Courage vs. Cowardice

ICDevos is thrilled to have Teresa Lasher pouring today!

An internal conflict raged inside of me.

Part of me felt at peace in anticipation of major surgery. Another part of me wanted to run in the opposite direction to avoid the knife and a lengthy hospital stay. Random thoughts scurried through my head.

Would I see my daughter marry? Create sandcastles with our grandchildren again? Retire and travel to exotic places with my hubby? No guarantees included with surgery.

I couldn’t be 100% sure I’d even wake up after the neurosurgeon removed the brain tumor.

David battled an enemy–a real giant named Goliath.

He refused King Saul’s coat of armor and helmet; instead he chose five smooth stones from the stream. Peculiar choice to me, yet he spoke boldly to the giant, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty…and the whole world will know that there is a God of Israel…the battle is the Lord’s…” (1 Samuel 17:45-47) David’s courage and reliance on his great God brought victory with only one small stone. My giant wasn’t in human form, but was still very real.

My giant was spelled F-E-A-R!

Sometimes it’s easier to worry than to think positive thoughts. I realize it does no earthly good to worry; it only wastes precious energy. Whatever the outcome of the surgery, I know God has my best interest in mind.

A caring friend suggested I ponder the words in chapter 4 of Philippians to help combat my giant:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Ask:

Is there something or someone is my life I am afraid of?

Am I fearful to the point of being immobile or unable to cope with even life’s smallest choices?

Prayer:

Lord, whatever is bothering me to the point of being ineffective, please show me that giant. By Your mighty power, I name that fear and ask you to remove it from me. I claim your promise, “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” You are mightier than any giant in my life. Replace my cowardice with your strength so others are encouraged by the hope within me. Amen.

Daughter of the King,

Teresa Lasher

Join Teresa at her personal website, Life is Precious, Good, and Fragile, http://lasherstudios.com/blog/, where she writes of relationships and walking daily in her faith. She might be found playing “Ring-Around-the Rosie” with her two grandchildren or watching them catch fish!

Lori MacMath

Lori daily mantra includes praying, "I will take it Lord, ALL you have to give," and a commitment to live out Colossians 3:17 daily. She lives in the Deep South with her husband of 21 years and her 3 children, where she seeks daily to be creative and use the gifts the Lord has given her. Encouraging women on their daily walk with the Lord is her passion! She attends Vintage 242 church where she is active in women's and children's ministries. Lori can be found daily at her own personal website, "All You Have to Give." http://www.allyouhavetogive.com

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