I’m about… to do… something scary!

So…It is no coincidence that God has been showing me verses about courage lately.  He’s preparing me.

I’ve never counted, but I’ve read the Bible contains 365 verses on bravery.  I’m curious if the person charged with the task of counting eventually became significantly braver. I would think if you read 365 verses about being strong and courageous, around verse 101, it probably started to sink in…into your heart, your mind, and your soul.  I wonder what courageous act that person attempted at the end of his research.  (Gift idea for him: a new pen and journal!)

Wait!  Wait!  Wait!

After a quick internet search (you know, where everything is true), it seems the “365 theory” may not be accurate.   Google produced numerous websites answering this question; obviously, it is a highly-debated topic.  Some sites can prove the Bible has more than 365 instances of “fear not”, “do not be afraid”, and “be strong and courageous”.  That’s even better news!

Regardless of the exact number, it is comforting to me that God inspired so many courage-related verses to be recorded in the Bible.  He knew I would need a plethora of reminders to fear not.

In preparation for this something scary, I am armed with a notebook of Bible references to repeat when needed.  I’ve downloaded courage-inspiring tunes on my playlist.  Also, I just finished reading the biography of Gladys Aylward, a missionary to China in the 1930’s.  If you want to read a story about true bravery and complete trust in God, I recommend it for your reading list.  Finally, I have gathered a group of prayer warriors committed to earnest prayer.

So, it sounds like I’m ready, right?

Well, I will let you know how it turns out.

Is God calling you to take a step that requires courage?  Are you willing to obey and “fear not”?

Let’s be an encouragement to one another and share our stories of bravery!  I’ll meet you back here soon!