiet moment of prayer, sitting on her porch with tears streaming down her face, that she heard the whisper of God: “Be still.” In that stillness, she found the courage to let go of bitterness and embrace a path of healing.

This mother’s journey teaches us that applying courage means engaging in the hard work of forgiveness. It means standing firm in our faith, even when the world tries to shake us. When we invite God into our hurts, we experience spiritual growth beyond our understanding. Friends, God calls us not just to endure our circumstances but to thrive, to trust that in our stillness, we can find His presence and guidance. Let us draw strength from this promise, knowing that courage and forgiveness go hand in hand as we navigate our lives with hope and love.