Got Fortitude?

Are you or have you ever been in the middle of a life circumstance and felt paralyzed by fear? Or, for one moment had a fleeting idea to just give up on a project or plan rather than deal with all the complexities, drama, or distress that you are facing? My friends you are not alone. In fact, you are standing in the same emotional space that many great and influential people have stood before. Over 20 times the bible mentions having courage. It took courage for the children of Israel to leave Egypt. It took courage to see those huge walls of water standing and cross though the Red Sea. It took courage for Joshua to face giants and lead the Israelites into the promised land after Moses died. It took courage for David to wait on the Lord to deliver him from the hands of a very jealous King Saul. It took courage for Queen Esther to go before her husband the king without being summoned to plea for the life of her people. It took courage for Ruth a newly widowed young woman to leave everything she had ever known to follow Naomi to an unknown land. What all of these historical figures possessed my friends is Fortitude. Fortitude means to be brave or have courage in the midst of pain or adversity. One thing we know and have learned from the afore mentioned people, is that when you are called to accomplish a high goal, create something great, or lead a team the One who called you to do it will help you through it. So,

no matter how messy the situation seems, no matter how daunting the task appears, no matter how unqualified you feel you are....... just know, "The Lord is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed." (Deuteronomy 31:8)