Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
9/1/2023
C H O F Ministry Scripture for Today: Joshua 1:9 (CSB)
Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Fear can be paralyzing. It whispers lies in our ears - "you're not good enough," "you'll never succeed," "why even try?" Fear wants us to believe that we should give up before we've even begun.
But courage triumphs over fear. Courage is the quiet voice of hope that gives us strength for another day. Courage does not mean we feel no fear - it means we feel the fear yet choose to move forward despite it. In the bible, we see stories of courage lived out in the face of fear. David faced the giant Goliath. Esther bravely went before the king. Jesus himself felt fear yet chose the cross. Their examples remind us that though fear may scream the loudest, courage can overcome.
When fear creeps in, listen for courage. Let it drown out fear's lies. Take heart that though today did not go as planned, tomorrow holds new mercies and new strength. Have courage to lift your eyes to the one who conquers fear. He walks with you today and every day, reminding you that you are loved, you have purpose, and with His strength, you can try again.
May courage rise within us. May we hear its quiet voice urging us onward. For there is hope ahead if we but take the next step forward.
Let Us Go Into the Throne of Grace and Mercy.
God of courage,

We admit that fear often overwhelms us. It is loud and paralyzing, stopping us in our tracks. We ask that you would help us tune our ears to the gentle whisper of courage that comes from you. Give us receptive hearts to hear your voice urging us onward, telling us to try again. Fill us with your perfect love that casts out fear. Remind us that you are always with us, strengthening us. With your spirit inside us, we can walk boldly into the future. Though fear may come, courage will rise within us. We put our trust in you, our source of courage. To God Be the Glory.