Courage To Move On

There are times in our lives when change seems too daunting.  Despite our misery, the unknown seems scarier . . . out of our comfort zone.  In desperation, we backslide to the safety of what we know, continuing down a path eventually leading us full circle to the hurt and pain again. We stay in careers we loathe; enduring and/or recovering from painful divorces;  even submerged deep within an addiction numbing us from reality. After all, it's safe.  We know exactly what to expect. We know how to control this "world."  Therein lies the problem.  It's us trying to control our own world.  It takes courage to walk in faith.  To trust outcomes to Jesus.  Let Him control our world by following in His footsteps, believing in the words of Scripture and the promises contained within the Bible.  It takes courage to change and begin anew. But if we stand tall with Jesus by our side, trusting in His guidance, we cannot fail and will recover.  And, oh, such beauty will illuminate your entire being when showered by His Graces!


In todays Gospel (Matthew 9:1-8), true faith is rewarded with courage:

After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, "Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins?" he then said to the paralytic, "Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

In Anne a lay apostle's book The Mist of Mercy, God the Father assures He will give us all the strength we need to survive this world:

“I will heal your hurts and restore your heart to you. I will give you courage and strength so that you can proceed with your earthly journey. I am asking you today, though, to proceed differently. Ask Me to be united to you. In this way, you will come to walk on the path that I, through Jesus Christ, have marked out for you. Dearest children of the world, please walk with Me. I need your help. I, the Almighty God, ask you now to walk with Me. There are many souls crying out to Me in pain. You must bring Me to them. My dear ones, bring Me to them.”

Lay apostles, take the first step to recovery with courage.  Courage knowing Jesus is ready to catch us when we fall, and lending His Hands to pull us back up onto our feet.  

Thank you, Lord, for the courage to accept what I must and the strength to change my focus to You and not the world.

God bless,

Bonnie